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PRAYER-BOOK FOR RELIGIOUS,
** Whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after Me,
can not be My disciple." — Luke xiv. 27.
fl5ra\>ei>;fi3ook for IReligious
PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS FOR THE
USE OF THE MEMBERS OF ALL
RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PARTICULAR EX A MEN
. AND TO THE METHODS OF M EDIT A TION
BY
IRev. jf. f. ^asance
A uthor of "My Prayer-Book " etc.
New York, Cincinnati, Chicago
B e n 3 i o e r Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
fUbfl ©betat.
(J*
0
REMY LAFORT.
Censor Librorum
IFmprlmatur*
•I* JOHN M. FARLEY,
Archbishop of New York
New York, May 16 1904
OCT 20 1921
Copyright, 1904, 1914, 1921, by Benziger Brothers.
©CI. A 6 24 90 7
preface*
The character and the purpose of this book are clearly
indicated by its title. It is a book of devotions and pray-
ers designed and specially adapted for the use of Relig-
ious. It offers itself to them as a helpful companion in
all the exercises of religion ; it aims to assist them in the
particular and general examination; to instruct them in
the correct and practical methods of making a meditation,
and to direct them how to converse with God most prop-
erly and profitably in mental and vocal prayer.
It supplies them with abundant devotions and prayers
for all the seasons of the ecclesiastical year.
A member of one of our most illustrious Religious
Orders remarked one day quite casually in our presence,
when devotional literature was the topic of conversation :
" What we need in English is a complete Prayer-book to
meet the special wants of Religious, so that a Mistress of
Novices may be able to say to inquiring aspirants to the
religious life: ' Besides the Ro?nan Missal, I recommend
to you this particular book; then you will surely have
what will prove most serviceable in the convent for the
hours of devotion.' "
Acting on this inspiration or suggestion, we have de-
voted much time and spared no pains in the compilation
and adaptation of the present work. It is the result at
least of honest effort to meet the wants of our various
Sisterhoods, and it comprises, indeed, a number of little
Oooks under one title.
vi
Preface.
Book I. contains treatises on Meditation, Prayer, and
the Particular Examen, besides the Spiritual Exercises
of St. Ignatius reduced to prayers.
Booh II. embraces the General Devotions; Morning
and Night Prayers; many methods of assisting at Mass,
and devotions for Confession and Communion.
Book III., all the Special Devotions for the various
seasons of the year.
Book IV., the Bona Mors Devotions; Reflections for
the Monthly Retreat; Examination of Conscience
for Extraordinary Occasions; Prayers for the, Sick
and Dying; and the Administration of the Last Sacra-
ments.
Book V ., miscellaneous devotions; Litanies; Indul-
genced Prayers; Novenas; Helpful Sayings or Maxims,
and Extracts from the writings of Masters in the Spiritual
Life.
It contains the Ofjicium Parvum Beaf.cc Maria: Yir-
ginis, i.e., The Hours of Our Lady, with special com-
memorations of the Founders of Religious Orders;
besides the little Offices of the Holy Ghost, the Sacred
Heart, the ImmaciCdte Conception, and the Holy Angels.
A cursory inspection of the contents of this book will
reveal the tact that a distinct and original plan or
method was adopted and carried out in the disposition
of the matter and in the arrangement of details.
In accordance with this method, most of the offices,
devotions, and prayers are grouped and classified under
the headings of "The Week Sanctified. "
This is a popular term, applied to the custom in vogue
among religious people, whereby each day of the week
is consecrated or dedicated to a particular devotion, thus :
Sunday To the Holy Trinity.
Monday To the Holy Ghost and to the Holy
Souls in Purgatory.
Tuesday . To the Holy Axigels.
Preface.
vii
Wednesday. To St. Joseph.
Thursday To the Blessed Sacrament and tG
the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Friday. . , - . To the Passion of Our Lord.
Saturday To the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Under these heads we were able to classify in a very
desirable and practical manner all the devotions for the
various seasons of the liturgical year — Christmas, Easter,
and Pentecost cycles — and, in particular, all our favor-
ite monthly devotions.
The monthly devotions are usually arranged in the
following order:
January The Holy Infancy.
February The Holy Trinity (also the Holy
Family) .
March St. Joseph.
April The Holy Ghost (also the Pas-
sion for Lent).
May The Blessed Virgin Mary.
June The Blessed Sacrament and the
Sacred Heart of Jesus.
July The Precious Blood of Jesus.
August The Most Pure Heart of Mary
September The Holy Cross.
October The Holy Angels and the HoPy
Rosary.
November The Holy Souls in Purgatory.
December The Immaculate Conception.
It appeared to me that without a strain all these devo-
tions could be classified under the headings of " The
Week Sanctified,' ' and so they were classified. Novenas
and prayers to many different saints will be found in
a special group. The Indulgenced Prayers, except those
viii
Preface.
which were approved since 1902, are from The New
Raccolta.
This book is dedicated most respectfully to the mem-
bers of our Religious Orders, whose heroic life of
self-denial for the love of God and their neighbor, in the
following of Christ and in the spirit of their vows of obed -
ence, chastity, and poverty, is an inspiration and encour-
agement to all who value truth and justice, virtue and
holiness, while it is, at the same time, a rebuke to the
worldly-minded, who walk not with God, whose thoughts
are not. of heaven, but of earth, and who, in their nervous
quest for honor, wealth, and pleasure, in these times of
individualism or egotism, seek simply the gratification of
self.
We plead with these good and edifying Religious fo:
an occasional Memento before Jesus in the tabernacle
F. X. Lasance.
Contents.
{Sec complete Alphabetical Index at end of this Contents.)
PAGE
Preface v
Alphabetical Index. . . . .' . . . , i
The Calendar , 15
Some Movable Feasts of Special Devotion. 27
Fasting-Days , , . 28
Feasts of Obligation in the United States 28
Table of Movable Feasts 29
Book 1T,
Meditation, Prayer, and the Particular Ex amen.
Prayer 40
For What and for Whom we Should Pray 45
A Talk about Prayer 49
Vocal Prayer 58
Mental Prayer 60
Is Mental Prayer Easy? 63
Method of Meditation according to St. Ignatius 69
Outlines of the Sulpician Method of Meditation 74 .
Explanation of the Sulpician Method of Mental Prayer.. 76
Bishop Bellord's Summary of a Method of Meditation. ... 78
Method of Particular Examination in Striving after Per-
fection . 80
The Subject-Matter of the Particular Examen 81
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Arranged in Prayers. 91
asooft inr.
General Devotions.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISES IN THE MORNING. ... 117
On Awaking and Arising 117
Prayer while Dressing . 117
Prayer while putting on the Habit 118
Prayer of St. Gertrude on Awaking . . V. .. ... 118
Prayer of Saint Margaret Mary 119
ix
x Contents.
PAGE
Prayers before Meditation 121
Prayers after Meditation 123
Morning Prayers 126
Renewal of Vows 132
Short Formula of Renovation of Vows 133
Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus 134
A Short Form of Morning Prayers for Religious 139
Morning Offering to the Blessed Sacrament 141
EVENING PRAYERS 142
Litany of the Blessed Virgin 146
Consecration of Religious Communities 150
Act of Consecration for Religious 151
A Short Form of Evening Prayer 152
Night Offering to the Blessed Sacrament 154
Vesper-Song of Our Lady 155
Compline 157
A Formula of the Vows 172
GRACE BEFORE AND AFTER MEALS 173
GENERAL PRAYERS 187
Daily Intentions 187
Daily Prayer for the Associates in the Sacred Heart of Jesus . 188
Daily Prayer for the Associates in the Sacred Heart of Mary . 188
Prayer before Examen 189
Daily Examen 189
General Examen 191
An Offering of Communion 192
Intentions for Holy Communion 193
Prayer of the Associates for the Communion of Reparation 195
METHODS OF HEARING MASS 197
Offering of Mass and Communion on Sunday — The Holy
Trinity 197
Offering of Mass and Communion on Monday — The Holy
Souls in Purgatory 199
Offering of Mass and Communion on Tuesday — The Holy
Angels 200
Offering of Mass and Communion on Wednesday — St.
Joseph t 203
Offering of Mass and Communion on Thursday — The
' Blessed Sacrament and the Sacred Heart 205
Offering of Mass and Communion on Friday — The Pas-
sion and the Sacred Heart of Jesus 214
Offering of Mass and Communion on Saturday — The
Blessed Virgin Mary 222
Prayers Ordered by Fope Leo XIII. , to be Said after
Every Low Mass in ail the Churches of the World. ... 228
Ordinary Method of Serving a Priest at Mass 229
Contents. xl
PAGE
A Method of Assisting at Mass for Children 233
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass 239
Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week — Sunday —
Votive Mass of the Blessed Trinity 278
Monday — Votive Mass of the Holy Ghost 281
Tuesday — Mass of the Holy Angels 284
Wednesday — Votive Mass of St. Joseph 287
Thursday — Votive Mass of the Blessed Sacrament 290
Friday — Votive Mass of the Passion 296
Saturday — Votive Mass of the Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 299
Mass of the Seven Dolors of the Blessed Virgin Mary. . . . 302
A Method of Hearing Mass for Religious 310
A Method ol Hearing Mass by Way of Meditation on the
Passion 323
The Holy Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. . 331
A Mode of Hearing Mass for the Faithful Departed .... 342 .
A Mode of Hearing Mass in Honor of the Blessed Virgin
Mary 352
DEVOTIONS FOR CONFESSION : 369
Prayers to the Holy Ghost before Confession 370
Preparatory Prayers. , 37°
Examen for Confession , . . . 371
Means of Arriving at Perfection 374
Interior Practice 376
Reflections for Contrition and Amendment 380
Offering of Confession 385
The Seven Penitential Psalms in Latin and in English. . . . 388
DEVOTIONS FOR HOLY COMMUNION 401
Mass in Honor of the Blessed Sacrament before Holy
Communion 401
After Mass and Communion (Thanksgiving) 414
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion 421
A Mass of Thanksgiving after Holy Communion. ........ 426
Various Exercises of Devotion for Holy Communion 456
Simple Prayers for Holy Communion 466
Litany for Holy Communion 469
Short Acts for Holy Communion 472
After Holy Communion 473
The Picture of a Good Novice 487
Reflections and Prayers before and after Communion for
Religious o 489
A very Commendable Exercise for Holv Communion 504
INDULGENCED PRAYERS 519
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 537
xii
Contents.
^sook irinr.
Litanies, Novenas, Ixdulgexced Prayers, Offices, and
Prayers for Particular Occasions.
PAGE
THE WEEK SANCTIFIED <47
I. The Holy Trinity: One God 548
II. The Holy Ghost 551
Devotions for the Faithful Departed 571
III. Devotions to the Angels and in Particular to the
Angel Guardian 578
IV. Devotions in Honor of St. Joseph 585
V. Devotions to the Blessed Sacrament and to the Sacred
Heart of Jesus 601
The Hour of Adoration 610
Prayers for Visits to the Blessed Sacrament and the
Hour of Adoration 610
Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity before the Blessed
Sacrament 612
Sentiments of a Religious before the Blessed Sacra-
ment 618
Reparation and Consecration for Religious 631
Renovation of Vows for Religious Persons 633
Litany of the Blessed Sacrament 648
Litany of the Sacred Heart 651
Little Office of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 652
The Holy Hour 661
A Favorite Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus .... 670
Consecration of Religious Communities and Families. 675
The Venerable Mother Juiie Billiart and Her Devo-
tion to the Sacred Heart 676
Rosary of the Sacred Heart 677
The Month of June 681
VI. Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord 683
Thoughts from the Saints 683
The Via Crucis or Way of the Cross 687
Litany of the Passion 694
Month of the Precious Blood '. 703
' Novena in Honor of the Precious Blood of Jesus. . . . 704
The Ceremonies of Holy Week Explained 707
VII. Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary 720
Reflections of a Religious on Devotion to Our Lady.. 720
Indulgenced Novenas in Honor of the Blessed Virgin
Mary 725
Mysteries of the Holy Rosary 727
Rosary of the Blessed Virgin 728
Little Office of the Immaculate Conception 735
Contents. xiil
PAGE
Novena in Honor of the Dolors of the Blessed Virgin. 746
Omcium Parvum Beatae Mariae Virginis (The Office
of the Blessed Virgin Mary; or, The Hours of
Our Lady) . 755
Comments on the Rubrics of the Office of the Blessed .
Virgin Mary, 756
Commemorations 849
Bona Mors Devotions; Preparation for a Happy Death;
Examination of Conscience for Extraordinary
Occasions; Prayers for the Sick and Dying; The
Administration of the Last Sacraments; The Burial
Service; A Little Book of Novenas; Miscellaneous
Prayers.
The Monthly Retreat or Day of Recollection and Prayer
in Preparation for a Happy Death 869
Thoughts from St. Alphonsus on Death and Eternity .... 871
Offering of Mass and Communion for the Monthly Recol-
lection in Preparation for Death 874
A Bona Mors Litany, and Other Prayers for a Happy Death 898
Devotions for the Sick, and the Last Prayers 904
The Order of Administering Holy Communion to the Sick 910
The Order of Administering the Sacrament of Extreme
Unction 912
Apostolic Benediction and Plenary Indulgence at the Hour
of Death
Recommendation of a Soul Departing .
The Burial Service
Ordinary of the Mass for the Dead. . . .
Litany of the Saints
Litany for the Faithful Departed
The Psalter of Jesus
Devotions for Advent and Ember Days
Ember Days
A LITTLE BOOK OF NOVENAS:
Novena for Christmas ^87
Another Novena to the Holy Child. . . . ; gg2
The Last Day of the Year g^g
Novena to the Infant Jesus. IOOI
Novena for the New Year ioo2
Novena for Epiphany ioo^
Novena to the Holy Name of Jesus IOo5
Novena for the Purification of Our Lady ioo6
919
926
936
966
975
977
985
xiv Contents.
PAGE
Xovena to St. Joseph 1007
Litany to St. Joseph 1008
Novena for the Annunciation of Our Lady 1008
Novena in Honor of Our Saviour's Passion 1009
Novena for Easter. In Honor of the Glorious Resurrection. 1012
Novena for Pentecost .... - 1013
Prayers for the Month of May 1015
Novena for Corpus Christi 1016
Novena for the Feast of the Sacred Heart 1017
Novena for the Festival of the Visitation 1018
Novena for the Assumption 1019
Novena for the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1020
Novena to Our Lady of Mercy 102 1
Novena for the Feast of the Guardian Angels 1022
Novena to the Patron Saint of your Religious Order 1023
Xovena for the Feast of Mary's Presentation 1024
Novena for the Immaculate Conception 1025
Prayer to St. Augustine 1027
Novena to St. Benedict, Abbot . 1030
Devotions to St. Francis of Assisi 103 1
Novena to St. Francis of Assisi 1032
Novena to St. Clara 1033
Novena to St. Dominic 1033
Novena to St. Catharine of Sienna 1035
Novena to St. Francis de Sales 1037
Novena and Prayers to St. Jane Frances de Chantal 1040
Novena in Honor of St. Vincent de Paul 1041
Novena to St. Ignatius Loyola 1042
Novena to St. Ursula 1044
Novena to St. Bernard 1045
Novena to St. Charles Borromeo 1048
The Novena of Grace in Honor of St. Francis Xavier. . . . 1049
St. Francis Xavier, Patron of the Apostleship of Prayer. . 1051
Novena for the Feast of All Saints 1054
Novena to St. Anthony of Padua 1054
Miscellaneous Prayers 1057
Devout Exercise of the Six Sundays in Honor of St.
Aloysius Gonzaga 1058
Indulgenced Aspirations and Short Prayers 1062
Additional Prayers for Various Occasions 1066
Prayers for Travelers 107 1
Prayer for Sisters in Retreat 1 074
Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims, and Prayers 1 079
Extracts from Masters in the Spiritual Life. 1083
Appendix, containing Additional Prayers 1095
Epistles and Gospels. :.. mi
HIpbabettcal Hn&ej,
(See Appendix, page 1095, for Additional Prayers,)
A
Actions, Offering of all one's, to
the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 515.
Act of faith, 126, 142, 457, hope,
126, 142; love, 126, 142, 459;
contrition, 127, 384, 385. 458;
of consecration to the Sacred
Heart, 133, 632, 680; consecra-
tion for Religious, 151; adora-
tion, 361, 457; thanksgiving,
362; atonement, 362, 440, 636,
668; supplication, 363; contri-
tion and prayer for pardon, 383;
sorrow, 384 ; consecration, 441,
1076; humility and confidence,
458; desire, 459; oblation, 459,
462; adoration, praise, and
thanksgiving, 461; petition, 462;
trust, 463; praise, 483; oblation
to the Holy Ghost 558; conse-
cration and choice of St. Joseph
as a patron, 5*97; consecration to
St. Joseph, 599; faith, hope, and
charity before the Blessed Sacra-
ment, 612; Indulgenced, in honor
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 628;
homage to the Eucharistic Heart
of Jesus, 634; admiration of the
divine goodness, 644; resigna-
tion, 700; reparation to the
Heart of Jesus for the first Fri-
day of the month, 626; of praise
to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus
and Mary, 724; consecration to
our Queen and Mother, 753;
consecration to the most holy
heart of Mary, 754; consecra-
tion to St. Aloysius Gonzaga,
1058; consecration to Our Lady
used in some Religious Houses,
1075.
Acts and prayers which may be
used during a novena of the
Sacred Heart, 672.
Acts for holy communion, Short,
472.
Adeste< fideles (hymn), 990.
Administering holy communion to
the sick, 910; the Sacrament
of Extreme Unction, 912.
Adoration, Act of, 361; acts of
faith and, 457 ; praise and thanks-
giving, Acts of, 461; hour of,
610, 619.
Adoro Te Devote (hymn). 4.18, 435.
Advent, Devotions for, 985.
Agnus Dei, Daily prayer for those
who carry an, 1077.
Agonizing, Prayers in honor of St.
Joseph for the, 600.
Agony, Prayers for the faithful in
their, 682.
All Saints, Novena for the Feast
of 1054.
Alma Redemptoris (hymn), 167.
Alphonsus, Thoughts from St., on
death and eternity, 871.
Ambrose and Augustine, Hymn
of SS., 805.
Angela Merici, St., Prayer to, 591.
Angel Guardian, Prayer to the, 130',
5 78; devotions to the, 578;
litany of the, 579; prater to
one's, 581.
Angelic Trisagion, The, 117.
Angels Offerings of Mass and com-
munion in honor of the, 200; Mass
of the, 284; devotions to the, 578.
Angelus Domini, 137.
"Anima Christ!," A paraphrase of
the, 451.
Annunciation of Ou: Lady, Nove-
na for the, 1008.
2
Alphabetical Index.
Apostles' Creed, 33, 129; an in-
dulgenced prayer to the holy
Apostles, Saints Peter and Paul,
1053.
Apostleship of prayer, Morning
offering of the, 133.
Apostolic benediction and plenary
indulgence at the hour of death
(Ritus Benedictionis Apostolicae
in Articulo Mortis), 916.
Aquinas, Prayer of St. Thomas, 416.
Archangels: Antiphon to St.
Michael, 585; prayer to St.
Raphael, 585; prayer to St.
Gabriel 585; prayer in honor of
the holy, 1061.
Articulo Mortis, Ritus Benedic-
tionis Apostolicae in (Apostolic
benediction and plenary indul-
gence at the hour of death), 916.
Aspirations, 117. 124, 550, 579, 564,
704, 1056, 1062.
Assisting at Mass for children,
Method of, 233; short and sim-
ple method of, 236.
Assumption, No vena for the, 1019-
Athanasius, Creed of, 3 3-
Ave Maris Stella (hymn), 771.
Ave Regina (hymn), 169.
Ave Verum (hymn), 218.
B
Bellord, Bishop, Summary of a
Method of Meditation, 78.
Benedicite, or Song of the Three
Children, 414.
Benediction of the Blessed Sacra-
ment, 537; reflections on, 541;
prayers at, 542.
Billiart, Venerable Mother Julie,
and her devotion to the Sacred
Heart, 676.
Saint Margaret Mary, Prayers of,
119, 484, 672; act of consecra-
tion by, 516; a no vena to, 674.
Blessed Sacrament, ejaculation in
honor of the Sacred Heart in the,
133; morning offering to the,
141; night offering to the, 154;
offering to the, of Mass and
communion, 205; Mass of the,
290; Mass in honor of the, 401 ;
prayers < to the Holy Ghost in
connection with devotions to
the, 568; prayers for visits to
the, 610, 615; acts of faith,
hope, and charity before the, 612 ;
prayer of St. Alphonsus Liguori
for a visit to the. 617; sentiments
of a Religious before the, 618
Sighs to Jesus in the, 638; prayer
for the glorification of the, 640;
litany of the, 648.
Blessed Trinity, Mass of, 278-
prayer for Sunday to the, 549.
Blessed Virgin Mary, Memorare to
the, 146, 724; litany of the, 146;
offering of Mass and communion
to the, 222; Mass of the seven
dolors of the, 302; mode of
hearing Mass in honor of the ,352;
ejaculation to the, 368; the Mag-
nificat, or canticle of the, 773;
psalms for the Office of the,
763; devotions in honor of the,
720; prater of St. Aloysius
Gonzaga < to the, 725; eleven
novenas in honor of the, 725-,
novena in honor of the, 726
rosary of the, 728; novena in
honor of the dolors of the, 746;
a prayer to the Mother of Pure
Love, 748; the Thirty Days'
prayer to the, 750; three offer-
ings in honor of the, 753; com-
ments on the rubrics of the Office
of the, 756; novena for the
Nativity of the, 1020; novena
for the feast of the Presentation
of the, 1024. (See also under
Alary and Mother of God. )
Bona Mors Devotions; prepara-
tion for a happy death; exami-
nation of conscience for extra-
ordinary occasions; prayers for
the sick and dying; the adminis-
tration of the last sacraments,
and the office for the dead,
869.
Bona Mors Litany, and other
prayers for a happy death, A>
898.
Bona venture, St., Prayer of, 417.
Burial Service, The, 926.
C
Calendar, The, 15.
Canticle, of the Blessed Virgin, 773.
of the Seraphim, 548.
Charity, The heroic act of, 571.
Chaplet of the Holy Ghost, 554;
of the Rosary for the Dead, 575;
Indulgenced, of the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, 623; in Honor of
the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
743; Little, in honor of the. Im-
maculate Conception, 744.
Alphabetical Index.
3
Christmas, novena for, 897, hymn
for, 991.
Church, Prayer to the Holy Spirit
for the, 557. 1087; prayer for
the wants of the, 640; prayer
for the, and for the civil au-
thorities, 642.
Collect of St. Agnes, 1060.
Come, Holy Ghost (hymn), 10 14.
Comments on the rubrics of the
Office of £he Blessed Virgin
Mary, 756.
Communion, Offering of, 192; inten-
tions for. 193; prayer of the asso-
ciates for, 195 ; spiritual, at Mass,
306; what the saints thought of
spiritual, 308; devotions for, 401 ;
after Mass and, 414; petitions
and offering after, 421; reflec-
tions after, 424; a Mass of
thanksgiving after, 426; various
exercises of devotion for, 456;
prayers before, 457; prayers
after, 461; prayer to Our Lady
after, 464; simple prayers for,
466; litany for, 469; short acts
for, 472; after, 473; reflections
and prayers, before and after,
for Religious, 489; a very com-
mendable exercise _ for, 504;
spiritual, 637; offering of, for
the monthly recollection in
preparation for death, 874; the
order of administering, to the
sick, 910. (See also under- Holy
Communion. )
Complin", 157.
Confession, Devotions for, 369;
prayers to the Holy Ghost be-
fore, 370; examen for, 371;
offering of, 385; prayers after,
386.
Confidence, Acts of humility and,
458.
Confiteor,The, 142.
Consecration, Act of religious, 151 ;
act of, 441, 1076; act of, by
Blessed Margaret Mary, 516;
and prayer to the Holy Ghost,
568; act of, and choice of St.
oseph as a patron, 597; to St.
oseph, 599; to the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, 133, 632, 650,
680; of Religious communities
and families, 150, 675; to Mary,
our Mother, 723; a form of, to
the Mother of God, 748; to our
Queen and Mother, 753; to the
most holy heart of Mary, 754;
to St. Aloysius Gonzaga, 105S;
to Our Lady, 1075.
Contrition and amendment, Re-
flections for, 380;. act of, and
prayer for pardon, 383; short
and efficacious act of," 384; acts
'of, 127, 385, 458. _
Conversion of unbelievers, Prayer
for the, 568.
Corpus Christi, devout indulgenced
exercises for Holy Thursday and
the feast of, 604; novena for,
1016.
Cor Sanctissimum Jesu, 420.
Creed, Apostles', 33, 129; of St.
Athanasius, 33; Nicene, 36.
Cross, Way of the, 687.
Crucified, Prayer before a picture
of Christ, ion.
Crucifix, Indulgenced prayer before, '
213, 420.
D
Daily examen, 189; short method
of, 190.
Daily intentions, 187.
Daily offering to the Sacred Heart
of Jesus, 636.
Daily prayer for the associates in
the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 188;
in the Sacred Heart of Mary, 188;
for those who carry an Agnus
Dei, 1077.
Dead or Dying, prayers for, 536.
Dead, the rosary for the, 575.
Death, Prayer for a happy, 153, 598.
Desire, Acts of love and, 459.
Devotion, Various exercises of, for
holy communion 456; of the
Seven Sundays in honor of St.
Joseph, 585.
Devotions, for each day in the
week, 278; for confession, 369,
for holy communion, 401 ; prayers
to the Holv Ghost in connection
with devotions to the Blessed
Sacrament, 568; for the Faithful
Departed, 571; to the angels,
and in particular to the angel
guardian, 578; in honor of St.
Joseph, 585": prayer to St.
Joseph for October, 598; in
honor of the Passion of Our
Lord, 680; in honor of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, 720.
Devout exercise, in honor of the
seven sorrows and seven joys of
St. Joseoh, 586; to the Blessed
Sacrament and to the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, 601; for all the
Thursdays in the year, and espe-
4
Alphabetical Index.
cially for Holy Thursday and the
fe,ast of Corpus Christi, 604;
of the six Sundays in honor of
St.Aloysius Gonzaga, 1058.
Dies irae, dies ilia (hymn), 940.
Divine goodness, Acts of admira-
tion of the, 644.
Divine Office, Prayer to be said
before, 760; prayer to be said
after, 761.
Dolors of the Blessed Virgin, A
novena in honor of the, 746.
Dressing, Prayer while, 117.
Easter, Novena for, 1012.
Ejaculations, 119, 133, i34» S23»
338, 368, 402, 410, 419, 420, 469,
600, 618. 635, 637, 639, 702, 726.
Ember days, 985.
Epiphany, Novena for, 1003.
Eternity, Thoughts from St. Al-
phonsus on death and, 871.
Eucharistic Heart, Ejaculation to
the, 338; acts of homage to the,
634; ejaculation to, 635.
Evening prayer, Short form of, 152.
Examen, Prayer before, 189;
daily, 189; general, 191; for
confession, 371 ; on the Rules, 881.
Examination, Method of particu-
lar, 80; a more detailed method
of, 372.
Exercise for holy communion, from
the prayers of the saints, 504;
pious, of the Fridays in honor
of the Sacred Heart, 682; in
honor of Our Lady of Dolors, 745 ;
of the six Sundays in honor of
St. Aloysius Gonzaga, 1058.
Exercises of devotion for holy
communion^ 456.
Explanation of the Sulpician meth-
od of mental prayer, 76.
Exterior exercises for every day in
the month, 684.
Extracts, maxims, and prayers,
Miscellaneous, 11 27; from mas-
ters in the spiritual life, 1083.
Extreme Unction, The order of
administering the Sacrament
of, 912.
Faith, Profession of, 37; _ act of,
126; acts of, and adoration, 457.
Faithful Departed. A mode of hear-
ing Mass for, 342; devotions for
the, 571; prayer for the, 682.
Fasting-days, 28.
Faults, A petition to overcome
one's, 476.
Feasts of Obligation in the United
States, 28; of special devotions,
some movable, 27; table of
movable, 29.
Feast of the Sacred Heart, 681;
novena for the, of the Sacred
Heart, 1017; of the Visitation,
novena for the, l»oi8; of the
guardian angel, novena for the.
1022 ; presentation of the Blessed
Virgin, novena for the. 1024:
of All Saints, novena for the,
Festivals of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, method of hearing mass
suitable for, 352.
Formula of the Vows, 172.
Friday, Mass and Communion on,
214; Mass of the Passion for,
296; act of reparation for first,
626; pious exercise for, in honor
of the Sacred Heart, 682.
General examen, 191.
Gloria Patris, The practice of the
seven, in honor of the Holy
Spirit, 556.
God, Ejaculation to, 323, 618;
litany of the love of, 550; St.
Gertrude's offering of the life and
sufferings of Our Lord to, 699.
Good Counsel, Prayer to Mary,
Our Lady of, 746.
Grace before and after meals, 173.
Graces, Petitions for, 114; prayer
to implore, for ourselves, together
with acts of admiration of the
divine goodness, 644.
Guardian Angels, Novena for the
feast of the, 1022.
H
Habit, Prayer while putting cn
the, 118.
Hail Mary, The, 129.
Happiness, The Heart of Jesus the
source of all, 671.
Heroic act of charity, 571.
Holy Communion, Devotions for,
40 1, 473*, petitions and offerings
after, 421; a Mass of thanksgiv-
ing after, 426; prayer to Our
Lady after, 464; simple prayers
Alphabetical Index.
5
ior, 466; litany for, 469; short acts
for, 472. (See also under Com-
munion. )
Holy Family, Prayer to the, "1002.
Holy Ghost, Prayer to the, before
meditation, 122; votive Mass
of the, 281 ; prayers to the, be-
fore confession, 370; hymn and
sequence of the, 551; chaplet
of the, 554; no vena to the, in
preparation for the feast of
Pentecost, 556; the practice 01
the Seven Gloria Patris in honor
of the, 556; prayer to the, for
the Church, 557; short indul-
genced prayer to the, 557; va-
rious prayers suitable for a
no vena to the, 557; act of obla-
tion to the, 558; offering to the,
559; Little Office of the, 560;
pious aspirations for obtaining
the seven gifts of the, 564;
and Religious Orders, 566; j
thanksgiving, consecration, and
prayer to the, 568; prayers to
the, in connection with devotions
to the Blessed Sacrament, 568.
Holy Hour, 661; reflections, medi-
tations, and prayers for the, 662;
prayers for the, in honor of the
face of Our Lord, 706.
Holy Name of Jesus, Litany of the,
134; a prayer to the, 999; no-
vena to the, 1005.
Holy souls in purgatory, Indul-
genced prayer in behalf of the,
575-
Holy Scripture, Texts of, to excite
sorrow for sins, 379.
Holy Spirit. ( See under Holy Ghost. )
Holy Thursday and the feast of
Corpus Christi: Devout exer-
cises for all the Thursdays in the
year, and especially for, 604.
Holy Trinity, Offering of Mass and
communion to the, 197; prayers
to the, 548.
Holy Week, The Ceremonies of,
explained, 707.
Homage, Acts of, to the Eucharis-
tic Heart of Jesus, 634.
Hope, Act of, 126, 142.
Hour of adoration, 610; holy, 661.
Hours of Our Lady, The Office of
the Blessed Virgin Mary, 755.
Humility and confidence, Acts of,
458.
Hymns: At prime on Sundays and
week-days throughout the year,
138; "Now with the Fast-depart-
ing Light," 163; Alma Redemp-
toris, 167; Ave Regina, 169*
Regina Cceli, 169; Tantum Ergo
Sacramentum, 210, 537, 622;
Ave Verum, 218; Jesu Dulcis
Amor Meus, 219; Veni, Sancte
Spiritus, 282, 553; Lauda Sion
Salvatorem, 293; Stabat Mater.
303; "Jesus, Master, teach me,"
480; St. Francis Xavier's hymn
of love, 482; Veni, Domine Jesu!
507; Ave Maris Stella, 771; O
Salutaris Hostia, 537; "My
God, My Lord, in Thine own
place," 611; Te Deum Lauda-
mus, 539, 805; Veni Creator
Spiritus, 551; O Filii et Filias,
719; Dies Irae, Dies 111a, 938;
SS. Ambrose and Augustine,
805: Adeste Fideles, 090;
"Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful!"
(for Christmas Day), 991;
"Come, Holy Ghost," 1014;
Tota Pulchra Es, Maria, 1026;
To the Saints and Martyrs of
Religious Orders, 1028; "Lead,
Kindly Light," 1079.
I
Immaculate Conception, Mass of
the, 299; Little Office of the
735; Little Chapiet in honor of
the, 744; novena for the, 1025.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Chap-
let in honor of the, 743.
Indulgenced acts in honor of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, 628.
Indulgenced aspirations and short
prayers, 1062.
Indulgenced Chaplet of the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, 623.
Indulgenced prayer before a cruci-
fix, 213, 420; after the Hail
Mary, 469; to the Holy Ghost,
557; in behalf of the holy souls
in purgatory, 575; in honor of
the Passion of Our Lord, 700;
practices and prayers in honor
of St. Anthony of Padua, 1055*
Indulgenced Prayers and Ejacula-
tions, 519.
Indulgences granted by Pope
Pius IX for a novena in honor
of the Sacred Heart, 669.
Enfant Jesus, Prayer to the, 989,
998; novena to the, 1001.
Intentions, Daily, 187; for holy
communion, 193.
Interior practice, 376.
Invocations and Salutations
(Morning), 121; to St. Joseph,
6
Alphabetical Index.
130; to the Guardian Angel,
130; to the patron saint, 130,
131; "Anima Christi," 213; to
St. Joseph, 599; to the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, 671.
Instruction, Prayers to be said
aloud before giving, 1073.
J
Jesus Christ, Prayers composed Dy
St. Clara of Assisi in honor of,
696; seven offerings of the pre-
cious blood of, 701.
Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
(See under Blessed Sacrament.)
Jesus, Litany of the Most Holy
Name of, 134; prayer for the
associates in the Sacred Heart
of, 188; Prayer to Jesus, Lover
of Children, 526; Prayer to
Jesus Dead, 527; the Psalter
of, 977; no vena to the Holy
Child, 992.
John the Baptist, St., Indulgenced
prayer to, 527.
June, Month of, 681.
June, Prayer to the Sacred Heart
said daily during month of,
1075.
L
Lent, Novena for, 1009.
Litanies, novenas, indulgence*:
prayers, offices and prayers for
particular occasions, 547.
Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus,
134; of the Blessed Virgin, 146;
for holy communion, 469: of the
love of God, 550; of the Guardian
Angel, 579; of the Blessed Sac-
rament, 648; of the Sacred
Heart, 651; of the Passion, 694;
and other prayers for a happy
death, 898; of the saints, 966;
for the Faithful Departed, 975;
of St. Joseph, 1008.
Lord's Prayer, 128.
Love, Act of, 126.
Love and desire, Acts of, 459.
M
March, Offering to St. Joseph said
during the month of, 1074.
Marks of a fervent Religious, 485.
Martyrs of Religious Orders, Hymn
to the, 1028.
Mary, Prayer for the associates in
the Sacred Heart of, 188;
prayer to, 746; prayer of a Re-
ligious to, 749; prayer to, for the
spirit of obedience, 1076; form
of dedicating a child to, 1076.
(See also under Blessed Virgin.)
Mass, Prayer before, 195; offering
during, 196; methods of hearing,
197 ; on Sunday, 197 ; on Monday,
199; on Tuesday, 200; on Wed-
nesday, 203; on Thursday, 205;
on Friday, 214; on Saturday, 222 ;
ordinary method of serving a
priest at, 229; method of assist-
ing at, for children, 233; devo-
tions for each day in the week,
278; of the Blessed Trinity, 278;
of the Holy Ghost, 281; of the
Holy Angels, 284; of St. Joseph,
287; of the Blessed Sacrament,
290; of the Passion, 296; of the
Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, 299; of the
Seven Dolors of the Blessed Vir-
gin Mary, 302; spiritual com-
munion at, 306; a method of
hearing, for Religious, 310;
method of hearing by way of
meditation on the Passion, 323;
in union with the Sacred Heart
of Jesus, 331; for the Faithful
Departed, 342; in honor of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, 352; in
honor of the Blessed Sacrament
before holy communion, 401;
and communion, 414; of thanks-
giving after holy communion,
426; Ordinary for the dead, 936.
Masters in the spiritual life, Ex-
tracts from, 1083.
May, Prayersforthe month of, 1015.
Meals, Grace before and after, 173.
Means of arriving at perfection,
374-
Meditation, Method of, according
to St. Ignatius, 69; outlines of
Sulpician, 74; Bishop Bellord's
summary of, 78.
Meditation, prayers before, 121;
prayers after. 123; on the Passion
of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ, and pious exterior and
interior exercises for every day
in the month, 684.
Memorare to the Blessed Virgin,
146, 724.
Mental Prayer, 60; Is mental
prayer easy? 63; Explanation
of Sulpician method of, 76.
Method of particular examination
in striving after perfection, 80;
of daily examen, 190: ordinary
of serving a priest at Mass, 229;
Alphabetical Index.
7
of assisting at Mass for children,
233; of hearing Mass for Re-
ligious, 310; of hearing Mass by
way of meditation on the Pas-
sion, 323; of examination, 372.
Methods of hearing Mass, 197.
Monday Offering of Mass and
communion on, 199; method of
hearing Mass on, 200; Mass of
the Holy Ghost on, 281; prayer i
to be said on, 574; mode of hear- !
ing Mass on, for the Faithful De-
parted, 342.
Monthly retreat or day of recollec-
tion and prayer in preparation
for a happy death, 869.
Morning invocations and saluta-
tions, 120.
Morning offering of the Apostle-
ship of Prayer, 133; to the
Blessed Sacrament, 141.
Morning ^prayers, Short form of,
for Religious, 139.
Mother of God, Prayer to, 723; a
form of consecration to the, 748.
Movable feasts of special devotion,
Some, 27; table of, 29.
N
Xame of Jesus, Litany of the, 134;
a prayer to the adorable, 999;
prayer in honor of, 525; novena
to the Holy, 1005.
New Year, An offering of the, 999;
novena for the, 1002.
Nicene Creed, 36.
Night offering to the Blessed Sac-
rament, 154.
Night Prayers, 142.
November, Practice for the month
of, 577-
Novena to the Holy Ghost in prep-
aration for the feast of Pentecost,
556; various prayers suitable for
a, to the Holy Ghost, 557; to St.
Joseph, 589, 600; to the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, 669, 670, 672;
for a special intention, 674; to
Blessed Margaret Mary, 674; in
honor of the precious blood of
Jesus, 704; in honor of the
Blessed Virgin Mary for any
festival, 725, 726; in honor of the
Dolors of the Blessed Virgin, 746;
for Christmas, 987; to the Holy
Child Jesus, 992, 1001; for the
New Year, 1002; for Epiphany,
1003; to the Holy Name of Jesus.
1005; for the purification of Our
Lady, 1006; to St. Joseph, 1007;
for the Annunciation of Our Lady,
1008; in honor of Our Saviour's
Passion, 1009; for Easter, 1012;
for Pentecost, 1013; for- Corpus
Christi, 1016; for the feast of the
Sacred Heart, 1017; for the
feast of the Visitation. 10 18; for^
the Assumption, 10 19; for the
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin.
Mary, 1020; to Our Lady of
Mercy, 1621; for the feast; of the
Guardian Angels, 1022 ; to the, pa-
tron Saint of the Religious Order
to which one belongs, 1023; for
the feast of the Presentation of
the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1024;
for the Immaculate Conception,
1025; to St. Benedict, Abbot, •
1030; to St. Francis of Assisi,
1032 ; to St. Clara, 1033 ;
to St. Dominic, 1033; to St.
Catharine of Sienna, 1035; to
St. Francis de Sales, 1037; to
St. Jane Frances de Chantal,
1040; to St. Vincent de Paul, —
1041; to St Ignatius Loyola,
1042; to St. Ursula, 1044; to
St. Bernard, 1045; to St. Charles
Borromeo, 1048; of grace in
honor of St. Francis Xavier, 1049;
for the feast of All Saints, 1054;
to St. Anthony of Padua, 1054.
Xovenas, a little book of, 1087.
Novice, A picture of a good, 487.
O
Obedience, Prayer to Mary to ob-
tain the spirit of, 1076.
Oblation, Act of, 459, 462.
Offering of the Apostleship of
Prayer, Morning, 133; to^ the
Blessed Sacrament (Morning),
141; to the Blessed Sacrament
(Night), 154; of communion, 192;
during Mass, 196; of precious
blood, 197; of Mass on Sunday,
197; on Monday, 199; on Tues-
day, 200; on Wednesday, 203;
on Thursday, 205; on Friday,
214; on Saturday, 222; of con-
fession, 385; of sacramental
penance, 387; after holy com-
munion, 421; before a picture
of the Sacred Heart, 469; of all
one's actions to the Sacred
Heart, 515; to the Holy Ghost
559; daily, to the Sacred Heart
636; of sufferings of Our Lord
699; of the precious blood, 701
8
Alphabetical Index.
of intentions before reciting
the Rosary, 728; in honor of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, 753; of
Mass and communion for the
monthly preparation for death,
874; for the New Year, 999; to
St Joseph during the month of
- March, 1074.
Office of the Holy Ghost, Little,
560; Holy Angels, 581; St.
Joseph, 591; Sacred Heart of
Jesus, 652; Immaculate Con-
ception, 735; Blessed Virgin
Mary, 756; Blessed Virgin Mary;
or, the Hours of Our Lady,
755.
Officium Parvum Beatag Mariae
Virginis (The Office of the
Blessed Virgin Mary), 755-
O Filii et Filise (hymn), 719.
Orders, Religious and the Holy
Ghost, 566.
Order of administering holy com-
munion to the sick, The, 910;
the Sacrament of Extreme
Unction, 912.
Ordinary method of serving a
priest at Mass, 229.
O Salutaris Hostia (hymn), 537.
Our Lady, Vespei-song to, 155;
prayer to, 221; prayer to, after
holy communion, 464; novena
for the Purification of, 1006;
novena for the Annunciation of,
1008; novena to Our Lady of
Mercy, 1021; prayer to Our
Lady of Good Counsel, 1077.
Our Lord, Devotions in honor of
the Passion of, 683; St. Ger-
trude's offering of the sufferings
of, 699; indulgenced prayer in
honor of the Passion of, 700.
P
Paraphrase of the " Anima Christi,"
45i.
Particular examination, A method
of, 80; subject-matter of, 81.
Passion and the Sacred Heart, Of-
fering of Mass and communion,
214.
Passion, Mass of the, 296; method
of hearing Mass by way of medi-
tation on the, 323; devotions in
honor of the, 683; meditations
on the sorrowful, of Our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ, 684;
litany of the, 694; indulgenced
prayer in honor of the, 700;
novena in honor of Our Saviour's,
1009.
Patron saint, Novena to the, 1023-
Paul, St., Prayer to, 532.
Peace, Prayer for, 1062.
Penance, Short offering of Sacra-
mental, 387.
Penitential Psalms, The seven (in
Latin and in English), 388.
Pentecost (or Whitsunday), no-
vena to the Holy Ghost in
preparation for the feast of, 556;
prayer for the feast of, 557; no-
vena for, 1013.
Perfection, Means of arriving at,
374-
Perseverance, Prayer to St. Joseph
for, 600.
Petition, Act of, 462; to overcome
faults, 476; to obtain graces,
646; for help, 1073; to St. Vin-
cent de Paul, 1078.
Petitions, for graces, 114; and of-
ferings after holy communion,
421; of St. Augustine, 517;
thirty-three, 1000.
Picture of a good novice, 487.
Pius IX., Prayer of, 706.
Plenary indulgence at the hour of
death, 916.
Pope, Prayer for a deceased, 1061;
prayer for the election of a, 1061.
Practice, Interior, 376; of the
Seven Gloria Patris in honor of
the Holy Spirit, 556; Indul-
genced, in honor of St. Anthony
of Padua, 1057.
Praise, to the will of God, 130; and
thanksgiving, Acts of, 461; Act
of, 483; to the Sacred Hearts of
Jesus and Mary, Act of, 724.
Prayer, 40; necessity of, 42; ef-
ficacy of, 43; conditions of, 43;
a talk about, 49; vocal, 58;
mental, 60; is mental easy? 63;
explanation of the Sulpician
method of mental, 76; of St.
Ignatius (Soul of Christ, etc.),
to Our Lord Jesus Christ, 92;
preparatory, 92; to obtain the
grace of understanding, 94; to
excite one's self to repentance,
95; tripb colloquy, 96; colloquy
on God's mercy and compassion,
98; to Jesus Christ, Our King,
99; for assistance in contemplat
ing the scenes of the gospel, 100 ;
to obtain the three degrees of
humility, 101; on the three
classes, 103; that we may be re-
ceived under the standard of our
divine King, 104; before election,
105; in desolation, 106; that we
may unite ourselves with the
[ sufferings of Our Lord, 107; to
\
Alphabetical Index.
9
Our Lord Jesus Christ risen from
the dead, 109; to excite love for
God, no; while dressing, 117;
while putting on the habit, 118;
of St. Gertrude on awaking,
118; of Blessed Margaret Mary,
119; before meditation, 121; to
the Sacred Heart, 122; to the
Holy Ghost, before meditation,
122; after meditation, 123; morn-
ing, 126; for holy Church, 128;
Lord's, 128; Hail Mary, 129; of
the Blessed Virgin, St Joseph,
your.guardian angel, your patron
saint, 130; short form of morn-
ing, for Religious, 139; evening,
142, 152; for a happy death, 153,
898; daily, for associates in the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, 188; daily,
for associates in the Sacred Heart
of Mary, 188; before examen,
189; of the Associates for Com-
munion of Reparation, 195; be-
fore Mass, 195; indulgenced, be-
fore a crucifix, 213, 420; to Our
Lady of Sorrows, 221, 745; to
Our Lady, Mother of Confidence,
518; to Our Lady Reparatrice,
534; to Our Lady, Mother of
Divine Providence, 1077; _ to
the Holy^Ghost before confession,
370; for pardon, 383; after
confession, 3S6; of St. Thomas
Aquinas, 416, 1057; of St. Bon-
a venture, 417; indulgenced,
443; before communion, 457;
after communion, 461; to Our
Lady after holy communion, 464;
for holy communion, 466; of
Ven. Father Ol^er, 468; of
Blessed Margaret Mary, 484, 672;
to become a fervent Religious,
484; reflections and, before and
after communion for Religious,
489; for the fulfilling of the will
of God, 512; for Sunday to the
Blessed Trinity, 549; to the
Holy Spirit for the Church, 557;
to the Holy Ghost, short in-
dulgenced, 557, 568; for the feast
of Pentecost, 557; for the conver-
sion of unbelievers, 568; in be-
half of the holy souls in purga-
tory, 574, 575; to the Angel
Guardian, 578, 581; to St. Ra-
phael, archangel, 585; to the
Archangel Gabriel, 585; of a Re-
ligious to St. Joseph, 588; for a
happy death, 598; to St. Joseph,
598, 600, 601; for the agonizing,
600; for a visit to the Blessed
Sacrament, 615; of St. Al-
phonsus Liguori, to the Blessed
Sacrament, 617, 752, 1047; for
the wants of holy Church, 640;
for all things needful, commonl>
called the universal prayer, 643;
when suffering, 679; for the faith-
ful in their agony, 682; in honor
of the Passion of Our Lord, in-
dulgenced, 700; to the Heart of
Mary, 723; of St. Aloysius Gon-
zaga to the Blessed Virgin. 725,
1058, 1059; in honor of the Im-
maculate Mary, 742; to Our
Lady of Good Counsel, 746, 1077;
to Our Lady of Lourdes," 747; to
Our Lady of Light, 748; said in
some Religious Communities on
Saturday evenings, 748; of Re-
ligious to Mary, 749; the Thirty
Days', 750; before and after Di-
vine Office, 760, 761; in prep-
aration for a happy death, 869; to
the Infant Jesus, 989, 998; to
the adorable Name of Jesus,
999; to the Holy Family, 1002;
before a picture of Christ cruci-
fied, ion; for the month of
May, 1 014; for a happy death in
honor of St. Benedict, 1031; to
St. Scholastica, 1031; to St.
Francis, 1038; for the Order of
the Visitation, 1038; to obtain
the protection of St. Francis de
Sales, 1039; of the Church, 1039;
to St. Vincent de Paul, 1041;
to St. Angela Merici, 1043, to St.
Anselm, 1046; to St. Teresa,
1047; to St. Ann, 1049; to St.
Francis Xavier, 1050; to the
Holy Apostles, Peter and Paul,
1053; to. St. Patrick, 1053; in
any necessity to St. Anthony,
1056; in affliction and anxiety,
before a statue of St. Anthony,
1056; to St. John the Evangel-
ist, 1057; to St. Mary Magdalen,
1057; to St. Stanislaus Kostka,
1059; asking for good priests,
1059; to St. John Baptist de la
Salle, io6o; in honor of St. Wal-
burga, 1060; in honor of the holy
archangel Michael, 1061, to St.
Raphael, archangel, protector of
travelers, 1061; for a deceased
pope, 1 061; for the election of a
pope, 1061; in time of war, ioor;
for peace, 1062: before visiting
the sick, 1072; before school,
1073; to be said aloud before
giving instruction, 1073; before
going to the parlor, 1073; for
Sisters in letreat, 1074: to the
10
Alphabetical Index.
Sacred Heart, io?5; to Mary,
to obtain the spirit of obedience,
1076.
Prayers, indulgenced, 518; at Ben-
ediction, 542; to the Most
Holy Trinity, 548; suitable for
a novena to the Holy Ghost,
557; to the Holy Ghost in con-
nection with devotions to the
Blessed Sacrament, 568; for
every day in the week in aid
of the souls in purgatory,
575; for visits to the Blessed
Sacrament and the Hour of Ad-
oration, 610; for the Church and
for the civil authorities, 642; to
implore graces for ourselves, 644;
during a novena of the Sacred
Heart, 672; composed of St.
Clara of Assis' in honor of the
five wounds, 6y6: in honor of the
Holy face of Our Lord, 706; of
M. Dupont, 706; in honor of
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 746;
for the sick, 904; miscellaneous,
1027; novena and, to St. Jane
Frances de Chantal, 1040; in
honor of St. Anthony of Padua,
1055; and indulgenced aspira-
tions, 1062; for various occa-
sions, 1066; for travelers, 1071;
miscellaneous extracts, maxims,
and, 1079.
Precious blood of Jesus Christ,
Seven offerings of the, 701;
month of the, 703; novena in
honor of the, 704; offering to,
before the Rosary, 728.
Preparation for a happy death, 869.
Presentation of BlessedVirgin Mary,
Novena for the feast of the, 1024.
Priests, Prayer asking for good, 1 059.
Profession of faith at the reception
of converts, 37.
Psalter of Jesus, The, 977.
Psalms: IV, Cum invocarem, 160;
XXX.Inte, Domine, speravi. 161 ;
XC, Qui habitat. 161; CXXXIII.
Ecce nunc, 163; CXVI, Laudate
Dominum, 175,(830; CXX1X, De
Profundus. 185, 398. 778; Seven
Penitential . 388, VI. Domine, ne in i
furore, 389; XXXVII, Domine, ne I
in furore, 391 ; XXXI, Beati quo-
rum, 390; L, Miserere, 393; CI,
Domine, exaudi, 396; CXLII, Do-
mine, exaudi, 399; CIX, Dixit Do-
minus, 763, CXII, Laudate pueri,
765; CXX1, Laetatus sum, 766;
CXXVI, Nisi Dominus, 768;
CXLVIL Lauda Jerusalem, 769;:
CXXVIII, Saepe expugnaverunt, 1
778; CXXX, Domine, non estex-
altatum, 779; XCIV, Venice exul-
temus. 788; VIII, Domine, Domi-
nus. 790; XVIII, Coeli enarrant,
791; XXIII, Domini est terra, 793;
XLlV.Eructavit, 794; XLV.Deus
noster refugium, 796; LXXXVI,
Fundamenta ejus, 797; XCV,
Cantate Domino, 798; XCVI,
Dominus, regnavit, 799; XCVII,
Cantate Domino, 800: XCI1, Do-
minus regnavit, 811: XCIX, Jubi-
late Deo. 812; LX1I. Deus, Deus
meus, 814; CXLVIII. Laudate
Dominum, 818; LIII. Deus, in no-
mine tuo, 828; LXXX1V, Bene-
dixisti.828; CXIX. Ad Dominum,
833; CXX. Levavi oculos, 834,
CXXI. Laetatus sum.835.CXXH.
Ad te levavi. 839: CXX1II. Nisi
quia Dominus, 839; CXXIV. Qui
confidunt,840; CXXV, In conver-
tendo 844- CXXVI, Nisi Dominus,
845- CXXV]], Beati omnes, 845.
Purgatory, Offering of Mass and
communion for the holy souls fn
199; a short indulgenced prayer
for the holy souls in, 575 ; prayers
for every day in the week in aid
of the souls in, 575.
Purification of Our Lady, No-
vena for the, 1006.
Purity, Prayer of St. Alphonsus for,
534. R
Recommendation of a soul de-
parting, 919.
Reflections for contrition and
amendment, 380; after com-
munion, 424; before and after
communion for Religious, 489;
on Benediction, 541, 891.
Regina Coeli, 138, 169.
Religious Communities, Consecra-
tion of, 150.
Religious Orders, Hymn to the
saints and martyrs, 102S.
Religious and the Holy Ghost, 566.
Religious, Short form of morning-
prayers for, 139; act of consecra-
tion for, 151; a method of hear-
ing Mass for, 310; a prayer to
become a fervent, 484: marks of
a fervent, 485; reflections and
prayers before and after com-
munion for, 489; prayer of a, to
St. Joseph, 588; sentiments of a,
before the Blessed Sacrament,
618; reparation and consecra-
tion for^ 631; consecration of
communities, 675; prayer of a,
to Mary, 749.
Alphabetical Index.
ii
Remember of Our Lady of the
Sacred Heart, 754.
Renewal of Vows, 132,133, 17 3, 633:
at Mass, 878.
Renovation of Vows, Formula of,
i33, 633-
Reparation, Prayer of the As-
sociates for the communion of,
1 95 625; and consecration for
Religious, 631; to the Sacred
Heart of Jesus for the first Fri-
day, 626.
Resurrection of Our Lord, No vena
in honor of, 1012.
Retreat, or day of recollection and
prayer in preparation for a happy
death, 869; prayer for Sisters in,
1074.
Ritus Benedictionis Apostolicae in
Articulo Mortis, 916.
Roman Breviary, Commemora-
tions from the, 851.
Rosary for the dead, 575; of the
Sacred Heart, 677; mysteries of
the holy, 727; offering, of the , in
uni'on with the precious blood,
728; of the Blessed Virgin, 728.
Rubrics of the Office of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, 756.
Rules, Examen on the, 881.
S
Sacrament of Extreme Unction,
The order of administering the,
912.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Ejaculation
to the, 119, 637; prayer to the,
before meditation, 122; in the
Blessed Sacrament, 133; act of
consecration to the, 133, 632,
680; daily prayer for associates
of, 188; Mass and communion in
honor of the, 205; and the Pas-
sion, 214; the holy Mass in
union with the, 331 ; offering be-
fore a picture of the, 469; of-
fering of all one's actions to the,
515; indulgenced chaplet of the,
623; indulgenced acts in honor
of the, 628; daily offering to the,
636; form of consecration to the,
650; litany of the, 651 ; a favor-
ite no vena to the, 670; invoca-
tions to the, 671 ; other acts and
prayers which may be used dur-
ing a novena of the, 672; thb
Venerable Mother Julie Bil-
liart and her devotion to the,
676; rosary of the, 677 ; feast of
the, 681; pious exercise of the
Fridays in honor of the, 682; in-
yoking the blessing of the, 682;
i indulgences granted by Pope
Pius IX. for a novena in honor
of the, 669; the Remember of Our
Lady of the, 754; novena for the
feast of the, 1017; prayer to the,
said daily during the month of
June, 1075; form of consecrating
a child to the, 1076.
Sacred Heart of Mary, daily pray-
ers for associates, 188.
Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Act of praise to the, 724.
St. Agnes, Collect of, 1060.
St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Devout ex-
ercise of the six Sundays in honor
of, 1058; prayer, to, 1058, 1059;
act of consecration to, 1058.
St. Alphonsus de Liguori, Prayer
of, 752; prayer to, 1047; prayer
of, for a visit to the Blessed
Sacrament, 617; prayer of, to
St. Teresa, 1047.
St. Angela Merici, Foundress of the
Ursuline Order, Prayer to, 1043.
St. Ann, Prayer to, 1049.
St. Anselm, Prayer, to, 1046.
St. Anthony of Padua, Novena to,
1054; indulgenced practices and
prayers in honor of, 1055; pious
practice of the Thirteen Tues-
days or of the Thirteen Sundays
in honor of, 1055; prayer# in
any necessity to, 1056 ; aspira-
tions to, 1056; prayer in afflic-
tion and anxiety before a statue
of, 1056.
St. Athanasius, Creed of, 33-
St. Augustine, Petitions of, 516.
St Benedict, Novena to, 1030;
prayer for a happy death in
honor of, 1031.
St. Bernard, Novena to, 1045.
St. Bonaventure, Prayer of, 417.
St. Catharine of Sienna, Novena to,
1035-
St. Charles Borromeo, Novena to,
1048.
St. Clara, Novena to. 1033; prayers
composed by, in honor of the
five wounds, 696.
St. Dominic, Novena to, 1033.
St. Francis de Sales. Novena to,
1037: prayers to, 1038, 1039.
St. Francis of Assisi, Devotions to,
1031; novena to, 1032.
St. Francis Xavier's hymn of lovei
482; novena of grace to, ifiWj
1051; prayer to, 1050.
12
Alphabetical Index.
St. Gertrude, Prayer of, on awak-
ing, 118; offering to God, 699.
St. Ignatius, method of medita-
tion according*1 to, 69; Suscipe
of, 125; Novena to, 1042.
St. Jane Prances de Chantal, No-
vena and prayers to, 1040.
St. John Baptist de la Salle.
Prayer to, 1060.
St. John the Evangelist, Prayer to,
1057.
St. Joseph, Invocation to, 130; of-
fering of Mass and communion
in honor of, 203, 287; devotions
in honor of. 585; devotion of the
Seven Sundays in honor of, 585-'
devout exercise in honor of the
seven sorrows and the seven joys
of, 586; prayer of a Religious to,
588; novena to, 589, 1007; Little
Office of, 591; act of consecra-
tion to, 597, 599; prayer to, for
October devotions, 598; invoca-
tion to, 599; prayer, to for per-
severance, 600; prayers in honor
of, for the agonizing, 600;
prayer to, as patron of the uni-
versal Church, 601; litany of,
1008; offering to, during the
month of March, 1074.
St. Mary Magdalen, Prayer to,
1057.
St. Patrick, Prayer to, 1053.
St. Raphael, Archangel, Prayer to,
585, 1061.
St. Scholastica, Prayer to, 1031.
St. Stanislaus Kostka, Prayer to,
1059.
St. Thomas Aquinas, Prayer of,
416; prayer to, 1057.
• St. Ursula, Novena to, 1044.
St. Vincent de Paul, Novena to,
1041; prayer to, 1041; petition
to, 1078.
. St. Walburga, Prayer in honor of,
1060.
Saints, The opinions of, on spir-
itual communion, 308: thoughts
from the, 683; litany of the, 964,
hymn to the (City of the Saints),
1028.
Salve Regina, 170.
Saturday, Mass and communion on,
222; Mass of the Immaculate
Conception on, 299.
School, Prayer before, 1073.
Sentiments of a Religious before
the Blessed Sacrament, 618.
Sequence of the Holy Ghost, Hymn
and, 551.
Seraphim, Canticle of the, 548.
Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Pious aspirations for obtaining
the, 564.
Seven offerings of the precious
blood of Jesus Christ, 701.
Seven Penitential Psalms, in Latin
and in English, 388.
Short and simple method of assist-
ing at Mass for children, 236.
Short form of morning prayers
for Religious, 139; of evening
prayers, 152.
Short formula of renovation of
vows, 133.
Short method of daily examen, 190.
Short offering of sacramental pen-
ance, 387.
Sick, Devotions for the, and the
last prayers, 904; the order of
administering holy communion
to the, 910; prayer before visit-
ing the, 1072.
Sighs to Jesus in the Blessed Sac-
rament, 638.
Sorrow, Act of, 384.
Sorrows and seven joys of St.
Joseph, Devout exercise in honor
of the seven, 586; a visit to our
Lady of, 745.
Special devotion, Some movable
feasts of, 27.
Spiritual communion at Mass,
306; what the saints thought
of, 308, 637; fruit of, 639.
Spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius
arranged in prayers, 91.
Spiritual life, Extracts from mas-
ters in the, 1083.
Stabat Mater (hymn), 303.
Sub Tuum Praesidium, 75, 148.
Suffering, Prayer when, 679.
Sulpician method of meditation,
Outlines of, 74; method of men-
tal prayer, explanation of, 76.
Sunday, Offering of Mass and com-
munion on, 197 ; method of hear-
ing Mass on, 198; prayer for, to
the Blessed Trinity, 549.
Sundays, Devotions of the seven
in honor of St. Joseph, 585.
Supplication, Act of, 363.
Suscipe of St. Ignatius, 125.
T
Table of movable feasts, 29.
Tantum Ergo Sacramentum
(hymn), 210, 537, 622.
Te Deum Laudamus (hymn), 539
80*
Alphabetical Index.
13
♦Thanksgiving, Act of, 362, 414;
a Mass of, after holy communion,
426; acts of adoration, praise,
and, 461; hymn of, 465; conse-
cration and prayer to the Holy
Ghost, 568, 621.
Thirty Days' Prayer to the Blessed
Virgin Mary, The, 750.
Thoughts from the saints, 683;
from St. Alphonsus on death and
eternity, 871.
Thursday, Offering of Mass and
communion on, 205; method of
hearing Mass on, 216; Mass of
the Blessed Sacrament on, 290;
devotion of the three, 601; de-
vout exercises for. all the, and
the feast of Corpus Christi, 604.
Tota Pulchra Es, Maria (hymn),
1026.
Travelers, Prayer for, 105 1.
Trinity, Holy, Offering of Mass on
Sunday, 197; prayers to the
Most Holy, 548; prayers for
Sunday to the Blessed, 549;
Acts of adoration and thanks-
giving to, 544-
Trisagion, Angelic, 117.
Tuesday, Offering of Mass and
communion on, 200; method of
hearing Mass on, 201; Mass of
the Holy Angels, on, 284.
U
Unbelievers, Prayer for the con-
version of, 568.
Universal prayer, 643.
V
Veni, Creator Spiritus (hymn), 551.
Veni, Domini Jesu! (hymn), 507.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus (hymn), 282,
553.
Versicle and prayer in honor of the
Immaculate Mary, 742.
Vesper-Song to Our Lady, 155.
Via Crucis or Way of the Cross,
The, 687.
Virgin Mary, Little Chaplet in
honor of the, 744.
Visit to Our Lady of Sorrows, A,
745-
Visitation, Novena for the Festival
of the, 1018; prayers for the
Order of the, 1038.
Visits to the Blessed Sacrament,
prayers for, 610, 615; prayer of
St. Alphonsus Liguori for, 617.
Vocal Prayer, 58.
Vows, Renewal of, 132, 173; for-
mula of, 173; renovation of, for
Religious persons, 633; a re-
newal of, at Mass, 878.
W
War, Prayer in time of, 1061.
Way of the Cross, The, 687.
Wednesday, Offering of Mass and
communion on, 203; method of
hearing Mass on, 203; Mass of
St. Joseph on, 287.
Week Sanctified, The, 547; prayer
for every day in the, in aid of •
the souls in purgatory, 575.
Will of God, Praises to the, 130.
Y
Year, Offering on the last day of
the, 998; offering of the new, 999
Z
Zeal for the interests of the Heart
of Jesus, 465.
PRAYER-BOOK FOR RELIGIOUS.
Ube Calendar*
JANUARY.
1. CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD; St. Fulgen-
tius; St. Odilo, Ab.
2. Octave of St. Stephen; St. Macarius; St. Adalard.
3. St. Genevieve, V. ; Octave of St. John, Ap. Ev.
4. Octave of Holy Innocents; St. Angela of Foligno.
5. St. Telesphorus, P., M.; St. Simeon Stylites; Vigil
of Epiphany.
6. Epiphany of Our Lord.
7. St. Lucian, P., M. ; of the Octave of Epiphany.
8. St. Severinus ; St. Gudula, V. ; of the Octave of
Epiphany.
9. SS. Julian and Basilla, MM.; of the Octave of
Epiphany.
10. St. William, Abp. of Bourges; of the Octave of
Epiphany.
11. St. Hyginus, P., M. ; of the Octave of Epiphany.
12. St. Arcadius, M. ; St. Aelred Ab. ; of the Octave of
Epiphany.
13. St. Veronica of Milan, V. ; Octave of the Epiphany.
14. St. Hilary, B. ; St. Felix, M.
15. St. Paul, First H. St. Maurus, Ab.
16. St. Marcellus, P., M.
17. St. Anthony, Ab.
18. Chair of St. Peter at Rome.
19. Holy Family, SS. Marius and Comp. MM., St.
Canute, K. of Denmark, M. ; St. Wolstan.
20. SS. Fabian and Sebastian, MM.
21. St. Agnes, V., M.
22. SS. Vincent and Anastasius, MM.
23. St. Raymond of Pennafort, C. St. Emerentiana
V. M.; Espousals of the B. V. M. ; St. Ildefon-
sus, B. C.
24. St. Timothy, B., M.
Abbreviations.— Ab., Abbott or Abbess; Abp., Archbishop; Ap.,
Apostle; Bl., Blessed; B., Bishop; B. V. M., Blessed Virgin Mary;
Comp., Companion and Companions; C, Confessor; D. and D. D., Doc-
tor and Doctors; Ev., Evangelist; H., Hermit; K., King; M., and
MM., Martyr and Martyrs; P., Pope; Pa., Patriarch; Pen., Penitent;
Pr.f Priest; Q., Queen; SS.; Saints; V., Virgin; W., Widow.
15
i6
The Calendar
25. Conversion of St. Paul t£e Apostle. — St. Peter.
26. St. Polycarp, B., M.
27. St. John Chrysostom, B., D.
28. St. Flavian, M. ; and St. Agnes, the second time
29. St. Francis of Sales, B., D.
30. St. Martina, V., M.
31. St. Peter Nolasco, C.
FEBRUARY.
1. St. Ignatius, B., M. ; St. Brigid, V., Patroness of
Ireland.
2. Purification of the Bl. Virgin Mary.
3. St. Blase, B., M.
4. St. Andrew Corsini, B.
5. St. Agatha, V., M. ; St. Philip of Jesus, M.
6. St. Titus, B. ; St. Dorothy, V., M.
7. St. Romuald, Ab.
8. St. John of Matha, C.
9. St. Cvril of Alexandria, B., C, D. ; St. Apollonia,
V., M.
10. St. Scholastica, V.
11. Our Lady of Lourdes; St. Saturninus, M.
12. The Holy Seven Founders of the Servite Order;
St. Meletius, Bishop of Antioch, C.
13. St. Catherine of Ricci, V.; Gregory II., P.
14. St. Valentine, Pr., M. ; St. Agathon, P.
15. SS. Faustinus and Jovita, MM.
16. St. Onesimus, B. of Ephesus, M. ; Gregory X., P.
17. Flight into Egypt; St. Theodulus, M.
18. St. Simeon, B. of Jerusalem, M.
19. St. Mansuetus, B. of Milan and C.
20. St. Eucherius, Bv C.
21. St. Severianus, B., M.
22. Chair of St. Peter, at Antioch.
23. (Vigil.) St. Peter Damian, B., D.
24. St. Matthias, Ap., in leap-years on the 25th and
any feasts that follow to the end of the month are
each postponed one day.
25. St. Felix, P., C.
26. St. Margaret of Cortona; St. Alexander, B. of
Alexandria, C.
The Calendar
17
27. St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother; St. Leander,
B. of Seville, C.
28. St. Romanus, Ab.
29. St. Oswald, B. of Worcester, C.
MARCH
1. St. Albinus, B., C. ; St. David. "
2. St. Simplicius, P., C.
3. St. Cunegunda, V.
4. St. Casimir, C. ; St. Lucius P., M.
5. St. Phocas, M.
6. SS. Perpetua and Felicitas MM.; St. Victor, M.;
St. Fridolin, C.
7. St. Thomas Aquinas, C, D.
8. St. John of God, C.
9. St. Frances of Rome, W. ; St. Catherine of Bol-
ogna, V.
10. The Holy Forty Martyrs.
11. St. Eulogius, Pr., M.
12. St. Gregory the Great, P., D.
13. St. Euphrasia, V.
14. St. Mathilda, W.
15. St. Longinus, M.
16. St. Abraham, H.
17. St. Patrick, B., Ap. of Ireland.
18. St. Cyril of Jerusalem.
19. St. Joseph, Spouse of the B. V. M., Patron of
the Universal Church.
20. St. Cuthbert, B., C.
21. St. Benedict, Ab.
22. St. Basil, Pr., M. ; St. Catharine of Sweden, V.
23. St. Turibius, B. of Lima, C.
24. St. Gabriel, Archangel ; St. Simon, an infant
Martyr at Trent; St. Irenseus, B.
25. Annunciation of the B. V. M.
26. St. Ludger, B., C.
27. St. John Damascene, B., D. ; St. Robert, B., C.
28. St. Guntran, K., C. ; St. John Capistrano, C.
29. St. Eustace, Ab.
30. St. John Climacus, Ab.
31. St. Balbina, V.
i8
The Calendar
APRIL
1. St Hugh, B. of Grenoble, C.
2. St. Francis of Paola, C.
3. St. Richard, B., C.
4. St. Isidore, B. of Seville, D.
5. St. Vincent Ferrer, C.
6. St. Celestine I., P., C.
7. St. Hegesippus, C.
8. St. Dionysius, B. of Corinth.
9. St. Mary of Egypt.
10. St. Macarius, B. of Antioch, C.
11. St. Leo the Great, P., D.
12. St. Victor, M.
13. St. Hermenegild, M.
14. St. Justin, M. ; SS. Tiburtius, Valerian, and Max-
imus, MM.; St. Lidwina, V.
15. SS. Basilissa and Anastasia, MM.
16. St. Lambert, M. ; Benedict Joseph Labre, C.
17. St. Anicetus, P., M.
18. St. Perfectus, Pr., M. ; Bl. Mary of Incarnation.
19. St. Timon, D., M. ; St. Werner^ M.
20. St. Agnes of Montepulciano, Ab., V.; Bl. Gerard.
C.
21. St. Anselm, B. of Canterbury, D.
22. SS. Soter and Caius, Popes, MM.
23. St. George, M.
24. St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, M.
25. St Mark the Evangelist — The Great Litany.
26. SS. Cletus and Marcellinus, Popes, MM.; Our
Lady of Good Counsel.
27. St. John, Ab., C; St. Turibius de Mogrovejo, B..
C.
28. St. Paul of the Cross; St. Vitalis, M.
29. St. Peter, M.
30. St. Catharine of Sienna, V.
MAY
1. .SS. Philip and James, Apostles.
2. St. Athanasius, B. of Alexandria, D.
3. Finding of the Holy Cross. SS. Alexander andf
Comps. MM.
The Calendar
19
4. St. Monica, W. ; Bl. John Fisher, Thomas More
and Comps.
5. St. Pius V., P., C.
6. St. John the Apostle, before the Latin Gate.
7. St. Stanislaus, B., M.
8. Apparition of St. Michael the Archangel.
9. St. Gregory Nazianzen, B., D.
10. St. Antoninus, B. of Florence, SS. Gordian and
Epimachus, MM.
11. St. Mamertus, B. of Vienna, C.
12. SS. Nereus and Achilleus, MM.
13. St. John the Silent, H.
14. St. Boniface, M.
15. St. John Baptist de la Salle, C. ; St. Isidore, Farmer
C. ; St. Torquatus and Comps., MM.
16. St. John Neoomucene, M., St. Brendan, Ab., St.
Ubald, B.
17. St. Paschal Baylon, C.
18. St. Venantius, M.
19. St. Peter Celestine, P. ; St. Pudentiana, V.
20. St. Bernardine of Sienna, C.
21. St. Valens, B., M.
22. St. Rita of Cassia, W.
23. St. John Bapt. de Rossi, C. ; St. Desiderius, B., M.
24. Feast of B. V. M., Help of Christians.
25. St. Gregory VII., P., C. St. Urban I., P. M.
26. St. Philip Neri, C. ; St. Eleutherius, P. M.
27. St. Bede, C, D. ; St. John I, P. M.
28. St. Augustine of Canterbury, B., C. ; St. Germanus,
B. of Paris, C.
29. St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi, V.
30. St. Felix, P., M.; St. Joan of Arc; St. Ferdinand,
K. C.
31. Feast of the B. V. M., Mother of Fair Love; Feast
of the B. V. M. ; Queen of All Saints ; St. Angela
Merici, V. ; St. Petronilla, V.
JUNE
1. St. Pamphilus, Pr., M.
2. SS. Marcellinus. Peter and Erasmus, MM.; St.
Blandina.
3. St. Clotilda, Q. of France.
20
The Calendar
4. St. Francis Caracciolo, C.
5. St. Boniface, B., Ap. of Germany.
6. St. Norbert, B., of Magdeburg.
7. St. Robert, Ab.
8. Feast of the B. V. M., Mother of Divine Grace ;
St. Medardus, B., C. ; St. William, B. of York,
England.
9. SS. Primus and Felicianus, MM.; St. Columba, Ab.
(Ireland).
10. St. Margaret, Q. of Scotland
11. St. Barnabas, Ap.
12. St. John of St. Fagondez, C. ; SS. Basilides and
others, MM.
13. St. Anthony of Padua, C.
14. St. Basil the Great, B., D.
15. SS. Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia, MM.
16. St. John Francis Regis, C.
17. St. Avitus, Pr., C.
18. St. Marcus and Marcellianus, MM.; St. Ephrem,
C., D.
19. St. Juliana Falconieri; SS. Gervase and Protase,
MM.
20. St. Silverius, P., M.
21. St. Aloysius Gonzaga, C.
22. St. Paulinus, B. of Nola; St. Alban.
23. Vigil of Nativity of St. John the Baptist.
24. Nativity of St. John the Baptist.
25. St. William, Ab. ; Com. Octave St. John the Baptist.
26. SS. John and Paul, MM.
27. Feast of the B. V. M. of Perpetual Help; St.
Crescent, B., M. of the Octave of St. John the
Baptist.
28. (Vigil.) Octave of St. John the Baptist; St. Leo
II., P.; St. Irenseus, B, M.
29. SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles.
30. Commemoration of St. Paul, Ap. ; Comm. of St.
Peter the Apostle and of the Octave of St. John
the Baptist.
JULY.
1. The Most Precious Blood; Octave of St. John the
Baptist.
The Calendar
21
2. Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary; SS.
Processus and Martinian, MM.
3. St. Eulogius and Comps., MM.; St. Paul I., P.;
Comm. of All the Holy Pontiffs.
4. St. Irenaeus, B. M. ; St. Flavian, B. of Antioch.
.5. St. Anthony Maria Zaccaria, C. ; Comm. of SS.
Peter and Paul ; St. Athanasius, D., M.
6. Octave of SS. Peter and Paul.
7. SS. Cyrillus and Methodius, B., C. ; St. Lawrence
of Brundusio, C.
8. St. Elizabeth, Q. of Portugal.
9. St. Veronica de Julianis, V.; St. Cyrillus, B. of
Gortyna, M.
10. The Seven Brothers, MM.; SS. Ruffina and Se-
cunda, V., M. •
11. St. Pius I., P., M.
12. St. John Gualbert, Ab. SS. Nabor and Felix, MM.
13. St. Anacletus, P., M.
14. St. Bonaventure, B. C. D.
15. St. Henry, Emp., C.
16. Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
17. St. Alexius, C; The Humility of the B. V. M. ; St.
Osmund.
18. St. Camillus of Lellis, C. ; St. Symphorosa and her
Sons, MM.
19. St. Vincent de Paul, C.
20. St. Jerome iEmilian, C. ; St. Margaret, V., M.
21. St. Praxedes, V.
22. St. Mary Magdalen, Pen.
23. St. Apollinaris, B., M. ; St. Liborius.
24. (Vigil.) St. Christina, V., M. ; St. Francis Solanus,
C
25. St. James the Apostle; St. Christopher, M.
26. St. Anna, Mother of the Blessed Virgin.
27. St. Pantaleon, M.
28. SS. Nazarius, Celsus, and others, MM.
29. St. Martha, V. ; St. Felix and Others, MM.
30. SS. Abdon and Sennen, MM.
31. St. Ignatius de Loyola, Founder of the Society of
Jesus.
22
The Calendar
AUGUST.
1. St. Peter's Chains; Holy Machabees, MM.
2. St, Alphonsus M. Liguori, B., D. ; St. Stephen I,
P. M.
3. Finding of the Relics of St. Stephen, first M.
4. St. Dominic, C.
5. Our Lady of the Snow.
6. Transfiguration of Our Lord.; St. Xystus II
and Others, MM.
7. St. Cajetan, C. ; St. Donatus, B. M.
8. SS. Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus, MM.
9. (Vigil.) St. Romanus, M. ; St. Emigdius, B. M.
10. St. Lawrence, M.
11. SS. Tiburtius and Susanna, MM.; St. Philomena,
V. M.
12. St. Clara, V.
13. SS. Hippolytus and Cassianus, MM. ; B. V. M.
Refuge of Sinners; St. John Berchman (or also
on Nov. 26.)
14. (Vigil with fast.) St. Eusebius, C.
15. ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
MARY.
16. St. Joachim, Father of Our Lady ; St. Roch, C.
17. St. Hyacinth; Octave of the Assumption and Oc-
tave Day of St, Lawrence.
18. Of the Octave of the Assumption; St. Agapitus,
M. ; St. Helen, Empress, W.
19. Of the Octave of the Assumption; St. Lewis, B.
of Toulouse, C.
20. St. Bernard, Ab., D. ; Of the Octave of the As-
sumption.
21. St. Jane Frances de Chantal, W. ; Of the Octave of
the Assumption.
22. Octave of the Assumption; St. Timothy and Comps ,
M.
23. (Vigil.) St. Philip Benizi, C.
24. St. Bartholomew, Ap.
25. St. Louis, K. of France, C.
26. St. Zephyrinus, P., M.
27. St. Joseph Calasanctius, C.
28. St. Augustine, B., D.
The Calendar
23
29. Beheading of St. John the Baptist; St. Sabina, M.
30. St. Rose of Lima, V.; SS. Felix and Adauctus, MM,
31. St. Raymund Nonnatus, C.
SEPTEMBER
1. St. Vibiana, V. ; St. Giles, Ab. ; The Holy Twelve
Brothers, MM.; St. Odo of Canterbury.
2. St. Stephen, K. of Hungary, C.
3. St. Simeon Stylites, C. ; St. Michael of the Saints.
4. St. Rosalia, V. ; St. Rose of Viterbo.
5. St. Lawrence Justinian, B. of Venice.
6. St. Pambo of Nitria, Ab.
7. St. Cloud, C. ; St. Regina, V., M.
8. Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
9. St. Gorgonius, M. ; St. Peter Claver, C. '
10. St. Nicholas Tolentino, C.
11. SS. Protus and Hyacinthus, MM.; St. Louis Bert-
rand.
12. Most Holy Name of Mary; St. Juventius, B., D.
13. St. Amatus, Ab.
14. Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
15. The Seven Dolors of the B. V. M. ; St. Nicomedes,
M.
16. SS. Cornelius, P., and Cyprian, B., MM.; St.
Euphemia and Comps., MM.
17. Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi.
18. St. Joseph of Cupertino, C.
19. St. Januarius B., and Comps., MM.
20. (Vigil.) St. Eustace and Comps., MM.
21. St. Matthew, Ap.
22. St. Thomas of Villanova, C. ; SS. Maritius and
Comp. MM.
23. St. Linus, P., M. ; St. Thecla, V. M.
24. Our Lady of Mercy.
25. St. Cleophas, M.
26. SS. Cyprian and Justina, MM.
27. SS. Cosmas and Damian, MM.
28. St. Wenceslaus, Duke of Bohemia, M.
29. St. Michael the Archangel. (Dedication.)
30. St. Jerome, Pr., D. ; B. V. M., Mother of the Divine
Shepherd.
24
The Calendar
OCTOBER.
1. St. Remigius, B. of Rheims; St. Gregory, B. M.
(Armenia.)
2. The Holy Guardian Angels.
3. St. Candidus, M. ; St Thomas of Hereford.
4. St. Francis of Assisi, C.
5. St. Placidus and Comps., MM.
6. St. Bruno, C.
7. The Most Holy Rosary of Our Lady; St. Mark,
P., C. ; St. Sergius and Comp. MM.
8. St. Bridget, W.
9. St. Denis and Comps, MM. ; St. John Leonard, C.
10. St. Francis Borgia, C.
11. Feast of the Maternity of the B. V. M. ; St. German-
us, B., M.
12. St. Wilfrid, B, C.
13. St. Edward, K. of England, C.
14. St. Callistus, P., M.
15. St. Teresa, V.
16. Feast of the Purity of the B. V. M. ; St. Lullus, B.
of Mayence; St. Gall.
17. St. Hedwig, W. ; St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.
18. St. Luke the Evangelist.
19. St. Peter of Alcantara, C.
20. St. John Cantius, C.
21. St. Hilarion, Ab. ; St. Ursula and Comps, MM.
22. St. Mark, B. of Jerusalem, M.
23. Feast of the Holy Redeemer ; St. Ignatius, B.
of Constantinople, M.
24. St. Raphael the Archangel.
25. SS. Chrysanthus and Daria, MM.; St. John of
Beverly.
26. St. Evaristus, P., M.
27. Vigil of SS. Simon and Jude.
28. SS. Simon and Jude, Apostles.
29. St. Theodorus, Ab.
30. St. Serapion, B., C. ; St. Alphonsus Rodriguez.
31. Vigil of All Saints, with fast.; St. Wolfgang.
The Calendar
25
NOVEMBER.
1 FEAST OF ALL SAINTS.
2. All Souls.
3. Of the Octave; St. Malachy, B. of Armagh; St.
Winefride, V., M.
4. St. Charles Borromeo, B., C. ; SS. Vitalis and
Agricola, MM.
5. Feast of the Sacred Relics; Of the Octave; St.
Elizabeth, Mother of St. John the Baptist.
6. Of the Octave; St. Leonard, Ab.
7. Of the Octave; St. Engelbert, B., M.
8. Octave of All Saints; The Holy Crowned Martyrs.
9. Dedication of the Basilica of Our Saviour; St.
Theodore, M.
10. St. Andrew Avellino, C. ; St. Tryphon and Comp.,
MM.
11. St. Martin, B. of Tours; St. Mennas, M.
12. St. Martin I., P., M.
13. St. Stanislaus Kostka; St. Didacus, C.
14. St. Josaphat, M. ; St. Laurence OToole (Ireland).
15. St. Gertrude, V.
16. St. Edmund, B., C. (Canterbury).
17. St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, B.
18. Dedication of the Basilicas of SS. Peter and Paul.
19. St. Elizabeth of Hungary, W. ; St. Pontianus, P. M.
20. St. Felix of Valois, C.
21. Presentation of the B. V. M. ; St. Oswin, M.
22. St. Cecilia, V., M.
23. St. Clement, P., M. ; St. Felicitas, M.
24. St. John of the Cross, C. ; St. Columbanus (Ire-
land) ; St. Chrysogonus, M.
25. St. Catherine, V., M.
26. St. Silvester, Ab. ; St. Peter, B. of Alexandria ; St
Leonard of Port- Maurice, C. ; St. John Berchmans,
C. (or on Aug. 13).
27. Feast of the Miraculous Medal of the B. V. M. ;
St. Severinus, H. ; St. Virgil, B. C.
28 St. Gregory III., P., C.
29. (Vigil.) St. Saturninus, M. ; St. Willibrord, C, B.
30. St. Andrew the Apostle.
26
The Calendar
DECEMBER.
1. St. Eligius, B., C.
2. St. Bibiana, V., M. ; St. Theodoret, M.
3. St. Francis Xavier, C.
4. St. Peter Chrysologus, B., D. ; St. Barbara, V., M.
5. St. Sabbas, Ab.
6. St. Nicholas, B. of Myra.
7. St. Ambrose, B. of Milan, D.
8. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE B. V.
M.
9. Of the Octave; St. Leocadia, V., M.
10. Of the Octave; St. Melchiades, P., M. ; Translation
of the Holy House of Loretto.
11. St. Damasus I, P. M.; Comm. of the Octave.
12. B. V. M. of Guadaloup; of the Octave; St. Synesius,
M.
13. St. Lucy, V., M. ; Comm. of the Octave.
14. Of the Octave; St. Spiridion, B. C.
15. Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the B. V.
M.
16. St.Eusebius, P., M.
17. St. Olympias, W.
18. Expectation of the Delivery of the B. V. M. ; St.
Odo of Cluny.
19. St. Timothy, D., M.
20. (Vigil.) St. Dominic, Ab.
21. St. Thomas the Apostle.
22. St. Ischyrion, M. ; St. Felix of Valois.
23. St. Victoria, V.; M.
24. Vigil with Fast.
25. NATIVITY OF OUR LORD.
26. St. Stephen, first Martyr.; Comm. of the Oct.
of Nativity.
27. St. John, Apostle and Evangelist; Comm. of
the Oct. of Nativity.
28. Holy Innocents; Comm. of the Oct. of Nativity.
29. St. Thomas, B. of Canterbury, M. ; Comm. of the
Oct. of Nativity.
30. Of the Octave ; St. Sabinus, B., and Comps., MM.
31. St. Sylvester, P., C. ; Comm. of the Octave of the
Nativity.
Some Atovable ffeasts of Special
Wcvotion
Holy Name of Jesus .... Sunday between the Cir-
♦cumcision and the Epiph-
any.
Passion of Our Lord .... Tuesday after Sexagesima
Sunday.
Holy Crown of Thorns . Friday after Ash Wednes-
day.
Spear and Nails ........ Friday after First Sunday
in Lent.
The Holy Winding Sheet Friday after Second Sun-
day in Lent.
Five Wounds^ Friday after Third Sunday
in Lent.
Most Precious Blood .... Friday after Fourth Sun-
day in Lent.
Seven Sorrows of the Friday after Passion Sun-
Blessed Virgin Mary.. day.
Patronage of St. Joseph. Wednesday of the Second
Week after the Octave of
Easter.
Corpus Christi Thursday after Trinity
Sunday.
B. V. M. Queen of Saturday within the Octave
Apostles of Ascension.
Sacred Heart of Jesus . . Friday after Octave of Cor-
pus Christi.
Most Pure Heart of the Saturday after the Octave
B. V. M of Corpus Christi.
Most Precious Blood .... First Sunday of July.
B. V. M. Mother of Mercy Saturday before Fourth
Sunday of July.
B. V. M. Health of the Saturday before the last
Sick Sunday of August.
Our Lady of Solace Saturday after the Feast of
St. Augustine, B. C. D.,
August 28.
B. V. M. Mother of Divine Saturday before the Third
Providence Sunday of November.
27
Mol^Daps of ©bligatton
tofjicf) tfje Jfaitfjful are JBounb to J&tav iflass ano to
abstain from ^erbile OTorfe
I. — Holy-Days of Obligation in the United States
All the Sundays of the Year.
Jan. i. The Circumcision.
Ascension Day.
Aug. 15. The Assumption.
Nov. 1. All Saints.
Dec. 8. The Immaculate Concep-
tion.
Dec. 25. Christmas Day.
II. — Holy-Days of Obligation established by the General Law of the
Church as set forth in tlie New Code of Canon Law.
All the Sundays of the Year.
Jan. 1. The Circumcision.
Jan. 6. The Epiphany.
Ascension Day.
Corpus Christi.
Mar. 19. St. Joseph.
June 29. Sts. Peter and Paul.
Aug. 15. The Assumption.
Nov. 1. All Saints.
Dec. 8. The Immaculate Concep-
tion.
Dec. 25. Christmas Day.
Formerly the obligation of hearing Mass and of abstaining from
servile work obtained likewise on: Easter Monday and Easter Tuesday ;
Whit-Monday and Whit-Tuesday; Holy Cross (May 3); The feasts
of the Nativity (Sept. 8); Annunciation of our Lady (March 25),
and Purification (Feb. 2); The feasts of St. Stephen (Dec. 26), St.
Lawrence (Aug. 10), St. Anne (July 26), Holy Innocents (Dec.
28) , and St. Sylvester (Dec. 31); in fine, on Michaelmas Day (Sept.
29) , and on the feast of each one of the twelve apostles. These are
now known as suppressed festivals or days of devotion.
III. — Holy-Days of Obligation in Canada
All Sundays of the Year.
Jan. 1. The Circumcision.
Jan. 6. The Epiphany.
The Ascension.
Nov. 1. All Saints.
Dec. 8. The Immaculate Concep-
tion.
Dec. 25. Christmas.
Binding on every Catholic who has reached the age of twenty-one
and is not lawfully excused.
All the week-days of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday. The
Ember-days, four times a year; viz., the Wednesdays, Fridays, and
Saturdays following: 1. The first Sunday in Lent; 2. Pentecost,
or Whit-Sunday; 3. The fourteenth of September; 4. The third
Sunday of Advent. Also the vigils of Pentecost; of the Assumption,
August 14; of All Saints, October 31; of Christmas, December 24.
When a feast falls on Monday the fast of the vigil is not kept on the
Sunday preceding, but is dropped.
Gaps of gbstuunce
On which we are not allowed to eat flesh-meat or broth made from
meat.
All Fridays in the year, and all fast-days of obligation, excepting
those on which the use of flesh-meat is expressly allowed. Flesh-meat
is allowed at the principal meal on all the days of Lent except Wed-
nesdays and Fridays, Ember Saturday, and the forenoon of Holy
Saturday. Soldiers and sailors in the service of the United States,
however, are exempt from the rule of abstinence all through the year,
excepting upon Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, the forenoon of Holy
Saturday, and upon the vigil of Christmas. In most dioceses
of the United States dispensation from abstinence is granted to the
laboring classes and their household on any day, excepting Fridays;
Ash Wednesday; Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of Holy Week;
and the vigil of Christmas. On days when meat is allowed, fish,
oysters, and other sea-food may be taken, together with the meat.
28
liable of Movable jfeasts
Year
Ash-
Wedne
day.
First
of
s-
Easter-
Ascen-
Whit-
Corpus
Sunday
Our
Sunday.
sion Day
Sunday.
Christi.
of Ad-
Lord
vent.
IQII
March
1
April
16
IVI ay 25
June 4
Tune 1=;
Dec
IQI2
Feb.
21
April
7
IVIay 16
IVIay 26
June 6
Dec 1
IQI3
Feb.
5
March 23
IVI ay 1 1
IVI ay 2 2
^Nov. 30 1
1914
Feb.
25
April
12
IVIay 2 1
Mav ?t
Nov. 29 '
1915
Feb.
*7
g
April
4
AT a v t 2
Mav 27.
Tune I\
Nov. 28 y
IQl6
March
April
23
j ^
Tune 2 >
1917
Feb.
21
April
8
Mtv T7
IVIay 2 7
June 7
Dec 2
I9l8
Feb.
13
March
31
AFav
jVIay 20
Dec
I9I9
5
April
20
M v
ay 29
June 8
Nov 30
I920
Feb.
18
April
4
xViay 13
May 23
J une 3
UV.
1921
Feb
9
March 27
May 5
May 15
IVIay 26
^^"ov 2 7
IQ22
March
1
April
16
May 25
June 15
Dec. 3
1923
Feb
I4
April
1
IVIay 10
May 20
May 31
I924
5
April
20
ivi. <a y ^ y
June 8
June 1 9
N*ov 30
I925
Feb
2S
April
12
INIay 2 1
ivxdy 31
June 11
N^ov. 29
I926
Feb
x7
April
May 13
May 23
June 3
iNOV, ^ 0
1927
FebrCh
April
.i
IVI ay 26
June 5
June 16
Nov. 27
I928
22
April
8
May 17
june 7
iJec. 2
I929
Feb.
13
March
31
May 9
AT q \7 t r\
i>x d y -L y
IVI ay 30
ijec. 1
I93O
March
5
April
20
iVLay 29
June 8
JNov. 30
1931
Feb.
18
April
5
May 24
June X\
Nov. 29
1932
Feb.
10
March
27
May s
May 15
May 26
Nov. 27
1933
March
1
April
16
May 25
June 4
June 15
Dec. 3
1934
Feb.
14
April
1
May 10
May 20
May 3 1
Dec. 2
1935
1936
March
6
April
21
May 30
June 9
June 20
Dec. 1
Feb.
26
April
12
May 21
May 31
June 11
Nov. 29
1937
Feb.
10
March
28
May 6
May 16
May 27
Nov. 28
1938
March
2
April
17
May 26
June 5
June 16 ,
Nov. 27
1939
Feb.
22
April
9
May 18
May 28
June 8
Dec. 3
: I940
Feb.
7
March
24
May 2
May 12
May 23
Dec. 1
1 941
Feb.
26
April
13
May 22
June 1
June 12
Nov. 30
1942
Feb.
18
April
5
May 14
May 24
June 4
Nov. 29
1943
March 10
April
25
June 3
June 13
June 24
Nov. 28
1944
Feb.
23
April
9
May 1 a
May 28
June 8
Dec. 3
1945
Feb.
14
April
1
May 10
May 20
May 31
Dec. 2
. 1946
March
6
April
21
May 30
June 9
June 20
Dec. 1
, 1947
Feb.
19
April
6
May 15
May 25
June 5
Nov. 30
BOOK I.
.IDetutatton, prater, anfc tbe particular
The Apostles' Creed.
I BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, Creator 01
heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only
Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified: died, and was buried. He descended into
hell: the third day He arose again from the dead: He as-
cended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the
larher almighty; from thence He shall come to judge
the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the
forgiveness ci sins, the resurrection of the body, and the
life everlasting. Amen.
Creed of St. Athaxasitts.
77JT*H0S0EVER will be saved, before all things it is
WEA* necessary that he hold the Catholic faith.
Which faith, except every one do keep entire and invio-
late, without doubt be shall perish everlastingly.
Now the Catholic faith is this, that we worship one God
in Trinity, and Trinity In Unity.
Neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the sub-
stance.
For there is one Person of the Father, another of the
Son, another of the Holy Ghost.
33
54
The Creeds.
But the Godhead of the Father, and of the Son, anJ of
the Holy Ghost, is all one; the glory equal, the majesty
coeternal.
Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the
Holy Ghost.
The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate, the Holy Ghost
uncreate.
The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehen-
sible, the Holy Ghost incomprehensible.
The Father eternal, the Son eternal, the Holy Ghost
eternal.
And yet they are not three eternals, but one eternal.
As also they are not three uncreates, nor three incom-
prehensibles ; but one uncreate, and one incomprehen-
sible.
In like manner the Father is Almighty, the Son AL-
mighty, and the Holy Ghost Almighty.
And yet they are not three Almighties, but one Al-
mighty.
So the Father is God, the Son God, and the Holv Ghost
God.
And yet they are not three Gods, but one God.
So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, and the
Holy Ghost is Lord.
And yet they are not three Lords, but one Lord.
For like*as we are compelled by the Christian verity to
acknowledge every Person by Himself to be God and
Lord:
So we are forbidden by the Catholic religion to say
there are three Gods or three Lords.
The Father is made of none, neitner created, nor be-
gotten.
The Son is from the Father alone, not made, nor cre-
ated, but begotten.
The Holy Ghost is from the Father and the Son, not
made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding.
So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one
The Creeds.
35
Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy
Ghosts.-
And in this Trinity there is nothing before or after,
nothing greater or less; but the whole three Persons are
coeternal together, and coequal.
So that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity is to be
worshipped in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity.
He, therefore, that will be saved, must thus think of the
Trinity.
Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation,
that he also believe rightly the Incarnation of Our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Now the right faith is, that we believe and confess that
Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is both God and
man.
He is God of the substance of His Father, begotten
before the world ; and He is man of the substance of His
Mother, born in the world:
Perfect God and perfect man; of reasonable soul and
human flesh subsisting.
Equal to the Father according to His Godhead; and
less than +he Father according to His manhood.
Who, although He be both God and man, yet He is' not
two but one Christ:
One, not by the conversion of the Godhead into flesh,
but by the taking of the manhood unto God :
One altogether, not by confusion of substance, but by
unity of person.
For as the reasonable soul and the flesh is one man, so
God and man is one Christ.
Who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell,
rose again the third day from the dead.
He ascended into heaven; He sitteth at the right hand
of God the Father almighty; from whence He shall come
to judge the living and the dead.
At Whose coming all men shall rise again with their
bodies, and shall give an account of their own works.
36
The Creeds.
And they that have done good shall go into life ever-
lasting : and they that have done evil, into everlastmg fire.
This is the Catholic faith, which except a man believe
faithfully and steadfastly, he can not be saved.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
Nicene Creed.
I BELIEVE in one God, the Father almighty, Maker
of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and
invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son
of God, born of the Father before all ages. God of God;
Light of light; true God of true God; begotten, not made;
consubstantial with the Father, by Whom all things were
made. Who for us men, and for our salvation, came
down irom heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost
of the Virgin Mary: and was made man. [Kneel in
reverence oj Christ's Incarnation.] He was crucified also
for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was buried.
The third day He rose again according to the Scriptures;
and ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand
of the Father: and He shall come again with glory to
judge both the living and the dead: of Whose kingdom
there shall be no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Life-
giver, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son: Who
together with the Father and the Son is adored and glori-
fied: Who spake by the prophets. And one Holy, Catho-
lic, and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for
the remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of
the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Profession of Faith for Converts.
37
Profession of Faith at . the Reception of Converts
into the Catholic Church.
I; N.N., having before my eyes the holy Gospels, which
I touch with my hand, and knowing that no one can
be saved without that faith which the Holy, Catholic,
Apostolic Roman Church holds, believes, and teaches,
against which I grieve that I have greatly erred, inasmuch
as I have held and believed doctrines opposed to her
teaching.
I now, with grief and contrition for my past errors,
profess that I believe the Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Ro-
man Church to be the only and true Church * established
* Out of the Catholic Church none can be saved. This propo-
sition, which highly displeases all sectarians and infidels, is not
only clearly established by the authority of Scripture, and by the
perpetual and constant belief of the Catholic Church, but it is
also evident from reason itself, so that one must needs be blind
who does not perceive its truth. This, however, applies only to
those persons who cuipably and wilfully adhere to heresy, or
schism, or infidelity, but by no means to those who have been
imbued with errors and prejudices from their earliest years, and
to whom not even a doubt occurs that they are involved in heresy
or schism, or who, if any doubt arises in their minds, earnestly
and sincerely seek after the truth; such persons we leave to the
judgment of God, to whom it belongs to penetrate and search
the thoughts and dispositions of hearts. For it is incompatible
with the divine goodness and clemency that any one should suffer
eternal torments who is not guilty of a wilful transgression. To
assert the contrary would be against the express doctrine of the
Church.
"Let us hear St. Augustine: 'We must not,' says he, 'class
among heretics those persons who, without wilful obstinacy, main-
tain a false and perverse doctrine, especially if it is not the off-
spring of their bold presumption, but a legacy from their deceived
and mistaken parents, and who search after the truth with earnest
care, being disposed to renounce their error as soon as they are
apprised of it.' — Epist. 43, Edit. Benedict, alias 162. A long lis*
of other Fathers might be cited who are of the same opinion. ... It
follows from what has been said that every one is bound, to the
best of his power, to consider the doubts which sometimes occur
38
Profession of Faith for Converts.
on earth by Jesus Christ, to which I submit myself with
my whole heart. I believe all the articles that she pro-
poses to my belief, and I reject and condemn all that she
rejects and condemns, and I am ready to observe all that
she commands me. And especially, I profess that I
believe :
One only God in three divine Persons, distinct from,
and equal to, each other — that is to say, the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Ghost:
The Catholic doctrine of the Incarnation, Passion,
Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ: and
the personal union of the two natures, the divine and the
human ; the divine maternity of the most holy Mary, to-
gether with her most spotless virginity;
The true, real, and substantial presence of the body
and blood, together with the soul and divinity of Our
Lord Jesus Christ, in the Most Holy Sacrament of the
Eucharist ;
The seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ for
the salvation of mankind; that is to say, Baptism, Con-
firmation, Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Order,
Matrimony;
Purgatory, the resurrection of the dead, everlasting life;
The Primacy, not only of honor, but also of jurisdic-
tion of the Roman Pontiff, successor of St. Peter, Prince
of the Apostles, Vicar of Jesus Christ;
The veneration of the saints, and of their images ;
The authority of the apostolic and ecclesiastical tra-
ditions, and of the Holy Scriptures, which wre must inter-
pret, and understand only in the sense which our holy
Mother the Catholic Church has held, and does hold;
And everything else that has been defined, and declared
by the sacred Canons, and by the General Councils, and
to him, and to investigate the truth, and when he has found it, to
embrace it without delay; unless he wish to live under an habitual
and most grievous guilt, and, by deferring his conversion, expose
himself to a manifest danger of eternal damnation."
Profession of Faith for Converts.
39
particularly by the holy Council of Trent, and delivered,
denned, and declared by the General Council of the Vatp
can, especially concerning the Primacy of the Roman
Pontiff, and his infallible teaching authority.
With a sincere heart, therefore, and with unfeigned
faith, I detest and abjure every error, heresy, and sect
opposed to the said Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Roman
Church. So help me God, and these His holy Gospels,
which I touch with my hand.
prater*
16 He who prayeth shall certainly save his soul; he who
prayeth not shall certainly lose it"
HIS justly celebrated sentence of St. Alphonsus
Liguori, who may well be called the " Doctor of
Prayer/' finds a fitting place at the beginning of this
book of devotions for Religious. It was neither lightly
nor by chance that St. Alphonsus wrote these solemn
words. Their truth had been impressed upon his mind
during his long experience as a missionary priest, and in
confirmation of it many proofs from Holy Writ and from
tradition are adduced by the holy Doctor in his treatise
on prayer.
St. Alphonsus writes: " Prayer is a sure and indis-
pensable means of obtaining salvation and all the graces
leading thereto. Convinced as I am of the necessity of
prayer, I say that all books treating of spiritual subjects
all preachers in their sermons, all confessors in every
confession which they hear, should attach the greatest
importance to inculcating the necessity of constant
prayer on the minds of their readers and hearers, and
they should never tire of impressing it on them and of
repeating over and over again: Pray, pray always;
if you pray, you will certainly save your souls ; if you do
not pray, you will certainly lose them. It is true that
many excellent ways of persevering in the grace of God
may be recommended to souls; for instance, avoiding
occasions of sin, frequenting the sacraments, resisting
temptation, listening to sermons, meditating on the
40
Prayer.
41
eternal truths, etc., ail of which are most salutary prac-
tices, as every one must admit; but, I ask, of what good
are sermons, meditations, and the other means suggested
by the masters of the spiritual life, without prayer? since
Our Lord has declared that He will only grant His grace
to those who pray for it: 4 Ask and ye shall receive' (John
^vi. 24) . According to the ordinary course of Providence,
all our meditations, resolutions, promises are useless with-
out prayer; if we do not pray, we shall always be faith-
less to the lights we have received from God and to the
resolutions we have taken. Because, in order to do right,
to overcome temptation, to practise virtue, to observe
God's law, it is not sufficient to have received divine
lights, to have meditated, and to have taken firm reso-
lutions. God's actual help is also necessary. Now, this
actual help is only granted by Our Lord to those who
pray perseveringly for it. The lights we receive, and
the earnest consideration and firm resolutions which we
make, have the effect of inciting us to have recourse to
prayer in the time of temptation and when in danger of
offending God: by prayer we obtain the divine help
necessary for keeping us from sin, and if, under these
circumstances, we were to neglect praying, we should
undoubtedly be lost.
" The texts of Scripture which prove the necessity we
are under of praying, if we wish to be saved, are extremely
clear: • We ought always to pray ' (Luke xviii. 1). ' Watch
ye, and pray that ye enter not into temptation ' (Matt,
xxvi. 41). 6 Ask, and it shall be given you' (Matt,
vii. 7);
" Theologians are of opinion that this way of speaking
imposes the precept and denotes the necessity of prayer.
Hence the learned Lessius asserts that it can not be denied,
without sinning against faith, that for adults prayer is
necessary to salvation.
" The reason of this is that, without the help of grace,
we can do nothing good. ' Without Me,' says Jesus Christ
42
Prayer.
i you can do nothing ' (John xv. 5) . St. Augustine remarks
on this subject that Our Saviour did not say, You can
complete nothing without Me; but, You can do nothing.
This truth was proclaimed at the second Council of
Orange, when it was denned that man does no good thing
except what God enables him to do by the operations of
His grace. Man is therefore quite unable to work out
his own salvation unassisted, since it is God's will that all
he has or can have should come to him by the help of
grace. Now, this grace God only grants, in the ordinary
course of His providence, to those who pray for it. Ac-
cording to the maxim laid down by Gennadius, ' No man
can attain salvation without the help of God ; no man can
obtain this help except by prayer.' This does not mean,
says St. Thomas, that it is necessary for us to pray in
order that God may know of what we stand in need;
but that we must pray in order that we ourselves may
understand our need of having recourse to God to obtain
the aid necessary for our salvation, and may thus acknowl-
edge Him as the only author of all our good."
NECESSITY OF PRAYER.
E ought aiways to pray, and not to faint. — Luke
xviii. 1. Watch ye, and pray, that ye enter not
into temptation. — Matt. xxvi. 41. Ask and it shall be
given you. — Ibid. vii. 7. Without Me you can do noth-
ing.— John xv. 5. Not that we are sufficient to think
anything of ourselves as of ourselves, but our sufficiency
is from God. — 2 Cor. iii. 5. God bestows some favors
without prayer, such as the beginning of faith; others,
such as perseverance, are granted only to those who
pray. — St. Augustine. To enter heaven, continual
prayer is necessary after baptism; for although all sins
are remitted by that sacrament, there still remain concu-
piscence to assail us from within, and the world and the
devil to attack us from without. — St. Thomas. All the
Prayer.
43
graces, which God hath prepared for us from all eternity,
will be granted only to prayer. — St. Thomas. God
wishes to give, but He gives only to those who ask. — St.
Augustine. To prayer may be traced the beginning,
the progress, and the perfection of all virtues. — St.
Charles Borromeo. Who are we, or what is our strength,
that we should be able to resist so. many temptations?
God certainly wished, that we, seeing that we are defi-
cient, and that out of Him there is no assistance for us,
should, with all humility, have recourse to His mercy.—
St. Bernard.
EFFICACY OF PRAYER.
*7T*SK, and it shall be given unto you: seek, and you
*Jr*-% shall find: knock, and it shall be opened to you.
— Matt. vii. 7. How much more will your Father, Who
is in heaven, give good things to them that ask Him? —
Ibid. vii. 1 1 . For every one that asketh, receiveth ; and he
that seeketh, findeth. — Ibid. vii. 8. If you shall ask Me
anything in My name; that will I do. — John xiv. 14. You
shall ask whatever you will, and it shall be done unto you.
— John xv. 7. Amen, Amen, I say to you, if you ask
the Father anything in My name, He will give it you. —
Ibid. xvi. 23. — I can do all things in Him Who strength-
eneth me. — Phil. iv. 13. The Lord is nigh unto all them
that call upon Plim; to all that call upon Him in truth.
He will do the will of them that fear Him, and He will
hear their prayer and save them. — Ps. cxliv. 18, 19. By
prayer is obtained the possession of every good, and de-
liverance from every evil. — St. Bona venture.
CONDITIONS OF PRAYER.
^1 HE most necessary conditions of prayer, are humility,
confidence, and perseverance. — St. Liguori. He
hath regard to the praver of the humble. — Ps. ci. 18
44
Prayer,
God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
— St. James iv. 6. The prayer of him that humbleth
himself shall pierce the clouds; . . . and he will not
depart till the Most High behold. — Ecclus. xxxv. 21.
A contrite and humble heart, O God, Thou wilt not de -
spise.— Ps. 1. 19. Thou Who savest them that trust in
Thee. — Ibid. xvi. 7. Because he hath hoped in Me, ... I
will deliver him and I will glorify him. — Ibid. xc. 14, 15.
But they that hope in the Lord, shall renew their strength.
— Isaias xl. 31. No one hath hoped in the Lord, and hath
been confounded. — Ecclus. ii. 11. They that trust in
the Lord, shall be as Mount Sion. — Ps. cxxiv. 1. Let
Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped "in
Thee. — Ps. xxxii. 22. He that wavereth is like a wave of
the sea, which is moved and carried about by the wind.
Therefore, let not that man think that he shall receive
anything of the Lord. — St. James i. 6, 7. Go; and as
thou hast believed, so be it done to thee. — Matt. vih. 13.
All things whatsoever you ask, when ye pray, believe that
you shall receive; and they shall come unto you. —
Mark xi. 24. God protects and saves all who confide in
Him. — St. Liguori. They that hope in the Lord shall
lay aside their weakness, and put on the strength of God ;
they shall not faint, nor even be fatigued, in treading the
rugged ways of salvation. — Ibid. Thou, O Lord, dost
not pour the oil of mercy, unless into vessels of confi-
dence.— St. Bernard. The prayer of the just man is the
key of heaven; his petition ascends, and God's mercy
descends. — St. Augustine. Trusting in the divine prom-
ises^ let us ever pray with confidence, not wavering
but strong and firm. — St. Liguori. To obtain final
perseverance, we must continue to pray to the end of
our lives. If, by our negligence, we break the chain of
our prayers, the chain of graces, on which our salvation
depends, will also be broken. — Ibid. Oh, how the con-
stant application to God by prayer, and the confident
expectation of receiving from Him the graces we stand
For What and for Whom We Should Pray. 45
in need of, enkindle in us the fire of divine love, and
unite us to the divinity! — Ibid. We must continue to
pray until we receive the sentence of eternal salvation. —
Ibid.
All our petitions should be made through Our Lord
Jesus Christ. Ask in the name of Jesus Christ, through
His merits, and in virtue of His divine promises.
fov Mbat an& for Mbom WLc Sboulfc
BT. ALPHONSUS LIGUORI insists repeatedly that
in all our devotions, at Mass, at holy communion,
in all our visits to the Blessed Sacrament, we should
pray for these four graces for ourselves, viz.: the for-
giveness of our sins, the love of God, the love of prayer,
and final perseverance. When these graces are secured,
our salvation is assured.
Furthermore, Religious should, in all their prayers
and good works, unite themselves intimately with our
holy Mother the Church, in her three intentions:
1. To glorify God; to venerate the Blessed Virgin
Mary, the angels and the saints; the Church trium-
phant.
2. To provide for the spiritual and temporal necessi-
ties of the children of the Church militant. ;
3 . To procure the deliverance of the holy souls in pur-
gatory, that is, to aid the Church suffering.
The Morning Offering of the Apostleship of Prayer is
very efficacious.
" O my God, I offer Thee my prayers, works, and suffer-
ings this day in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, for
the intentions for which He pleads and offers Himself in
holy Mass, iri thanksgiving for Thy favors, in reparation
for our offences, and for the petitions of all our Assoc)
ates."
46 For What and for Whom We Should Pray .
Religious should say the beads, hear Mass, and offer
holy communion frequently for our holy Mother the
Church, for our holy Father the Pope, for bishops
priests, and superiors, for the needs of our country,
for universal peace, for the conversion of sinners, and
all those who do not belong to the one fold of Christ;
and last, but not least, for the holy, suffering souls in
purgatory.
Father Girardey, dwelling on the subject of prayer,
writes :
"In praying for temporal favors for ourselves, we can
claim unconditionally only the necessaries of life, for in
the Our Father 'our daily bread' is equivalent to the
necessaries of life, but does not include its superfluities
or luxuries; and the words 'deliver us from evir do not
necessarily include, as we have seen, deliverance from
physical evils, for the evil here meant is sin and all that
leads to sin. We have no reason to hope that God will
hear our prayers for those temporal favors that may prove
hurtful to our salvation, or that He will exempt us from
certain corporal pains and trials, if such an exemption
would lead us to sin or endanger our salvation. The
granting of such prayers would be, not a favor, but a
terrible punishment. We should, then, ask for temporal
favors conditionally —that is, under the condition that
they may promote our salvation, or at least not hinder it.
We ought never to lose sight of this saying of our loving
Redeemer: 'What doth it profit a man, if he gain the
whole world, and suffer the loss of his own soul ? \ (Mate,
xvi. 26.)
"Let us not be so solicitous for temporal favors, which,
after all, may, as we have seen, prove hurtful to our soul,
but let us rather pray for what is conducive to our eterna*
welfare. When we pray for temporals, and God, in Hit*
mercy, refuses them to us, it is because they would prove
hurtful to us. 'But/ says St. Gregory of Nazianzen, 'he
who asks God for a real favor (that is, for a favor that is
For Whai and for Whom We Should Pray, 47
necessary or useful for his salvation), obtains it, for God
is bountiful and generous, and readily bestows His gifts/
1 When you pray/ says St. Ambrose, 1 ask for great things;
ask not for what is transitory, but for what is eternal/
'We should pray/ says St. x\ugustine, 'in the name and
through the. merits of Jesus Christ. When, however,
we pray for what is injurious to our soul, we do not pray
in the name of Our Redeemer. In praying for temporals
we should be moderate and timid, asking God to give
them to us provided they are really beneficial, and to
withhold them if they should prove* hurtful. Many,
when they pray, invoke God, but not as God, for the
object of their prayer is opposed to His glory and favor-
able to their passions. They seem ta consider God as a
mere servant of themselves and of their passions, such as
pride, covetousness, and lust. Let us pray, not for tem-
porals, but for heavenly glory and the means of attaining
it. The most precious and excellent of temporal things
are but insignificant trifles in comparison to what is
eternal.'
"Rohrbacher relates in his ■ Church History5 that
among the pilgrims who flocked . to the tomb of St.
Thomas of Canterbury to seek favors through the saint's
intercession, there was a blind man who prayed so fer-
vently for the recovery of his lost sight that he was per-
fectly cured. After returning home, however, he began
to reflect that the restoration of his sight might, perhaps,
prove an obstacle to his salvation. He accordingly re-
turned to the tomb of the saint, and, after fervently
praying that were his sight ever to be injurious to his
soul he should again lose it, he became totally blind once
more. He acted most wisely, for it was much better for
him to be blind than run the risk of losing his soul. Un-
guarded looks are often the cause of grievous sin, as is
shown by the example of David and of many others.
"When our prayers for temporal favors, either for
ourselves or in behalf of others, are not granted, we should
48 For What and for Whom We Should Pray,
consider God's refusal a real benefit rather than a mis-
fortune. In beseeching God for temporals we should be
indifferent as to the result of our prayers, being equally
ready to accept a refusal or a favorable hearing from
Him. If such should be our dispositions, God, when
refusing our request, will not fail to compensate us by
bestowing on us more excellent favors which we do not
think of asking. 'In vain does a child cry for a sword
or a live coal/ remarks St John Chrysostom; 'his parents
justly refuse him what may prove very hurtful to him.
In like manner, God justly and kindly refuses us what is
injurious to us; but, in His goodness, He will give us
something better instead.' Let us in all our prayers aim
principally at the salvation of our soul, and we shall ob-
tain also temporal favors from God, according to this
saying of our loving Redeemer: 'Seek ye therefore first
the kingdom of God, and His justice: and all these
things shall be added unto you' (Matt. vi. 33).
"For whom should we pray? We should, first of all,
pray for ourselves, because our salvation is our first and
most important duty. Although, by the law of charity,
we are bound to pray for all men, there are, nevertheless,
some for whom we have a special obligation or special
reasons to pray. Children should daily pray for their
parents, parents for their children, members of the same
family and household or community for one another,
inferiors for their superiors, both ecclesiastical and civil,
and superiors for their inferiors. It is also incumbent
on us to pray for our benefactors, both spiritual and
temporal, for our relatives, for those who ask our prayers
and who pray for us, for our friends, and for our enemies
also, whosoever they may be or whatever evil they may
have done or may wish us. We ought, likewise, to pray
for the perseverance of the just and for the conversion of
sinners, of heretics, schismatics, Jews, and unbelievers.
It is a most praiseworthy custom to pray for the sick,
for those who are in their agony, for all who are in danger
A Talk about Prayer.
49
of death, or in danger of losing their innocence, and foi
all who are in distress, pain, trouble, or sorrow.
"It behooves us daily to remember in our prayers the
souls in purgatory, particularly the souls toward whom
we have some special obligation, e.g., the souls of our
parents, of our benefactors, of those who are suffering
on our account. We should endeavor to gain many
indulgences for their benefit. If, during our life, we
pray for them, God will, after our death, inspire com-
passionate souls to pray for us when we are in purga
tory, for, says our divine Saviour, 'with what measure
you mete, it shall be measured to you again' (Matt. vii.
H Ualfe about prater**
IN the first place, we will speak of the ways of making
vocal prayer. Besides the ordinary way we have of
reciting our vocal prayers, i.e., a simple repetition oj the
words, with a general attention to God and to the inten-
tion for which we are reciting them — there are two other
ways, highly recommended by the saints.
One is to recite the words of the prayer, say, of the
Our Father, very slowly and thoughtfully, attending to
the sense of the words, and pausing an instant after each
sentence or clause, in order to make the meaning of the
prayer our own. It is well to get into the habit, in fact,
when we are alone and have enough leisure, of saying
cur prayers slowly and thoughtfully, and with great
exterior and interior reverence, even though at times we
may find no devotion in considering the meaning of
every sentence, but only have in our souls a sense of the
presence of God. In that case it will be better simply
to recite the prayer slowly, and with quiet recollection
of the divine presence.
From Spencer's l,The Little Grain of Wheat,''
A Talk about Prayer.
The other way of reciting vocal prayers, particularly
the Our Father and the Hail Mary, is, in fact, a method
of turning vocal into mental prayer. It consists in not
merely reciting the prayer slowly, but resting at each
sentence or petition, and meditating upon what is there
said, or asked of God. It is the method St. Teresa
taught her nuns, and is a most profitable as well as an
easy way of meditating. Some people find it very diffi-
cult to make use of mental prayer by the ordinary
methods. They will not, perhaps, find this method so
difficult. We will give a rapid sketch of the manner of
meditating on the Our Father, and of some of the sub-
jects of meditation to be found in it. Those who are not
able to meditate by reasoning upon points, may find in
this method great help and encouragement.
Upon the very first words of this divine prayer of Our
Lord the soul may rest and find nourishment. It is not
necessary, having begun the first words of the prayer, to
go on and finish it; but if, during the whole time of
prayer, the soul rests upon these or any other words,
there let her stay as long as she is inclined. Afterwards,
if there is any more time, let her go on to the next sen-
tence or petition.
On the words, "Our Father," the soul may consider
what a great thing it is to be the son or daughter of such
a great Lord and Sovereign, and what it is to have such
a Father, Who is almighty, all-loving, all-good, able and
desirous to help and benefit His child to the uttermost.
Again, having such a Father in God, His only-begotten
Son is become our brother, in Whom we are all brethren ,
coheirs with Him, and brethren and fellow-citizens with
the saints and angels in heaven. And having such a
Father and such brethren, we should have very great
confidence that, if we are faithful children, all things will
cooperate together for our good, and heaven will be ours
hereafter; and any other such like thoughts that may
present themselves to our minds. Then we can raise
A Talk about Prayer.
5*
our souls ro God in acts of love, thanksgiving, filial fear.,
confidence, and joy, and spend thus as long a time as we;
desire before going on. And all this and much more on.
the first simple words, "Our Father."
Next come the words "Who art in Heaven." Our
Father is in heaven — therefore heaven is our country,
and the devout soul may make acts of desire and long-
ing for her heavenly home. Again, wherever God is, by
His grace and love, there is heaven. # His presence makes-
heaven. Now we know by divine faith that God is every-
where, and intimately present in all things and in all
places; therefore, He is present in our own souls; and
in a special manner, as He is more particularly present
to spiritual substances than to other things. He is
present there really and actually, at every moment, by
His essence and His power, and, let us humbly and con-
fidently trust, also by His grace and love. Therefore,
heaven is in our souls. Every time we say : " Our Father,
Who art in heaven," we can look at God continually
abiding in the very centre and essence of our souls, so
that He is not far off from us, nor must we go to the
heavens above to find Him, as St. Teresa says, but He
is very near to us, as near as our own souls to our own
bodies. And this all the time, at any and every moment;
and with the Father we have the Son and the Holy Ghost.
So there are the Three Persons of the Trinity, enacting
their wonderful relations one with another, working
Their mighty works, upholding the entire universe, all
within our own soul — wondrous thought! And since
Jesus Christ our Lord is God the Son, then Jesus our
Lord is present in our souls, making heaven there ; and,,
by a sort of spiritual concomitance, we can represent to-
ourselves His sacred humanity as present also, and His
blessed Mother, too, who is not separated from Him, and:
the saints and angels who constitute His court ; these also
we can represent to ourselves as present, though in a
spiritual sense and not with the same actuality that the
52
A Talk about Prayer.
Divinity is present. Since God then, and heaven, are
present in our souls, at all times and in all places, we
surely should have but little trouble in finding Him or in
speaking with Him in our thoughts, or in making Him
hear us: and this makes it very easy for us in time of
prayer to form acts of love, etc., and to converse with
Him. And not only in time of prayer, but at all times,
all we have to do is to look within, and God is really
and actually present. This should help us greatly to be
recollected everywhere, and we should endeavor, little
by little, to learn to keep up a continual conversation in
our souls v/ith God, Who is so much nearer to us than
our dearest friend can ever be. In this way we would
always be on our guard against offending one who in-
habits our very soul, and we would be habitually filled
with a hoiy filial fear and love. The heaven that is
within our souls by this divine presence will begin to
project itself ,upon our surroundings, and we will be
almost living in heaven, the world about us and our
lives becoming tinged with its light. Behold all there
is in the Our Father in this manner of prayer, before we
come to the first petition. And many other holy thoughts
with accompanying requests and acts of the will and
aspirations will present themselves to your minds, as
God the Holy Ghost within you may direct.
" Hallowed be Thy name." In this first petition we
address God as our Father and Lord ; and as His children
we pray, and ought greatly to desire, that our lives may
be sanctified, in order that we may live up to our holy
vocation as children of such a Father. L§t us, then,
while meditating on inis petition, greatly desire to be-
come holy, to become saints, as children of God ought
to be. Then we should make acts of self -contempt and
indignation against ourselves, because we are so unwor-
thy of such a high dignity, and are so full of sin and
ingratitude to so good a Father; and make acts of con-
trition for our sins, by which we have offended Him, and
\
A Talk about Prayer.
53
do continually o Tend Him. We should not be content
with this, but should grieve over all the sins, crimes,
sacrileges, and other evils that are continually being
cammitted by sinners, since by them God's name is not
hallowed, but dishonored and outraged. We should
offer up the most precious blood in satisfaction for all
these evils, together with the merits of the most blessed
Mother of God and of all the saints. Then we should
beg that God, for the honor of His holy name and for the
salvation of souls, would raise up great saints on the earth,
who are so much needed in these times of spiritual dark-
ness, these last days of the world, as very likely they are.
St. Teresa says, that the petition "Thy kingdom come"
follows very naturally from the preceding one, since a
father's kingdom belongs to his children. "Say, then/'
she continues, "to your heavenly Father: ' Since the
world, the devil, and the flesh reign upon earth, do Thou
reign over us as our King, and destroy in our souls these
kingdoms of avarice, pride, and sensuality.' " In this
petition we address Him as our King, and beg Him to
reign over us, and set up His kingdom in our souls. How
many aspirations may we not make to that effect, and
how much time may we not spend upon this petition'
But this is not all; for we beg and pray Him in this peti-
tion to establish His kingdom in other souls also, that
all men may love Him. And we also pray that the king-
doms of the world may recognize the principles of religion
and truth and justice, and the nations become truly
Christian. Also that God's kingdom, which is the
Catholic Church, may be triumphant in the world, the
Vicar of Christ delivered from his enemies, and all people
recognize the Catholic religion as the one true faith.
Thus we may make this petition a prayer' of intercession
for the whole world. Again we pray in this place that
God would give us His kingdom, that is, the kingdom of
heaven — thus praying for our everlasting salvation, and
that of our neighbor. And finally we pray for His second
^4
A Talk about Prayer.
coming, when "The kingdoms of the world shall become
the kingdom of the Lord and of His Christ, and He shall
reign forever and ever ; " when all wrongs shall be righted,
and all justice done, and the proud shall be cast down,
and the meek shall inherit the kingdom, and Satan and
his ministers shall be chained in everlasting darkness;
"when God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes;
and death shall be no more, nor mourning, nor crying,
nor any more sorrow, for the former things are passed
away." (Apoc. xxi. 4.) Behold all the matter of prayer
contained in this one petition. Well might we spend
upon it the whole time of our prayer.
Next follows the petition, "Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven." And here we speak to Our Lord as
to a spouse : for while respect and veneration are owed
to the name of Father, and between a king and his sub-
jects there is the interchange of commands and obedi-
ence, so, between two who are so closely united as two
spouses, there is an interchange of wills, each being
desirous to do the will of the other. For ail that one
has is the other's, and their affairs are in common. So
Our Lord makes all He has ours — and all He desires is
that we should make all that is ours His ; and when there
are common interests, there should be one will. He
desires us to give Him our will ; and when we have done
so, and sincerely desire and do His will, He, in return,
does our will, and all that we ask of Him He grants us;
so that, as St. Teresa says, Our Lord is pleased that thus
He and the faithful soul should command by turns, as it
were — the soul doing His will, and He doing hers. In
His kingdom in heaven His will is perfectly done; so it
is no more than right, if we desire His kingdom to be on
earth (as we have asked in the former petition), that His
will should be done in this kingdom as in the other.
Here, then, you can earnestly pray for this perfect con-
formity of your will with His will; in this conformity
consists all perfection.
A Talk about Prayer.
55
m the next petition we ask Him to " Give us this day
our daily bread." Those who have given themselves up
to God in an interior life, and have cast themselves upon
His providence, have no need to importune their divine
Master to give them their earthly bread for their bodily
support, for as they have forsaken the love of the world
for Him, He will provide for them, as He is in a manner
bound to do. So, in this petition, we beg for our spir-
itual necessities.
Pray here for all the graces you need, for strength to
support you in temptation, for light to know the will of
Our Lord, since we can not do His will, as we have asked
that it might be done, without the assistance and light
of the Holy Ghost. Also, when you are overburdened
with grief, or temptations, or other trials, it is right you
should pray for relief, as far as relief is needful for you ;
and in times of long-continued dryness, it is not wrong
for you humbly to ask a little of the bread of consolation,
if it be Our Lord's will. But this petition may, in a
special manner, be applied to the Blessed Sacrament, in
which Our Lord Himself becomes our daily or super-
substantial bread; and we can turn this clause into a
contemplation upon the real presence, and holy com-
munion.
As to the rest of the petitions of the Lord's Prayer,
what has already been said of the first four is sufficient
to show how the devout soul may occupy her time with
each of the others. It is enough to say that in the peti-
tion, " Forgive us our trespasses," special consideration
should be given to the second clause — "As we forgive
those who trespass against us." For here we can make
acts of patience under annoyances, of ready forgiveness
of all injuries, offer ourselves to be ill-treated, humiliated,
and insulted, and pray for the spirit of meekness. Here,
also, in this connection, we can bring in the sacred Pas-
sion of Our Lord, and consider the meekness and patient
love with which He endured many outrages; and so,
5&
A Talk about Prayer
thinking upon this petition can set us to meditating o*
the Passion of Christ. The next petition, "Lead us not
into temptation," refers especially to the temptations,
wiles, and machinations of the devil; and the last peti-
tion refers, not only to temporal and spiritual evils, from
which we ask to be delivered, but also to this life of exile,
from which the devout soul may beg to be set free, if it
be God's will, in order to enter upon the possession of
her heavenly kingdom, which is the kingdom of her
Spouse.
This method of prayer may be applied to the Hail
Mary, and, indeed, to any other prayer, though no prayer
will be found to contain so much as this divine prayer of
Our Lord. The Lord's Prayer, used in this manner,
may also be applied to any subject that you may take
up for meditation; as, if the meditation is on any particu-
lar virtue, this prayer may be made to refer to that virtue;
if on the nativity, our Father, King, and Spouse may be
represented as present in our souls as an infant, while we
use the different petitions, as above pointed out. If the
subject be the Passion, then we may represent Our Lord
present to our souls as suffering and abandoned by all,
and so on.
A few words about the ordinary method of medita-
tion. Though it is best for those who are accustomed
to meditate according to the usual formal method to
stick to the subject they have chosen, yet great latitude
should be allowed one's self as to the way of developing
the points, and full liberty also to stop upon any point,
or to dwell upon any affection that may arise, as long as
the soul is drawn to do so, or finds any satisfaction in it,
so that, if, during the whole time of meditation, you dc
not advance beyond the first point, the object of the medi-
tation will be gained; for the consideration of the sub-
ject and the reasoning over the points are designed to
rouse affections and movements of the will towards God,
and when that happens, it would be a mistake to smother
A Talk about Prayer,
57
these ascensions of the heart and will toward God, in
order to go on and begin to reason upon another point.
Indeed, if the soul is thus roused at the commencement,
when the picture of the mystery is proposed to the imag-
ination, she should stop there, until her affections begin
to flag, when she can go on further. You need have no
fear of being unfaithful by following this rule.
Another thing. Sometimes it so happens that both
the imagination and reason seem to be paralyzed, so
that after faithfully trying to begin and go on with the
meditation for a little while, the soul finds itself so stupid
and dull, as to be able to imagine or reason upon noth-
ing. Let her not be discouraged. Let her make simple
acts of the will, however hard and dry they may seem to
be. Let her spend the time saying to God such things
as, "O my God, I love you. O my God, I offer my
mind and body to you; take me. O my God, I give my
will up to your will — I submit to this dryness and dulness "
— and other such simple, dry acts. There may be no
sensible fervor in them, they may seem to the soul per-
fectly stupid: yet such acts of the will, done, at the same
time, with great calmness and interior stillness, without
hurry or anxiety, will be of the greatest value to the soul
in the eyes of God. You will make more progress dur-
ing that hour, than in many others when the reason was
bright and the affections came gushing forth like a foun-
tain. But perhaps the heart may be so dull that even
these simple acts can not be made without turmoil and
disturbance of mind. In that case, remain quietly before
God in perfect calmness, submitting yourself to His will
in this. Occupy yourself simply in keeping peace.
Another thing is, to make all your spiritual exercises,
daily or otherwise, whatever manner of prayer you may
be using, with the greatest peace, calmness, and still-
ness of heart. There is nothing worse in prayer than
anxiety, fear, fretfulness, hurry, over-eagerness to do it
right, or anv overstraining of the soul. All should be
58
Vocal Prayer.
done with the greatest calmness, stillness, peace, and
tranquillity possible. The loss of that interior calmness
disturbs recollection, distracts the attention, and hinders
the workings of the Holy Spirit. So that, if your tran-
quillity is disturbed, you must endeavor by all means tc
restore it before you go further, even though the whole
time of your prayer be occupied in doing this.
Another way of practising interior prayer is to tak*j
some devout book, read a little in it, and then reflect upon
what has been read, and make acts of the will and affec-
tions upon it. When the mind grows a little wear)'
take the book up again, and read a little more, and so on,
The same can be done with any vocal prayer, as explained
above. In this way we turn vocal prayer into mental.
When the time for ending the meditation is come, it
should not be prolonged because the soul is dissatisfied
with its success. That would bring on weariness and
scruples. When something happens that the prayer
must be curtailed or even omitted, let it be done with
liberty and without scruple; only not out of a spirit of
sloth or disgust. For the rest of your time, endeavor to
keep quietly and gently recollected in God.
OCAL prayer is prayer recited with the lips, and
* usually according to some certain formula. Al-
though in itself vocal prayer is not so excellent as mental
prayer, we should, nevertheless, beware of underrating
its usefulness or necessity. All true Christians fre-
quently recite vocal prayers, such as the Our Father,
the Hail Mary, the Apostles' Creed, the acts of faith-
hope, charity, and contrition. The Church prescribes
vocal prayer very strictly to her priests and her Religious
IDocal fl>raser\*
* From Father Girardey's "Instructions on Prayer."
Vocal Prayer.
59
tiie Mass, in the liturgy, and in the divine office. She
has enriched many vocal prayers with numerous indul-
gences, and has approved of many prayer-books filled
with prayers suited to every want and devotion. Vocal
prayer, then, is both useful and necessary for all men
without exception — even for those who are soaring in
the heights of contemplation. In reciting vocal prayers,
we should strive to attend to the meaning of the words,
appropriating it to ourselves with all possible fervor and
earnestness. A few short vocal prayers well said are far
more acceptable to God than a great many long ones
recited without attention or fervor.
One of the best forms of vocal prayer is the frequent
recitation during the day of some favorite aspiration or
ejaculatory prayer, especially if we do so in time of trial
and temptation. This commendable practice gradually
imparts a habit of recollection, and renders all other
prayers comparatively easy and free from distraction.
We should, as far as practicable, prefer reciting those
vocal prayers which the Church has enriched with indul-
gences, for we thereby gain a twofold advantage — the
benefit of the beautiful and devout prayers themselves,
and the indulgences, which help us to acquit ourselves
of the great temporal debt which we have contracted
towards the divine justice on account of our numerous
sins. Or we may also apply said indulgences, when so
applicable, to the souls in purgatory, who will be relieved
thereby and will not fail to intercede for us in our wants.
It would be well to join, to a certain extent, mental
prayer with our vocal prayers, for the merit of the latter
would be thereby greatly increased. We may do so in
this wise. During the recitation of our vocal prayers
we pause at short intervals to reflect either on their mean-
ing or on some supernatural truth; or, without at all
pausing, we reflect thereon while actually pronouncing
the prayers with our lips. The rosary is the most com-
mon and readily understood example of this manner of
6o
Menial Prayer 0
praying. While we are reciting the Our Father and the
Hail Marys of each decade of the rosary, we meditate
or reflect on some mystery connected with the life of
Jesus Christ or of His blessed Mother.
It is also useful, in using the prayers of our prayer-
book, to read them slowly and deliberately, making in
the meantime practical reflections on their contents, or
pausing from time to time to meditate a little and apply
the words of the prayers to our own wants. If we accus-
tom ourselves to recite our vocal prayers in this way, we
shall not only make them our own and pray well, but
we shall also gradually acquire the habit of making
mental prayer, which tends to unite us more closely to
God, and, through the practical imitation of our divine
Saviour's virtues, to render us conformable to Him.
/IDental fl>raset\
'T^RAYER is called by St. Gregory Nazianzen a
'-JL- conference, or conversation with God. St. John
Chrysostom speaks of prayer as a discourse with the
divine majesty. According to St. Augustine it is the
raising up of the soul to God. St. Francis de Sales de-
scribes it as a conversation of the soul with God, by which
we aspire to Him and breathe in Him, and He, in return,
inspires us and breathes on us.
Father Bertrand Wilberforce, in his tract on"Menta?
Prayer," writes:
All prayer is the speaking of the soul to God. This
may be done in three ways. For the prayer may be either
in thought only, unexpressed in any external way, or on
the other hand the secret thoughts and feelings of the soul
may be clothed in words; and these words, again, may
either be confined to a set form, or they may be words
of our own, unfettered by any form, and express ng the
emotions of our soul at the moment. In the first case
Mentai Prayer,
6l
our prayer will be purely mental; in the second, in which
we employ a set form of words, it will be vocal prayer ; in
the third case, where the prayer is chiefly in thought,
but these thoughts are allowed to break forth into words
in any way that at the moment seem best to express the
feelings of the soul, it is a mixture of mental and vocal
prayer, but as the words are spontaneous and not in any
prescribed form, it may justly be considered as mental
prayer.
In an audience with the Pope, we might read a written
address to his Holiness, or we might trust to the words
that might occur at the moment, to express what we de-
sired to convey to his mind. But if God were to enable
the Pope to read the thoughts ot our mind, we might
then simply stand silent in his presence, and he would
see all that we wanted to express. The formal address
would be vocal prayer, the silent standing before his
throne would be purely mental prayer, the conversa-
tion with unprepared words would be a mixture of the
two, and might be called mental prayer in a more gen-
eral and extended sense. God knows our secret thoughts
more clearly than we can express them, more certainly
than we ourselves can know them, and words therefore
are not necessary in our intercourse with Him, though
often a considerable help to us.
A set form of words spoken, or read, can not be called
prayer at all, unless the mind intends it as prayer, and
gives some kind of spiritual attention, either to the actual
sense of the words themselves, or to God Himself while
they are being uttered. Shakespeare spoke as a theo-
logian when, in Hamlet, he put into the mouth of the king?
who asked for pardon without repentance:
My words go up, my thoughts remain below,
Words without thoughts never to heaven go.
God condemned the merely material homage of the
Jews by declaring, "This people honoreth Me with their
62
Jfental Prayer.
lips, but their heart is far from Me." All prayer, there-
fore, of whatever kind, must be "'in spirit and in truth''
(John iv. 23), but vocal prayer is confined to a prescribed
form of words, whereas mental prayer is the spontaneous
utterance of the soul either with or without words. When
St. Francis said an Our Father, or recited his office, he
used vocal prayer; when he knelt before God without a
word his prayer was purely mental; when he spent the
whole night in saying "My God and my all," his mental
prayer was mingled with words which expressed the burn-
ing love of his seraphic soul.
St. Alphonsus says, "He who neglects meditation (a
part of mental prayer), and is distracted by the affairs of
the world, will not know his spiritual wants, the dangers
to which his salvation is exposed, the means he ought to
take to conquer temptations, and will forget the necessity
of the prayer of petition for all men; thus he will not ask
for what is necessary, and by not asking God's grace, he
will certainly lose his soul."
In the same way St. Teresa asks: "How can charity
last, unless God gives perseverance ? How will the Lord
gives us perseverance if we neglect to ask Him for it?
And how shall we ask it without mental prayer ? With-
out mental prayer there is not the communication with
God, which is necessary for the preservation of virtue."
The holy Doctors agree that those who persevere in
mental prayer will live in God's grace. The following
Words are the deliberate sentence of the holy Doctor St.
Alphonsus, the conclusion gathered from his vast learn-
ing and experience: "Many say the Rosary, the Office
of Our Lady, and perform other acts of devotion, but
they still continue in sin. But it is impossible for him
who perseveres in mental prayer to continue in sin; he wife
either give up mental prayer, or renounce sin. Mental
prayer and sin can not exist together. And this we see
by experience ; they who make mental prayer, rarely fall
into mortal sin: and should they have the misery of fall-
Is Mental Prayer Easy?
63
ing into sin, by persevering in mental prayer, they see
their misery, and return to God. Let a soul, says St.
Teresa, be ever so negligent, if she perseveres in mental
prayer, the Lord will bring her back to the haven of sal-
vation."
If this were merely the opinion of St. Alphonsus him-
self it would be of immense weight, considering his re-
splendent sanctity, his vast spiritual learning, and the
varied experience of his long and active life, but besides
this the holy Doctor is here only summing up, in one sen-
tence, the teaching and experience of all the doctors,
saints, writers, preachers, and confessors of the whole
Church since the beginning. What stronger argument
could be used to prove the importance and necessity of
mental prayer?
Us /IDental prater ]£as£?
*~z~X NY one who has a real desire to be saved, and who
believes that the opinion of St. Alphonsus, and
all other spiritual teachers, that mortal sin and mental
prayer can not live together, but are mutually destruc-
tive, is really true, must feel a desire to adopt so certain
a means of salvation. But many are faint-hearted, and
dread the little difficulty they feel in beginning a new
exercise, and many more lack the courage and self-denial
necessary to continue in it after the novelty has worn
away, and the yoke of perseverance begins to gall. Blessed
are they who courageously persevere, for their salvation
is secure!
Those who find it difficult to begin, or are tempted to
abandon this powerful means of salvation, must pluck
up heart, and encourage themselves by remembering
that mental prayer requires no learning, no special power
of mind, no extraordinary grace, but only a resolute will
and a desire to please God. In fact the hard matter is
64
Is Menial Prayer Easy ?
to convince people how easy and simple a matter menta:
prayer really is, and how the difficulty is far more imag-
inary than real. This difficulty often rises from not hav-
ing grasped the true idea of what is meant by mental
prayer, and the false idea of the exercise once formed, is
often never corrected, the consequence being that the
practice is either abandoned in disgust, or persevered in
with extreme repugnance, and little fruit.
One common cause of misunderstanding, perhaps the
most common of all, is the custom of calling the whole
exercise by the name of one subordinate and not most
important part, that is meditation. From this, the idea
arises that it is a prolonged spiritual study, drawn out at
length with many divisions and much complicated process,
and this notion frightens many good souls, and makes
mem fall back on vocal prayer alone. They imagine
that the soul must preach a discourse to itself, and they
feel no talent for preaching. Many, if they spoke their
minds clearly, would say, "I can not meditate, but if I
might be allowed to pray during that time instead, I
could do very well!" This is no imaginary case, as any
one who has had any experience will testify, and this
miserable misunderstanding that so often holds souls
back for years, is partly brought about by defective teach-
ing, but partly also by the name meditation being used,
instead of the more comprehensive one of mental prayer.
Mental prayer properly understood, will be found to
be easy and within the power of all who desire salvation.
Of course there are many degrees of prayer, and to pray
perfectly is no doubt a matter of great difficulty, but to
pray well and in a way very pleasing to God, and very
profitable to the soul, is an easy and simple matter. If
we remember how many thousands have excelled in
mental prayer though not even able to read, we shall see
that this holy exercise can not require any special power
of mind or any degree of culture. St. Isidore, a farm
laborer, is an example of a man utterly devoid of human
2s Mental Prayer Easy P
65
learning, but rising, by God's grace, to the sublimest
prayer.
In order to pray with' fruit and without distraction, it
is very useful and in most cases necessary, to spend some
time in meditation or pious thought on some definite
subject, and from this fact, as before stated, the whole
exercise is often called meditation, instead of mental
prayer. This often misleads people into imagining that
meditation, that is, the use of the intellect in thinking on
a holy subject, is the main end to be aimed at, whereas in
fact it is only a means to the end, which is prayer or con-
versation with God. Meditation furnishes us with the
matter for conversation, but it is not itself prayer at alL
When thinking and reflecting the soul speaks to itself,
reasons with itself; in prayer it speaks to God.
Meditation in its wide sense is any kind of attentive
and repeated thought upon any subject and with any
intention, but in the more restricted sense in which it is
understood as a part of mental prayer, it is, as St. Francis
de Sales puts it, "an attentive thought, voluntarily re-
peated or entertained in the mind, to excite the will to
holy and salutary reflections and resolutions/' It differs
from mere study in its object: we study to improve oui
minds and to store up information, we meditate to move
the will to pray and to embrace good. We study that wt
may know, we meditate that we may pray.
We must then use the mind in thus thinking or ponder
ing on a sacred subject for a few minutes, and in order tc
help the mind in this exercise, we must have some defi-
nite subject of thought upon which it is well to read either
a text of Holy Scripture or a few lines out of some othei
holy book. St. Teresa tells us that she thus helped her-
self with a book for seventeen years. By this short read-
ing, the mind is rendered attentive and is set on a train
of thought. Further to help the mind you can ask your-
self some such questions as the following; What does
this mean ? What lesson does it teach me ? What have
66
Is Mental Prayer Easy?
I done about this in the past ? What shall I now do, and
how?
Two remarks are here most important. The first is,
that care must be taken not to read too much, but to stop
when any thought strikes the mind. If the reading is
prolonged, if, for example, in a short prayer of half an
hour you were to read for ten minutes, the exercise would
be changed into spiritual reading. The second remark
is, that you must not be distressed if you find the mind
torpid, and if only one or two very simple thoughts pre-
sent themselves. It is by no means necessary to have
many thoughts, or to indulge in deep and well arranged
reflections. The object of mental prayer is not to preach
a well prepared and eloquent sermon to yourself: the
object is to pray. If one simple thought makes you pray,
why distress yourself because you have not other and
more elaborate thoughts? If you wanted to reach the
top of a roof you would not trouble yourself because your
ladder was a short one, provided it was long enough to
land you safely on the roof. The end is gained. If one
simple reflection enables you to pray, you would, in
reality, be merely distracting yourself from prayer in
order to occupy yourself with your own thoughts, if you
were to go on developing a lengthy train of thought.
This would be to mistake the means for the end, and
it is a very common mistake and the cause of great
discouragement. This mistake will be evident if you
remember that while you are following out a line of
thought, for instance, when you are answering the ques-
tions suggested above, you are conversing with your-
self.
It is plain therefore that as your object is to converse
with God, you should not remain too long in talking to
yourself, and that, therefore, if you feel a difficulty in
doing this, you need not be distressed. "The progress
of a soul/' says the enlightened St. Teresa, "does not
consist in thinking much of God, but in loving Him
Is Mental Prayer Easy P 67
ardently; and this love is gained by resolving to do a
great deal for Him."
I have said that misunderstanding this point is the
most fruitful source of discouragement, and one of the
commonest, reasons for abandoning mental prayer in
disgust, and the reason is, because very few people are
accustomed to prolonged or deep thought on any subject.
Few indeed are capable of it. If, therefore, they imagine
that prolonged, if not deep thought, is necessary for
mental prayer, they are in constant trouble and discour-
agement, which ends in their abandoning the whole exer-
cise in despair. "If I might only be allowed to pray,"
they will sigh to themselves, "how much easier it would
oe!"
Let such persons then clearly understand, that many
thoughts are not necessary, that their reflections need
not be deep and ought not, especially in a prayer of half
an hour, to be long, lest prayer should be neglected and
the exercise be changed into a study. "Meditation,"
says St. Alphonsus, "is the needle, which only passes
through that it may draw after it the golden, thread, which
is composed of affections, petitions, and resolutions."
The needle is only used in order to draw the thread after
it. If then you were to meditate for an hoar, and think
out a subject in all its details, but without constant acts
and petitions, you would be working hard with an un-
threaded needle.
Men's minds differ as much as their features, and some
men, especially those employed in very distracting duties,
need more thought before they can pray than others, but
many, especially women, will find that the effort, after
prolonged reflections, will generally defeat itself and end
in distraction.
As soon, therefore, as you feel an impulse to prav, give
way to it at once in the best way you can by acts and
petitions, in other words, begin your conversation with
God on the subject about which you have been think-
68
Is Mental Prayer Easy?
ing. Do not imagine, moreover, that it is necessary to
wait for a great fire to burn up in your soul, but cherish
the little spark that you have got. Above all, never give
<vay to the mistaken notion that you must restrain your
self from prayer in order to go through all the thoughts
suggested by your book, or because your prayer does
not appear to have a close connection with the subject
of your meditation. This would simply be to turn from
God to your own thoughts or to those of some other man.
To meditate means in general nothing else than to
reflect seriously on some subject. Meditation, as men-
tal prayer, is a serious reflection on some religious truth
or event, united with reference and application to our-
selves, in order thereby to excite in us certain pious sen-
timents— such as contrition, humility, faith, hope, charity,
etc. — and to move our will to form good resolutions con-
formable to these pious sentiments. Such an exercise
has naturally a beneficial influence on our soul and greatly
conduces to enlighten our mind and to move our will to
practise virtue.
" Meditation/' writes Madame Cecilia, in her admir-
able work "At the Feet of Jesus," " consists in occupying
ourselves mentally and prayerfully with some mystery of
the faith. We call to mind the chief facts, ponder over
them, and then stir up our will to regulate our conduct
in consequence. Hence, meditation is an exercise of
the faculties of our soul — memory, understanding, and
will. Soire persons are also aided by the imagination;
to others it is a hindrance. Do you complain that you
can not meditate? Well, let me ask you: Have you
ever received an affront that cut you to the quick ? Then,
perhaps, you did meditate; you thought over it for an
hour or more. Memory recalled the facts, imagination
supplied extra details and coloring, the intelligence dis-
cussed the motives, such as ingratitude, jealousy, pride;
it considered the baseness and the unexpectedness of the
insult; finally, the will took a firm resolution to avoid
Method of Meditation According to St. Ignatius. 69
that person. Now, what was all this but a meditation
in which you employed all the powers of your soul?
Moreover, it was probably made without a single dis-
traction, which is of very rare occurrence when we medi-
tate on a mystery of our holy faith.
"Unfortunately, the subject was not well chosen, but
at least it may help you to understand that you are ca-
pable of making a meditation. Suppose that, instead of
reflecting on a personal affront, you had chosen for sub-
ject the insults received by Our Lord at the court of
Herod. You pictured out the scene, recalled the facts,
pondered them o\~er, weighed the motives, and then
stirred up yourself to imitate your divine model. This
would have been an excellent meditation. Xow it is
true that the Holy Ghost is the great Master Who
teaches us how to pray, but this does not dispense us
from means which He has placed at our disposal, for
' God helps those who help themselves,' in this as in
temporal enterprises. The masters of the spiritual life
have traced out methods of mental prayer for their dis-
ciples. The one laid down by St. Ignatius, in his ' Spir-
itual Exercises/ is perhaps the best known."
It consists of three parts: (1) preparation, (2) medi
tation proper, (3) exercise of the affections. Each of
these parts is subdivided, and a few words on them
may be useful to the reader.
/IDetbofc of /IDe&ttatkm Bccor&ing to 5t,
Ignatius*
I. Preparation.
EAD over the subject of the meditation carefully.
This can be done the previous evening. Place
yourself in the presence of Gcd; stand (if convenient)
and reflect on the truth that God sees into your inmost
70 Method of Meditation According to St. Ignatius.
soul; kneel and make an act of faith and an act of adora-
tion with all the intensity of your inmost being.
As to the remote preparation: Having read the sub-
ject of the meditation over night, reflect what fruit you
may gather from it, considering the actual need of your
soul. When in bed, dwell on no thought which might
distract you from the subject of the meditation.
When you awake in the morning, after some appro-
priate ejaculatory prayers, and after offering to God your
heart and your actions, banish every other thought; re-
flect before Whom you are about to appear, and try to
excite in yourself some affection, analogous to the fruit
which you desire to gather from the meditation.
The acts of faith and adoration need not occupy much
time. They have for object to prepare you by devout
recollection to commune with God. They form the
immediate preparation, together with the preludes.
ist Prelude. — This is an exercise of the imagination
which you can omit if you do not find it helpful. Pic-
ture to yourself some scene connected with the mystery
which forms the subject of your meditation, i.e., form
your composition of place.
2d Prelude. — Ask for a grace in keeping with the
mystery on which you intend to meditate. Thus, if you
have chosen the Passion of Our Lord, pray for a deep
hatred of sin or perfect contrition.
II. The Meditation Proper.
Having called to mind very vividly, by acts of faith
and adoration, that you are in the presence of God;
having made your preparatory prayer; having formed
your composition of place, if desirable, by means of the
imagination, and having finished your preludes, you pro-
ceed to the meditation proper, namely, to the second
part.
Here we consider the subject carefully and devoutly.
If you have for subject some maxim of Our Lord, think
Method of Meditation According to St. Ignatius. 71
when, where, and why He uttered it. See what lesson
you can learn from it, and how far your conduct is at
variance with the precept. Take a practical resolution
to amend. Determine some definite act of virtue in
question. A vague purpose of amendment is useless.
In this part of the meditation, avoid spending all the
time in reflections, since they are a means, not an end.
Their great object is to stir' up your will to do some good
action, and to serve as solid foundation for your reso-
lutions. The most important part of meditation is the
exercise of the affections, and all the preceding steps
should lead up to this essential point.
As Father Chaignon, S.J., says in his " Sacerdotal
Meditations " Prayer is a gift of theSpirit of God ; it is
a science of which this Holy Spirit is the first, or rather
the only, veritable Master. Let us earnestly pray to Him
to grant us this gift, which shall be for us the channel of
the most precious graces. Let us learn of Him this
science, which is so important a part of the science of the
saints."
Domine, doce nos orare. (Luke i. 11.) He teaches it,
says St. Bernard, in acting upon our memory, our in-
tellect, and our will. Monet, et docet, et movet; monet
memoriam, docet rationem, movet voluntatem : sugge-
rendo, instruendo, afficiendo. (St. Bernard, Serm. de
Pent.). One could not have more clearly designated
the exercises of the three faculties, in which the method of
St. Ignatius precisely consists.
A. The Memory : Propose to yourself the whole sub-
ject of the meditation; place before yourself the whole
of the truth or mystery under consideration, as if you
were relating or describing it to another person very
clearly and briefly. An act of faith will help you.
B. The Intellect or Understanding : It first considers
the truth and then makes the application.
1. Consider what you have to believe, or do, with re-
spect to the truth which you have proposed to yourself:
72 Method of Meditation According to St. Ignatius.
what lesson for the amendment of your life you will fitvd
in this truth, or in this mystery. Search for it, and as
soon as you have arrested it, you will pass on to the con-
sideration of some motives, which may move your heart
and engage you to put it in practice.
2 . Examine also very carefully how much you. esteem
a truth so important for your salvation as that which
engages your attention; whether you are in the habit of
regulating your conduct by what it inculcates, or whether
you are negligent with regard to it. Admit your negli-
gence; acknowledge your faults. What is the cause of
your errors? What means will you employ to avoid
them?
C. The WUl :
1. Pious affections are aroused. These affections
differ as the subject varies, or in accordance with the
dispositions of the soul and the motions of the Holy Spirit
— confusion, shame, and contrition; distrust oj ourselves;
confidence in God; thanksgiving; offering of ourselves;
sacrifice of whatever obstructs or retards perfection; resig-
nation; abandonment to the will of God.
2. The will makes strong resolutions, with regard to
a certain virtue, for instance, humility, or, with regard
to certain occasions and certain means, tending to greatei
perfection.
3. You will make some colloquies, especially toward
the end of the meditation.
III. Colloquy.
This is a direct prayer; so make acts of faith, hope,
charity, etc., as they are suggested by the subject of your
meditation. This part of the meditation should occupy
perhaps one-fifth of the whole time alloted to the exercise.
The colloquy may also be called a familiar and re-
spectful address to God, in which we praise Him, thank
Him, beg His pardon, ask Him for some grace, some-
Method of Meditation According to St. Ignatius. 73
times as His child, sometimes as His servant or spouse.
In the colloquies we may also address ourselves to Jesus
Christ, the Blessed Virgin, or the saints.
Resolutions and Spiritual Bouquet after
Meditation.
Finish with the offering of resolutions. You can use
a set form, or your own words. Then, as a reminder of
your meditation, choose a " spiritual bouquet," that is,
some thought which bears on the subject and which
you can recall when tempted to break your resolution.
Finally, recite some vocal prayer] such as the Our
Father, Hail Mary, or the Anima Christi. This is a
brief exposition of the Ignatian method.
Remember that there are times of spiritual desolation,
when mental prayer or meditation is very difficult. This
is not a reason for neglecting or curtailing your medita-
tion. Try to fix your attention and say some vocal
prayers to obtain the grace you desire; humble yourself
before God; do not be discouraged. God asks for your
efforts; the success does not depend entirely on you.
When you find sufficient food for reflection and affec-
tions in one point, do not be in a hurry to pass on to the
next.
Do not adhere slavishly to the thoughts suggested in
the colloquies ; those that come to you naturally are far
more helpful. Speak to God with respectful familiarity.
In choosing your resolution, base it on some well
grounded motive; endeavor to foresee when and how
you can put it into practice.*
* Those who desire further information on this subject can
consult the "Method of Meditation" by Pere Roothan, S.J., or
any other similar work.
74 Outlines of the Sulpician Method of Meditation.
©utimes of tbe Sulpician flDetbofc of
/IDefutatkm.
Part I. — The Preparation.
1. Remote Preparation :
Detachment from sin.
Mortification of the passions.
Control of the interior and exterior senses.
2. Proximate Preparation :
On the preceding evening and in the morning tc
think over the subject of meditation, and, in particu-
lar:
(a) What we should consider in Our Lord;
(b) The motives proper to convince us;
(<r) The resolutions we should take.
To keep strict silence from the evening till the next
morning after prayer.
To go to prayer with gladness and humility.
3. Immediate Preparation :
To put one's self in the presence of God by acts of
faith and adoration.
To acknowledge one's self unworthy to appear
before God and to be suffered in His presence, mak-
ing acts of humility, contrition, and union with Our
Lord.
To acknowledge one's self incapable of praying,
on account of blindness of intellect and perverseness
of the will.
To invoke the Holy Ghost
Part II. — The Body of the Prayer.
First Point: Adoration.
To consider in Our Lord the subject proposed for
meditation — His sentiments, His words, His actions.
To discharge toward Him our duties of adoration,
admiration, praise, thanksgiving, love, and joy or
compassion.
/
Outlines of the Sulpician Method of Meditation. 75
Second Point : Communion.
Consideration of the motives leading to virtue and
withdrawing from vice; consideration of the circum-
stances of the mysteries.
Reflection on one's self, with sentiments of contri-
tion for the past, confusion for the present, and desire
for the future.
Petition, with humility, confidence, and persever-
ance.
Third Point: Cooperation.
To take resolutions — definite, present, efficacious.
To have great distrust in one's self.
To put entire confidence in Our Lord.
Part III. — The Conclusion.
To thank God for having suffered us in His presence
and for the graces He gave us during prayer.
To beg His pardon for the faults we may have com-
mitted during prayer.
To beg His blessing on our resolutions, the present day,
our life, and our death.
To place ourselves and the fruit of our prayer under the
protection of the Blessed Virgin.
To make the spiritual nosegay — "Sub tuum presi-
dium." uO Jesu, vivens in Maria."
Prayer: Sub Tuum Presidium.
Sub tuum presidium con- We fly to thy patronage,
fugimus, sancta Dei Genitrix; O holy Mother of God! de-
nostras deprecationes ne de- spise not our petitions in our
spicias in necessitatibus no- necessities, and deliver us
stris; sed a periculis cunctis from all dangers, O ever glori-
libera nos, semper virgo glori- ous and blessed Virgin,
osa et benedicta.
V. Dignare me laudare te, V. Make me worthy to
virgo sacrata. praise thee, holy Virgin.
R. Da mini virtutem con- R. Give me strength against
tra hostes tuos. thine enemies.
76 The Suipician Method of Menial Prayer.
V. Benedictus Deus in V. Blessed be God in His
Sanctis suis. saints.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Prayer: O Jesn, vivens in Maria.
O Jesu, vivens in Maria, O Jesus, living in Mar}',
veni et vive in famulis tuis, in come and live in Thy servants,
spiritu sanctitatis tuae, in pleni- in che spirit of Thy holiness, in
tudine virtutis tuae in veri- the fulness of Thy might, in
tate virtutum tuarum, in per- the truth of Thy virtues, in
fectione viarum tuarum, in the perfection of Thy ways, in
communione mysteriorum tuo- the communion of Thy mys-
rum, dominare omni ad versae teries; subdue every hostile
potestati, in spiritu tuo ad power, in Thy spirit, for the
gloriam patris. Amen. glory of the Father. Amen.
An indulgence of three hundred days, once a day. — Pius IX.,
Oct. 14, 1859.
lEjplanatton of tbe Sulptctan /n>etbot> of
/IDental B>ras>er.
J^HE Very Rev. A. Magnien, S.S., D.D., former
Superior of the Theological Seminary of St. Sul-
pice, Baltimore, in his introduction to Father Ha-
mon's "Meditations," writes:
This work is based upon the Method of Mental
Prayer, wThich is followed in all Suipician seminaries
and in many other religious communities throughout the
world. This method is extremely logical and as simple
as it is logical.
Many, however, have been trained in the Ignatian
method, and do not readily take to any other.
The Suipician method of meditation consists essen-
tially of three parts, the first of which is called the Prep-
aration, the second the Body of the Prayer, and the third
the Conclusion. We shall devote a few words to the
explanation of each. All spiritual writers presuppose
in those who practise meditation a preparation known as
~eniote. By the very nature of the case, the lives of those
The Sulpician Method of Menial Prayer. 77
who aim at perfection should be characterized by detach-
ment from worldly things as such, and by the spirit of
mortification. The method proper, then, opens with
ihe proximate preparation. This should be made on
the preceding evening and in the morning, continuing
until the moment we are ready to begin our prayer. In
its main outlines it is a summary of the whole Meditation,
and is so styled in Father Hamon's work. After dwell-
ing upon the goodness of God as evidenced in each par-
ticular subject, we consider what we ought to do for Him
in return, and what means it were best to adopt in view
of the desired end. The resolutions flow naturally from
these considerations, and are determined in their char-
acter by them.
We have now to deal with the Body of the Prayer,
which in Father Hamon's work falls under the title
Meditation for the Morning. In the first part, called
Adoration, we study the subject in our blessed Lord,
calling to mind His words, His actions, and the spirit of
His life. The mystery or virtue as seen in Him will in-
duce us to render to Him our duties of adoration, admi-
ration, praise, thanksgiving, love, joy, or compassion,
according to circumstances. The second part (including
points 1 and 2) supplies us with motives and means of
practising virtue, and suggests, in each case, that we
reflect upon our conduct in order to see whether, and to
what extent, we possess the particular virtue recommended.
Our neglect and consequent failure will inspire us with
sorrow for the past, confusion for the present, and desire
for the future. Recognizing that God only can give
effect to our desires, we earnestly implore Him to grant
us the virtue upon which we have been meditating.
That nothing may be wanting to success, we in the third
part of the Body of the Prayer make definite resolutions
for the present day, thus insuring our own cooperation.
What we have termed the Conclusion is made up of
acts in which we thank God for the graces which He has
\
78 Bishop Bellord's Summary of a Method of Meditation,
bestowed upon us during prayer, and beg His pardon
for any faults of which we may have been guilty whilst
holding commune with Him.
The Spiritual Nosegay is a text taken from the Sacred
Scriptures, or from the Fathers, or from the Office of
the Church, which both summarizes and suggests the
considerations and resolutions of the morning. Those
who desire more intimate acquaintance with this excel-
lent method will find an admirable exposition of its sev-
eral parts in Father Faber's treatises: " Growth in Holi-
ness' ' in the chapter on Prayer.
JBisbop Bellor&'s Summary of a flDetbofc of
/Ifoe&itatkm**
Remote Preparation.
1. Read the meditation over-night.
2. Review it at intervals till next morning.
3. Affections of love and joy up to the meditation.
Introduction.
1. Place yourself in the presence of God.
2. Act of humility: acknowledge your unworthiness*
3. Confess your incapacity: ask for aid.
The Meditation.
/. Adoration.
1. Contemplate the subject in God the Father, or in
Jesus Christ, with reference to His (i.) Disposi-
tions, (ii.) Words, (iii.) Actions.
2. Offer Him, with respect to the subject, (i.) Adora-
tion, (ii.) Admiration, (iii.) Praise, (iv.) Love,
(v.) Joy, (vi.) Gratitude.
II. Reflection.
Transfer to yourself what you have contemplated in
God, considering:
* Fiom Rt. Rev. James Bellord's " Outlines of Meditations.'
Bishop Bellord's Summary of a Method of Meditation. 79
1. What example, or warning, or knowledge, is to be
gathered with a view to your own case?
2. What are your past negligences, present deficiencies
future needs?
3. What grace do you require from God?
III. Action.
1. Petition.
(i.) Simple petition.
(ii.) With obsecration (through the merits of Christ
the Blessed Virgin, etc.).
(iii.) WTith thanksgiving,
(iv.) With intercession for others.
N.B. — Your petitions must be (i.) Humble; (ii.) Con-
fident; (iii.) Persevering.
2. Resolutions.
(i.) Let them be practical,
(ii.) For immediate use.
(iii.) Adapted to your special case,
(iv.) Efficacious.
3. Colloquies.
With God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Blessed
Virgin, your Guardian Angel, etc.
Conclusion.
1. Thanksgiving.
(i.) For admission to God's presence,
(ii.) For ability to pray,
(iii.) For lights received.
2. Contrition.
For faults committed, with a brief examination of
the meditation.
3. Oblation.
Offer the meditation to God by the hands of the
Blessed Virgin for the supplying of all defects.
4. Spiritual Bouquet.
Sum up the meditation in a maxim or ejaculation
to be recalled during the day,
8o Method of Particular Examination.
./H>etbot> of particular ]£jammation in
Striving after perfection*
HERE are two kinds of examination (or examen)—
general and particular. The object of the first is
to discover all the faults we have committed.
The second or particular examination has for its
object one single fault or bad habit, which we have re-
solved to correct.
It is made every day in the following manner:
1. In the morning, on rising, resolve to avoid this sin
or defect.
2. Toward noon, ask of God the grace to remembei
how often you have fallen into it, and to avoid it for the
future. Then examine, thinking over the time passed
since your rising, ascertaining the number of faults
committed, and marking them by so many points in
the first line of a table like the following:
Days of the Week.
ist j
day j s
2d [■ .
day \. _
3d f :
day |
4th j
day I .
5th j
day \
6th j
day I _
7* j
day ( I
This done, renew your resolutions for the rest of the day
2 he Subject-matter of the Particular Examen. 81
3, In the evening, after supper, or at nightfall, a new
examination like the first; marking the faults on the
second line for the day. -
Observations.
1. At each fault against the resolutions you have taken,
as soon as you recollect yourself, put your hand on your
heart and repent of your fall.
This can be done without being observed by any one.
2. At night, count the points of the two examinations,
and see if from the first to the second you have made any
amendment or progress.
3. Compare in the same way the day or the week,
which is ending, with the preceding day or week. The
lines of the record diminish in length, from the 1st to the
7th day, because it is reasonable to expect that the num-
ber of the faults should likewise diminish.
4. The subject of the particular examen should be
ordinarily the predominant pas sic j. — that is, the one
which is the source of the greater number of faults that
you commit, and which consequently is the great obstacle
to your sanctification.
5. This examination on the predominant passion
should be continued, until it is entirely overcome, or, at
least, notably weakened.
Ube Subject-matter of tbe particular
JEjamen**
HAT is the subject-matter of the Particular Ex
amination? According to St. Ignatius, it is "thk
particular sin or defect," that is, imperfection of any kind,
" of which one wishes to correct himself.' ' The same idea
*From " First Lessons in the Science of the Saints," by R. 1
Meyer, S.J.
82 The Subject-matter of the Particular Examen.
is conveyed by the words which the priest says at the
Offertory of the Mass, when he prays : " Accept, O holy
Father, almighty and everlasting God, this immaculate
victim which I, Thy unworthy servant, offer Thee for
my innumerable sins, and offences, and negligences."
Sins, in this connection, are faults properly so called-
in thought, word, deed, and omission— and into which we
frequently and deliberately fall. Offences are faults less
properly so called, which we are wont to commit through
human frailty and inadvertence, just as a traveller walk-
ing upon slippery ground is apt to fall, when he is ever
so little off his guard. Negligences are shortcomings
which can not properly be classed with sins of omission,
and which do not wholly vitiate our actions, but which
dim their lustre and mar their perfection. Such, for
example, are all those shortcomings, which result from
a lack of fervor, of a pure intention, of full correspond-
ence with the lights and graces vouchsafed us, and of
other qualities which ought to shine forth in our actions
and in our whole lives.
The Particular Examination, therefore, should be
directed: first, towards avoiding all deliberate sins;
secondly, towards diminishing the number of our lesser
offences, and, as far as possible, aroiding them; thirdly,
towards dimimshing the number of our negligences, and,
as far as possible, avoiding them. In all these cases, there
is question of amending some fault, whether it be a sin
strictly so called, or a want of perfect fidelity and cor-
respondence on our part. Hence St. Ignatius very
properly mentions only sins and defects, as the subject
matter of the Particular Examination of Conscience,
yet it is obvious, that we can not avoid those shortcom-
ings called negligences, except by the practice of the
missing virtue or perfection. For instance, if the negli-
gence consists in the lack of a pure intention in our
actions, the only way to correct it is to be careful in
future to have such an intention, and this implies posi-
The Subject -matter of the Particular Examen. 83
tive acts of virtue. In general, sins or evil habits may
be overcome, either directly by repressing them, or indi-
rectly by practising the contrary virtues. The former is
called the negative, and the latter the positive method.
Both methods are indicated by the author of the Imi-
tation, when he writes: "Two things particularly con-
duce to a great amendment; these are, forcibly to with-
draw one's self from that to which nature is viciously
inclined, and earnestly to labor for the good which one
wants the most."
But, whether we pursue the negative or the positive
method, it is essential to full success that the sub-
ject-matter be sharply defined. Not only must we aim
at the correction of our vice, or the acquisition of
one virtue at a time, but often we must subdivide the
matter into several parts, corresponding to the different
ways in which either the vice or the virtue shows itself.
For example, if we wish to apply our Particular Exam-
ination to rooting out pride and implanting humility
in our hearts, it is not sufficient to propose to ourselves
in general, not to take pride in anything and to humble
ourselves in everything. Thus proposed, the subject-
matter is altogether too comprehensive. For pride may
betray itself in ambitious thoughts, in boastful words, in
haughty deeds; humility, on the other hand, may mani-
fest itself in lowliness of spirit, in meekness of speech, in
modesty of demeanor. And each one of these subdi-
visions furnishes ample matter for the Particular Exam-
ination of Conscience.
So much being presupposed, we may ask: What
should we take as the subject of our Particular Exam-
ination? To this question no general answer can be
given. It is a matter which the advice of a prudent con-
fessor or director, aided by the self-knowledge derived
from prayer and especially from the General Examina-
tion, must determine for each one of us, according to
circumstances. However, as a guide for the confessor or
84 The Subject-matter o f the Particular Exam en.
director, as well as for the penitent, spiritual writers lay
down the following rules:
1. Strive to subdue your vice before you apply your-
self to the acquisition of virtue. "The husbandman
frees his field from briars, nettles, and noxious weeds,
before he scatters the good seed over it. In like manner,
he that tills the soil of his heart, should begin by rooting
up his vices, and then devote himself to cultivating the
virtues which will bear fruits of holiness, while at the
same time they will check the undergrowth of vice."
The first subject, therefore, of the Particular Examina-
tion should be deliberate sins. Until they have been
cleared away, we look in vain for a healthy growth of
virtues.
2. Correct your external faults before others which are
purely internal. The latter easily escape the scrutiny
of one who has little experience in the spiritual life. They
may not be voluntary, because not all our internal actions
are under the control of the will; and so it often happens
that the beginner is unable to tell how far, if at all, he is
to blame. Begin, therefore, with external actions, which
are more easily governed, and more readily recognized
as culpable, when they deviate from the laws of God and
of right reason. By thus regulating your external ac-
tions, you will gradually weaken the vices in which they
have their origin. For instance, if the high opinion
which vou have of yourself, shows itself in haughty or
boastful words, the effort to check them will make itself
felt in your heart, and will deaden the sentiment of ego-
tism which finds expression in them.
3. If you are subject to a variety of external faults,
try to free yourself first from such as are more likely to
give scandal or to detract from the esteem which a life
of virtue ought to inspire in others. For example, if
you are accustomed to speak hastily, thoughtlessly,
sharply, and thereby perhaps wound the feelings or in-
jure the reputation of your neighbor, reason and charily
The Subject-matter of the Particular Exam en. 85
require you to correct these defects before others which,
In themselves, may be far more serious.
4. Again, amend your deeds before your words; be-
cause, as St. Ignatius teaches in the General Examina-
tion of Conscience, sins of deed are more serious than
others, for a threefold reason: namely, "on account
of the greater length of time, the greater intensity of
the act, and the greater number scandalized or in-
jured. "
5. Beware, however, of being so intent on the correc-
tion of external faults, as to pass your whole life therein.
After all, it is not external propriety, but internal purity,
that we must propose to ourselves as our ultimate aim.
We are engaged in a conflict with vice, and vice is rooted
in the heart.
Find out, therefore, by means of the General Examina-
tion, what is the vice that has the upper hand in you ; in
other words, find out what is the chief disorder intro-
duced into the soul by your predominant passion. There
is your danger, there is the spot which your enemy will
attack, there is the traitor, ready to take sides with him
and to deliver you into his hands, there is the Goliath,
whose head you must cut off in order to free yourself
from the hands of the Philis tines.
If several vices or disorderly passions of different kinds
hold sway in your soul, see of what nature they are.
Some vices may be spiritual, because they seem, as it
were, to spring up from the soul itself. Such a vice is
pride, with all its varieties of vainglory, ambition, haughti-
ness, disdain, and the like. Other vices, on the contrary,
are wholly carnal, because they proceed more directly
from the sinful appetites of the body. Such a vice is
sensuality under all its forms of impurity, gluttony,
sloth, and so forth. These carnal vices, if not restrained,
are a source of great and imminent danger; and, there-
fore, a person who is molested by them should subdue
them before he undertakes the combat against spiritual
86 The Subject-matter of the Particular Examen.
vices, which may indeed inflict many slight wounds upoi*
the soul, but which do not easily kill it.
6. In case you are not troubled by any vice in par-
ticular, or have so far subdued them that your faults ai e
few and light, it is well for you to change from the nega-
tive method to the positive, and to take, as the subject
of your Particular Examination, the virtue which you
desire especially to acquire. For though, as already
stated, the immediate object of the Particular Examina-
tion is the correction of your faults, it is not well to spend
your whole time in this alone. He that is engaged in
weeding a garden, is well employed; but it does not fol-
low therefrom that he must never do anything else. On
the contrary, the object he should have in view in pulling
up the weeds, is to plant flowers in their place. In like
manner, wThen you spend your Particular Examination
in rooting up the vicious inclinations of your soul, you
should propose to yourself to plant the sweet-scented
flowers of virtue in their stead.
What should move you, above all, to adopt the positive
method, when your passions rarely rise in open or vio-
lent revolt against reason, is that otherwise you will
derive little or no profit from your Particular Examina-
tion. In fact, the occasions of combat being rare, you
are apt to forget the subject altogether and to imagine
that your enemies have surrendered when they have
only withdrawn into their stronghold. You fancy, for-
sooth, that you have subdued the passion of anger, be-
cause nothing has occurred to rufBe your temper. But
you are greatly deceived. It is not astonishing that the
sea is smooth wThen there is not a breath of air to dis-
turb the calm. Neither is it astonishing that you are
quiet, when there is not a living soul to arouse your
wrath. Your passions seem to be dead; but, in reality,
they are only asleep. Unless you strengthen and arm
yourself then, while they leave you a little respite, they
will assault you all the more violently, when they awake.
The Subject-matter of the Particular Exam en. 87
Instead, therefore, of laboring to correct a defect
which you seldom commit, aim at acquiring the oppo-
site perfection. Do you wish to guard against ever
treating others with naughtiness or contempt? Learn
to look upon yourself as the least of all ; and take, as the
subject of your Particular Examination, the practice of
humiliation. Do you wish to make sure of not repining
when adversity will come to try you? Endeavor to see
the hand of God in all the occurrences of life ; and take,
as the subject of your Particular Examination, the prac-
tice of perfect conformity to the divine will. Whatever
virtue you select, let it be genuine, solid, supernatural,
capable of bearing the stress of trying circumstances
and of being carried to the highest degree of perfection.
Let it be the virtue which is most opposed to your pre-
dominant passion, the virtue which you need most in
your present state and condition of life, or the virtue
which will unite you most closely to God, the source and
centre of all holiness and perfection.
Having thus determined the subject-matter, we per-
form the Particular Examination, together with the
General Examination, as an adjunct and auxiliary to it.
That we may do so with the best possible results, St.
Ignatius, who was the first to reduce the Particular
Examination to a systematic form and to promote its
practice throughout the world, gives us some valuable
directions. "The daily Particular Examination/ ' he
writes, "embraces three times and two siftings. The
first time is straightway in the morning on rising, when a
person resolves to guard diligently against the particular
sin or defect, which he desires to correct. The second
time is in the middle of the day, when, after begging
light to know how often he has offended Almighty God,
he begins the scrutiny of his conscience, as explained in
the General Examination, by first demanding an account
of his soul concerning the particular fault in question . . „
from the hour at which he rose down to the present,
88 The Subject-matter of the Particular Examen.
Then he marks in a book prepared for the purpose, how
many times he has fallen; and, when he makes the
act of contrition and purpose of amendment for his sins,
he includes, in an especial manner, the particular fault
in question.
"The third time is in the evening, when he makes a
second sifting in like manner ; and, after marking in his
book, how many times he has fallen, he again says an
act of contrition and resolves to be more on his guard in
future, especially against the particular fault in question."
These practices, and especially that of marking the
number of one's falls, will perhaps be looked upon by
some as childish minutiae, calculated only to hamper the
spirit. But they are not so regarded by those who are
experienced in the spiritual life. As a proof, it may
be allowed to refer, in passing, to two eminent ecclesi-
astics, now departed, who were well known to some
readers of these lines, and who were highly esteemed by
all that knew them for their sound, practical judgment,
no less than for their manly virtue. One of these spoke
of the little book of the Particular Examination, as the
pass-book, in which we daily note our current account
with heaven, and which, if faithfully kept to the last,
we may present with confidence at the judgment-seat of
God. The other, a much-beloved prelate, who had
resigned the dignity of office for the lowliness of a relig-
ious life, on perceiving that the hour for the usual exam-
ination of conscience had come, took leave of the friends
with whor^ he was conversing, and, drawing forth from
his pocket the booklet of his Particular Examination,
shook it playfully in their faces, with the remark: "Foi
me this is very necessary.'' These words, said with an
air and tone of earnest conviction, are quite as appli-
cable to all of us as to the speaker. Not that the success
of the Particular Examination depends essentially upon
recording, even to the last unit, the exact number of our
daily failings; but that neglect in marking with beconv
The Subject-matter of the Particular Examen. 89
ing diligence the result of the Examination, gradually
leads to forgetfulness, if not to complete disuse, of this;
Important exercise in a fervent Christian's life.
The object of this marking of our faults is to fix the
attention, and to prevent us from relaxing our efforts
during the course of the day. The same is true also of
other practices recommended by St. Ignatius, under
the head of "Four useful additions, for the easier and
quicker extirpation of any particular sin or defect. "
" The first is, that each time a person falls into that par-
ticular sin or defect, he lay his hand on his breast, and
grieve for his fault. This he can do even in the presence
of others, without their perceiving it."
" The second is, that at night, after making the second
scrutiny of his conscience, he compare it with the first,
and observe if any amendment has taken place."
"The third is, that he compare the examination of the
first and second day, and see if there has been any im-
provement.' 9
"The fourth is, that he compare one week with an-
other, and note if, in the present week, he has improved
on the preceding." Made in accordance with these
directions, the Particular Examination can not fail to
produce the happiest results. "It owes its great effi-
racy," writes an experienced director of souls, " to these
three things: first, it divides our enemies, and brings all
our forces to bear upon one of them at a time ; secondly,,
it attacks our disorders and sinful habits at the root;
thirdly, it keeps us at work all day and calls for the exer-
cise of every power of the soul." And thus it becomes,
the specific for inveterate and radical defects, which
resist all other means of self -reform.
Deep-seated and chronic evils, it is true, are not cured
speedily, nor by the ordinary remedies; but it is also
true, that no spiritual evils, however obstinate, can
resist the persevering efforts of a resolute will aided by
the grace of God. "Let no one then despair," says
90 The Subject-??iatter of the Particular Examen.
St. Basi], u because of his sinful inclination; rather, let
him bear in mind that, as skilful culture can change
the qualities of trees and shrubs, so zeal and industry in
the pursuit of virtue can check and correct all the vicious
affections of the soul."
In a similar manner, one of the ancient fathers of the
desert counselled and encouraged an anchoret, who had
grown so remiss in the discharge of all his spiritual duties,
that lukewarmness seemed to have become his norma]
condition; so much so that though moved to lead a life
more worthy of his calling, he thought his case too des-
perate to begin the work of self-reform. The venerable
patriarch, desiring to give additional force to his advice,
put it in the form of a parable, somewhat as follows: "A
certain man, having a field all overrun with thorns,
briars, and tares, told his son to stub and clear it. The
youth, therefore, set out one day to do the work assigned
him; but immediately upon beholding it, he lost heart,
threw himself upon the ground, and spent his time in sleep.
The next day he went out again, and did likewise.
Questioned at night how he was progressing, he frankly
confessed that he had not the courage to undertake what
appeared to him a hopeless task. Whereupon his good
father reproved him, saying: 'You do wrong, my son,
to look upon your work in the gross, as if you had
to do it all at once. Mark out for yourself, in the
morning, as much as you can easily do in a day, and
address yourself with a will to your appointed task.
Before long you will find that it is not so hopeless as you
now fancy to yourself.' The son followed his father's
advice, and full soon the whole field was cleared."
Let us all apply this parable to ourselves, and mark
out, every morning, a definite amount of work to do in
the field which our heavenly Father has given us to
cultivate. Let us daily clear away some of the thorns,
briars, and tares which overrun it and hinder the growth
of the good grain. In other words, let us make strenu-
The Spiritual Exercise, jf St. Ignatius. 91
ous and persevering efforts to free our souls from the sins,
offences, and negligences into which we are wont to fall,
and which we recognize as the greatest impediment in
the way of a Christian life.
With this object in view, let us diligently perform the
Particular Examination of Conscience. It is a most
efficacious means of self-amendment and spiritual prog-
ress. For it is a combat carried on against our faults,
until the vices from which they spring have been sub-
dued and replaced by the opposite virtues; and, as the
pious author of the Imitation assures us, "if every year
we rooted out one vice, we should soon be perfect men."
XTbe Spiritual ]£jercfees of St* flgnattus
arranges xn praters*
Contents.
1. Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
2. A Prayer of St. Ignatius to Our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Preparatory Prayer.
4. Prayer to obtain the grace of understanding the
true end of man.
5. Prayer to excite one's self to Repentance.
6. The Triple Colloquy.
7. Colloquy on God's Mercy.
8. Prayer to Jesus Christ that we may obey His call.
3. Prayer for aid in contemplating the scenes of the
Gospel.
10. Prayer to attain the three degrees of Humility.
11. Prayer on the Three Classes.
12. Prayer that we may be received under the Standard
of our divine King.
13. Prayer before Election.
14. Prayer in Desolation.
15. Prayer to unite ourselves with Christ's Sufferings.
9 2 The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
1 6. Prayer to Our Lord risen from the Dead.
17. Prayer to excite love for God.
PRAYER OF ST. IGNATIUS.
t^OUL of Christ, sanctify me;
*^ Body of Christ, save me;
Blood of Christ, inebriate me;
Water from the side of Christ, wash me;
Passion of Christ, strengthen me;
O good Jesus, hear me;
Within Thy wounds hide me ;
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee;
From the evil enemy defend me;
In the hour of my death call me,
And bid me come unto Thee,
That with all Thy saints I may praise Thee
For all eternity. Amen.
2.
A PRAYER OF ST. IGNATIUS TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
f~\ BELOVED Word of God, teach me to be generous,
to serve Thee with that perfection which Thy
majesty claims, to give without calculation, to fight with-
out heeding wounds, to labor without repose, to expend
myself in Thy service without thought of other reward
than that of knowing that I do Thy most holy will. Amen.
3-
PREPARATORY PRAYER.
l~\ LORD, it is for the purpose of conquering myself
that by Thy grace I have undertaken these holy
exercises. It is my rebel will that I desire to vanquish and
77ie Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
overcome, my unruly and disordered affections which I
desire to put in order, so. that my soul may be attentive
simply to the seeking and finding of Thy will, and to the
following of it alone, in the ordering and disposing of my
life.
Give me a generous heart, a heart truly liberal, which,
giving itself to Thee, may abandon itself without any
reservation to Thee, its Lord and Redeemer.
0 Lord, so great to all Thy servants, dispose of my life,
of my liberty, of all that surrounds me. O my Creator,
speak to Thy creature. Behold my soul before Thee:
my will is as a scale in a state of perfectly equal balance,
which shall only waver iu one side or the other when
Thou placest in it the weight of Thy will or wish. I
ignore all natural inclination; my will is suspended and
in a state of perfect indifference. I have but one will
and desire, to obey and please Thee. I promise Thee
fidelity to my exercises of piety, and to the full time of
meditation. I foresee the furious assaults of the devil,
but I am firmly resolved to yield nothing on this point to
his importunities.
1 promise Thee to exert my earnest efforts. It is for
me to exercise myself, and to labor, even at the cost of
suffering if necessary; to examine my soul and to rec-
tify its ways; to call on Thee, to listen to Thee, to obey
Thee.
I promise Thee to preserve silence ; not only shall my
lips remain silent, but my mind shall be drawn off from
the cares of life, from the agitations of the world, and
from all vanities. I know that this interior and exterior
solitude possesses great merit in Thy sight. But above
all it leaves me in greater liberty to find that which I so
ardently desire; it enables me to approach closely to
Thee, to lose none of Thy words, to be better disposed
for the receiving of the gifts of Thy divine and supreme
goodness.
94
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
4-
PRAYER TO OBTAIN THE GRACE OF UNDERSTANDING THE
TRUE END OF MAN.
AN was created for this end — to praise, reverence,
and serve the Lord his God, and by this means
to arrive at eternal salvation. All other beings or objects
placed around man on earth have been created for him,
to serve as means to assist him in the pursuit of the end
for which he was created.
We must, then, above all things, endeavor to establish
in ourselves a complete indifference with regard to all
created things, even those of which the use is not for-
bidden us; not preferring, as far as depends on us, health
to sickness, riches to poverty, honor to humiliation, a
long life to a short one; since good order requires that
we wish for and choose, in everything, what will lead us
most surely to the end for which we were created.
(Text of St. Ignatius.)
For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world
and suffer the loss of his soul ? Or what shall a man give
in exchange for his soul?
(IVUrk viii. 36, 37.)
Jesus said: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with
thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy
whole mind. This is the greatest and the first com-
mandment.' '
(Matt. xxii. 37, 38.)
Jesus said: "The Lord thy God shalt thou adore, and
Him only shalt thou serve."
(Matt, iv, 10.)
Lord, Thou hast created me, Thou hast created me for
Thyself — to praise Thee, to reverence Thee, to serve Thee.
It is by applying myself to Thy service that I shall save
my soul. All other things placed around me in this world
are there as so many means whereby I may be conducted
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. 95
to the great final end of my creation, which is twofold yet
one: to serve Thee and save myself.
Teach me, O Lord, to do my duty, my only duty in
this world, which is for the fulfilling of Thy intentions
and designs, to discern amongst Thy creatures — 1st, those
which may aid me, so as to use them so long as they may
be of service to me: 2d, those which may be harmful to
me, so as to reject them inasmuch as they may be injuri-
ous to me. If I accept some and reject the others, may
it be solely with the view of glorifying Thee, and of being
always within the order of Thy will
But since my courage may give way, since my heart
may be fascinated by these extraneous creatures, defend
it, O my God, and assure to it safety and freedom from
the seductions of the world. Grant that, indifferent to
all that is not commanded by Thee, indifferent to all those
creatures the use of which Thou hast not even forbidden,
my heart may neither desire nor seek amongst the mul-
tiplicity of creatures and the vicissitudes of life aught but
what is needful for the fulfilling of Thy will.
May health or sickness, riches or poverty, honors or
contempt and humiliations, leave my soul, if not insen-
sible, at least in that state of holy indifference to which I
desire to attain for Thy greater honor and glory; for
this I pray. I will and desire that it should be thus with
me, and I firmly resolve continually to restore my will to
this necessary equilibrium, so that it may always be
inclined solely by the motive-power of Thy holy will.
5-
PRAYER TO EXCITE ONE'S SELF TO REPENTANCE.
I BESEECH Thee, O Lord, to grant me the grace which
I need, and which I earnestly desire to obtain. I ask
it with confidence, since I know I ought to have a deep
contrition and abiding and sincere sentiments of sorrow
for my sins. I ask of Thee that feeling of shame which
96 The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius,
should make me blush for myself. Many souls have
been lost by a single mortal sin. How many times have
I not merited this judgment for my many and great sins'.
I ask of Thee an intense sorrow for having committed
them, tears to weep over them, a broken and contrite
heart at the memory of them.
What a sight for me, a sinner, to behold Jesus Christ
living and in agony on the tree of the cross 1 O my
Creator and Redeemer, how great was Thy love when
Thou didst will to exchange heaven for earth, the glory
of Thy heavenly life for this life of pain, and to suffer a
death of infamy for me — for my sins.
Look, O my soul ; look at and consider thy past life —
what hast thou done for Jesus Christ in the past — at this
present time what art thou doing for Jesus Christ — in
the future what wilt thou do for Jesus Christ? Speak,
O my soul, with Jesus crucified; tell Him thy thoughts,
tell them to Him with all simplicity; tell them to Hiir
just as thou thinkest them.
Pour out thyself, O my heart, to thy God. Let thy
thoughts turn from Him to thyself ; thy prayer is always
good and fervent when it is true and sincere, when it
speaks as a friend speaks to his friend, as a subject
speaks to his king, as a slave speaks to his master.
Accuse thyself, O my soul, of the evil thou hast done,
declare all thy wounds, thy weakness, thy doubts, thy
waverings, thy most secret thoughts.
May the Lord, my Creator, cure me and shelter me
beneath His pardoning grace.
6.
THE TRIPLE COLLOQUY.
:; MOTHER of my Saviour, my blessed Lady,
my Queen, vouchsafe to intercede for me
with thy divine Son, thy Lord, and obtain for me
these three graces:
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
97
The grace to know with a full knowledge, to feel pro-
foundly, to deplore and to detest my sins;
The grace to feel and realize the disorder of my life, to
hold it in horror, to reduce it to rule, and amend it, and
to correct myself;
The grace to know and detest the world, to put away
from my soul, and keep out of it, all worldly and vain
thoughts, and to renounce for ever the world and all its
vanities.
Hail Mary.
2. f~\ LORD Jesus Christ, for the sake of Thy
blessed Mother, obtain for me from the
eternal Father these three graces:
The grace to know with a full knowledge, to feel pro-
foundly, to deplore and to detest my sins;
The grace to feel and realize the disorder of my life, to
hold it in horror, to reduce it to rule, and amend it, and
to correct myself;
The grace to know and detest the world, to put away
from my soul, and keep out of it, all worldly and vain
thoughts, and to renounce for ever the world and all its
vanities.
Anima Christi.
3. ^fTERNAL God, Father Almighty, in the Name
of the Word made flesh, I beseech Thee to
grant me these three graces I implore of Thee:
The grace to know with a full knowledge, to feel pro-
foundly, to deplore and to detest my sins;
The grace to feel and realize the disorder of my life, to
hold it in horror, to reduce it to rule, and amend it, and
to correct myself;
The grace to know and detest the world, to put away
from my soul, and keep out of it, all worldly and vain
thoughts, and to renounce for ever the world and all its
canities.
Our Father.
9» The Spiritual Exercises of Si. Ignatius,
7-
COLLOQUY ON GOD'S MERCY AND COMPASSION.
Thanksgiving of the Sinner.
OLORD God, Thou art infinitely wise, I adore Thee
Who hast borne with my ignorance; — Thou art
infinitely just, I adore Thee Who hast not chastised my
iniquity ;— Thou art infinitely powerful, I adore Thee Who
hast deigned to spare my weakness ; — Thou art infinitely
good, I adore Thee Who hast pardoned me all my malice
and sins.
I thank Thee that the angels, who are the avenging
swords of Thy justice, have not slain me. I thank Thee
because the saints, who are Thy friends, have prayed
and made intercession for me who was Thine enemy. I
thank Thee that Thy heavens, Thy stars, Thy sun have
not refused to shine on me. I thank Thee for having
pJaced the whole of creation at my service; I have caused
it to groan beneath the burden of my sin, and yet it has
not risen up against me. I thank Thee that the very
earth has not opened beneath my feet to precipitate me
into the lowest depths of hell, where I indeed deserve
to be eternally.
I behold before me, O my God, the mystery of the
infinite abyss of Thy mercy. I return Thee thanks for
having preserved my life until this day, for having granted
io me repentance for my sins; how great has been and
iow incomprehensible remains Thy pity for me!
Pardon, O perfections of my God, for having pre-
ferred imperfect and vile creatures to Thee! Pardon, O
justice of my God, for having outraged Thee by my
crimes! Pardon, O holiness of my God, pardon for
having so long stained the purity of Thy sight by my
sins! Pardon, O mercy of my God, for having so long
despised Thy merciful voice! In deep sorrow and con-
trition I cast myself at Thy feet — have mercy on mei
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. qq
" Show mercy to a poor penitent, whom Thou hast so
long spared in his impenitence."
(St.. Bernard.)
8.
PRAYER TO JESUS CHRIST OUR KING THAT WE MAY OBEY
HIS CALL.
QY Lord Jesus Christ, Thou hasi said to me: "My
will is to subject the infidel world to My empire.
If any one desires to follow Me, he must be content to
abide beneath My tent, to eat at My table, to drink from
the same cup with Me ; he must also be willing to labor
as I labor and with Me; he shall share with Me the
fruits of the victory in proportion to the manner in which
he shall have shared with Me the fatigues of the conflict."
I have reflected upon this Thy call; I have asked of
Thee, O Jesus Christ, and I still ask of Thee, the grace
not to be deaf to Thy call, but to answer it joyfully, and
to give all that Thy most holy will awaits from me.
Now, after mature consideration, this is what I freely
offer Thee with my whole heart, protesting it to be my
firm inward resolution, my determined will, which is
fixed and will be, I trust, unalterable and steady, and
which I shall never repent or regret.
I have understood that the infidel lands to be con-
quered are my soul, my heart, the world, and the devil:
that the enemies to Thy domain are my sensuality, my
pride, the spirit of the world ever living and working
within me ; these are the enemies that I must fight against.
I have taken the resolution of doing this, and I desire to
distinguish mvself in Thv service.
I ardently desire to join Thee in this great enterprise
in which Thou, my Lord Jesus Christ, art leader, and the
apostles, martyrs, penitents — in a word, all the saints,
are my illustrious companions.
O eternal King, O Christ, Our Lord and Ruler; under
Thy protection, by Thy grace with the memory of Thy
i go The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
infinite mercy, at Thy feet, in the presence of Thy glori-
ous Mother and of all the saints who adorn Thy heavenly
court — I offer and consecrate myself to Thee and to Thv
service alone; I give myself to Thee without any reserve.
I am resolved to imitate Thee, I am resolved to follow
Thee, and to distinguish myself as a follower of Thee, to
be there where Thou art, if Thy divine Majesty will but
deign to choose me and to receive me as one of Thy faith-
ful and devoted followers.
Acknowledging my utter unworthiness, I humbly beg
of Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ, to be graciously pleased
to accept my whole self as a full and entire oblation.
Grant that I may live and die at the post where the inter-
ests of Thy glory and my salvation and Thy divine call
may have placed me.
9-
PRAYER FOR ASSISTANCE IX CONTEMPLATING THE SCENES
OF THE GOSPEL..
I BEG of Thee, O God, the grace which I desire to ob-
tain: an intimate knowledge of Our Lord Jesus
Christ, so that, knowing Him more clearly, I may love
Him more dearly; that loving Him more dearly, I may
follow him more nearly; and that following Him more
nearly, I may attain to a high degree of perfection by
imitating Him in all things.
Open, O my God, the eyes of my soul; grant me to
contemplate — in the silence of respect, of prayer, and of
adoration — the eternal Word made flesh (John i. 14),
placed in the manger (Luke ii. 7), adored by Mary and
Joseph, the shepherds, the Magi, and the angels (Matt,
ii. 11). Permit me to contemplate and consider the de-
meanor of Jesus; His actions— His divine perfection in
the smallest actions, His voluntary obedience, His toil:
His bearing — its dignity, what modesty in all His
gestures, His movements, His steps: His looks — their
-erenity and sweetness. Let me consider Him in His
The Spiritual Exercises of St . Ignatius. xoi
sleep. In His prayer — what fervor, what recollected-
ness. When He works — what admirable resignation
and humility. When seated at the humble table of
Joseph. Let me follow Him when, with the blessing of
His Mother, He departs to receive baptism by St. John
— when He retires into the desert — calls together His
disciples — teaches the multitude.
Grant, O Lord Jesus, that I may be attentive to Thy
thoughts, to Thy teachings, to Thy holy will. If Thou
speakest, may I never lose a single word from Thy lips;
if Thy lips are silent, grant to me to know and understand
the workings of Thy Sacred Heart; may I be attentive
alike to what Thou sayest and to what Thou mightest
say. May Thy voice vibrate through my soul, may it
enter my heart and be as a salutary food to nourish, vivify,
and invigorate it.
Above all, grant that I may love, that I may feel, that
I may taste, that I may breathe forth to some extent
the infinite sweetness and gentleness of holiness, the
exquisite fragrance of virtue; and that I may follow the
example which Our Lord Jesus Christ has given us by
His life and teachings.
Holy cave of Bethlehem, blessed walls of Nazareth
where my Jesus lived, let my lips kiss in spirit these wit-
nesses of the virtues of Christ! Would that I could press
my lips to all the traces of Thy steps, the earth, the walls
sanctified by Thy presence, O Jesus! If Thou wilt per-
mit me to approach yet nearer to Thyself, I would fain,
in the purity and ardor of my love, kiss, as did the
stricken woman of the Gospels, the hem of Thy garment.
10.
PRAYER TO ATTAIN THE THREE DEGREES OF HUMILITY.
i. jTT\ Y Lord, I beseech of Thee to grant me a grace
^ • absolutely necessary for the eternal salva-
tion of my soul. It is that I may always have sufficient
humility, dependence, and submission to obey in all
io2 The Spiritual Exercises of St, Ignatius.
things Thy holy law, and that I may never hesitate before
an order, or break any command of Thine, or of those
appointed by Thee to command me, which obliges me,
under pain of mortal sin, not even if by so doing I might
preserve my life or obtain possession of the whole world.
May I sacrifice my life, or renounce the empire of the
entire world, before I willingly transgress any of Thy
precepts.
2. Lord, I ask of Thee a greater grace than that of
never offending Thee by mortal sin : may I always have
sufficient humility and submission never to give way to
the temptation of committing a single deliberate venial
sin, even if by so doing I might save my life or acquire
possession of the whole world. My heart will falter, it
will often hesitate before the thought of venial sin, if it
is not indifferent between riches a^d poverty, between
honor and shame, between life and ieath. Grant me,
O God, this perfect indifference of soul.
3. O Lord, I ask of Thee a still greater grace than that
of never offending Thee by venial sin. May my soul be
so humble, so entirely submissive, that it may no longer
have aught but one desire : to imitate Thee and to follow
Thee, its Lord and its God.
Even if the interests of the glory of God are not in-
volved or affected, in order to resemble more closely Our
Lord Jesus Christ, I will and desire to be poor with Jesus
Christ in His poverty rather than to be rich, since Jesus
Christ was not rich. I will and desire to be covered with
ignominy rather than to be honored by the world, since
Jesus Christ was not honored by it. I will and desire
to be looked upon as a being useless to all, of little inter-
est, of little repute, of little influence, of little learning
and wisdom, since such was the estimation in which the
world held Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Grant me, O Lord, to arrive at this third and highest
degree of perfection, and the grace of a perfect renuncia-
tion of myself after Thine example.
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. 103
11.
PRAYER ON THE THREE CLASSES.
OLORD, I beg of Thee the grace not to belong to that
class of Christians, who, convinced of the truth of
religion, are not converted or sanctified, because they will
not make use of the means by which sanctity may be
acquired and their conversion assured. Grant that I
may not be with those who give Thee desires only, and
who put off, from day to day, the means necessary for
holiness and salvation, and who do nothing until the day
of their death.
Lord, I ask of Thee the grace not to belong to that
class of men who indeed desire holiness, but who at the
same time will not make the sacrifice at all, who can not
bring themselves to renounce certain passions, who will
only give to Thee certain works, who would have Thee
and at the same time retain possession of certain worldly
advantages, who will not choose the most certain means
of holiness. They are very willing that Thou shouldst
come to them, but they can not persuade themselves to
go to Thee ; and yet what a happy lot would be theirs if
they had but the courage to give themselves unreservedly
to Thee! With what superabundant graces dost Thou
reward the sacrifices of generous souls, O my God!
Lord, I ask of Thee to grant me the grace of being in
the class of those whose will is in a state of such perfect
equilibrium, that it neither accepts nor rejects anything
except as Thou inspires! it to accept or reject it.
I desire nothing, O my God, unless Thou first wiliest
it; I wish for nothing except to serve Thee, my Creator
and my Saviour; and if the voice of nature ask^ anything
different of me, it is my will and desire to go against this
voice of nature, this natural repugnance. And I pray
and beseech Thee to grant and vouchsafe to me, though
in opposition to my natural inclination, and notwithstand-
ing the reluctance of nature, that I may have the grace
;o4 The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
accorded me of always acting solely for the greater honor
and glory of Thy infinite Majesty, the grace of always
choosing what is for Thy greater glory; and to this end
I beseech of Thee the grace of perfect and effective
detachment.
12.
PRAYER THAT WE MAY BE RECEIVED UNDER THE STAND-
ARD OF OUR DIVINE KING.
/~\ LORD, behold me a suppliant praying before Thee.
I come to implore of Thee a grace which is repug-
nant to my nature and which I dread to obtain. Alas, my
heart is not indifferent: on the contrary, it rebels at the
thought of voluntary poverty, and the contempt of men.
It is to master my natural inclinations, to vanquish self,
and to conquer my heart, to extinguish in it every spark
of that self-love which is not in accordance with the rule
rhese exercises place before me, that I entreat Thee to
receive me under Thy standard.
May Thy divine Majesty deign to shelter me beneath
me folds of this Thy holy standard, to give me the spirit
of poverty and detachment, and to call me even to the
practice of actual and perfect poverty, if such is Thy
good pleasure. Lord Jesus, in order that I may re-
semble Thee more closely, grant me a share, I beseech
Thee, in Thy humiliations, and in the- injustices that
Thou didst meet with, provided that I can bear them
without committing any sin, without ever displeasing,
in any way. Thy divine Majesty.
O Blessed Virgin, Mother of my God, obtain for me
from Thy divine Son the grace to be received and to
march under His standard.
Hail Mary.
O Eternal Word, for the love Thou bearest Our Lady,
Thy blessed Mother, obtain for me from the Father the
grace to be received and to march under Thy standard
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. 105
Anima Christi.
O Father, for the love Thou bearest the most holy
Virgin Mary, for the sake of Thy Son, Our Lord, I be-
seech Thee to grant me the grace to be received and to
march under the standard of Jesus Christ.
Oir Father.
PRAYER BEFORE ELECTION.
RANT, O Lord, to the eyes of mine understanding
the light of a pure, upright, and single intention;
may I always be mindful of the end for which Thou hast
created me — Thy glory and my eternal salvation. Help
me, O God, to keep this end in view, enlighten my spirit,
and incline my will toward the calling I should choose.
Before proceeding to my decision, I will with Thy
help behold present to me in heaven the throne of the
most Holy Trinity, of my Redeemer and Saviour, the
• most blessed Virgin Mary, the angels, the saints, and all
the elect of God.
May my resolution have their approval and assent!
Above ail, O my Creator and my God, I beseech Thee
to communicate Thyself to my soul, and to bind it by
ever closer ties to Thee and to Thy holy service.
Grant me the grace to come to my decision and to act —
as I should act if I were now at the hour of my death — as
I should counsel another, a stranger, or a friend, to act
under similar circumstances to mine — to decide as at the
day of judgment, before Thy tribunal, I should then
wish I had now decided.
Before all, O my God, impress well upon my mind
this important maxim, that the measure of my progress
in spiritual things will be that of my abnegation of self,
and that so much the more as I shall go out of myself, as
I shall trample on my self-love, my self-will, my natural
disposition, as I shall ignore and leave behind me that
io6 The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius,
self, so much the more closely shall I approach to Thee,
be united to and resemble Thee.
O Lord, if Thou hast approved of my decision, if it is
agreeable to Thee, accept and bless it, confirm me in it,
and grant to me steadfastly to persevere in it, in peace of
mind, without regrets or doubts, to Thy greater honor
and glory. Amen.
PRAYER IN DESOLATION.
/T\Y Lord and my God, I am tempted and in desola-
tion; my soul is sad and languishes within me;
my spirit droops; I am as if separatee! from Thee, with-
out hope, without love. I am anxious, agitated, and
uneasy; my heart is troubled. I am tormented, I falter,
I am languid, overwhelmed, and weary with the conflict.
Inferior and terrestrial things are enticing me, they charm
and draw me to them.
O my God, help! come to my assistance, give me
courage, give me strength, allow me not to be overcome
by the assaults of the evil one ; discover to me his snares
and artifices.
If Thou hast left me, it is because I have been tepid
and negligent in my exercises of piety. My faults have
deprived me of Thy consolations.
Perhaps also it is that Thou wiliest to show me how
little I can do when left to myself — how little I can do
alone, for Thy service, for Thy glory — how weak and
powerless I am when deprived of Thy aid. Or Thou
art proving me; Thou wiliest to see how I employ my-
self for Thy service and glory when Thou dost not be-
stow on me every day the rewards of Thy Spirit in gifts
and sensible graces. Thou desirest to prove what I am,
and if I serve Thee for Thyself, or only for the reward
of Thy divine consolations. Or perhaps Thou wiliest
to detach my heart from a certain self-confidence, and
thus to hold it back from the pitfall of pride and self-
The Spiritual Exercises of Si. Ignatius. 107
love, so dangerous to our salvation; to forbid it to seek
elsewhere than in Thyself its repose, its security, and its
peace.
But what I do know is, that with Thy grace, which
Thou wilt never refuse me, and of which Thou wilt never
deprive me although I may not always be sensible or
conscious of its presence, I shall be able to resist and
overcome all my enemies; therefore, establishing my
confidence on Thy divine strength, I will not lose courage>
It only remains for me to humble myself, to abase
myself to the very dust at the sight of my nothingness,
and to persevere in my former resolutions made in the
day of consolation, awaiting in patience and calm for,
and looking with hope and confidence to, Thy next visit ;
ior I know that the day of desolation will pass, and that
consolation will not be long in coming.
Give me patience and hope, give me the courage to
remain fixed in my resolutions, to attack and fight with
the enemy without making any change in my former
decisions; but, in order to dissipate this desolation, let
me change myself, by being more recollected, more atten-
tive, more silent, more mortified ; above all, by applying
myself more fervently to prayer and meditation.
PRAYER THAT WE MAY UNITE OURSELVES WITH THE
SUFFERINGS OF OUR LORD.
T the foot of the cross I ask of Thee, O my God,
the grace which I should first of all seek to obtain
in considering the Passion of Our Lord. I ask an in-
tense sorrow with Jesus Christ overwhelmed by sorrows ;
I ask for a broken heart in union with the Sacred Heart
of Jesus Christ in its agony. I beg of Thee tears to weep
over the grief of Jesus Christ, a deep and sincere sympa-
thy and compassion for the sufferings of Jesus Christ,
108 The Spiritual Exercises of Si. Ignatius.
and a lasting remembrance of all the profound sorrows
and pains He endured for me.
I beg of Thee, O God, a lively contrition for my sins,
and for the agony and sufferings they have caused Our
Lord, and a tender love for Jesus Christ suffering — for
me.
Ah, it is for my sins, my Lord Jesus Christ, that Thou
dost advance to meet these torments. I have looked
upon Thy bruised and wounded body, I have listened to
Thy words in Thy affliction and distress, so full of tender-
ness and love, so full of sorrow and of pain; I have fol-
lowed Thee along all the paths of Jerusalem: — from the
room of the Last Supper to the Garclen of Gethsemane,
from the Garden of Gethsemane to the house of Caiphas,
the high priest, from the high priest to Pilate, from Pilate
to Herod, from Herod back to the Roman governor,
from the governor's hall to Calvary, and there I have
gazed on Thee nailed to the cross!
Behold what Thou hast suffered, O my God ! and Thou
wouldst suffer it all again and still more for me were it
necessary! So great is Thy love that it is, as it were,
more insatiable and cruel to Thyself than even the hate
of Thy executioners!
May my eyes pour forth tears at this sad sight ! O my
soul, let the waters of tribulation overwhelm thee; —
make every effort, strive with thyself, if necessary, to
keep alone before thy sight thy crucified Saviour, to
compassionate Him, to mourn, to sorrow, to lament and
bewail with Jesus crucified.
Where, O where is Thy Divinity hidden, O my Jesus ?
why does not it arise to scatter and annihilate all Thy
enemies ? Why does it permit Thy most holy Humanity
to suffer such indignities, such excruciating torments,
torments beyond all bound and measure?
O God, I realize it! All these terrible sufferings are
necessary for the effacing of my sins! Behold to what a
state they have reduced Thee' Behold what Thy love
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. 109
has found needful to suffer for me ! What does it now
behoove me to suffer for Thee?
Consider, my soul, what gifts thou wilt offer at the
foot of the cross: what wilt thou do and suffer for Thy
God,
How can I refuse aught to Thee, my Lord and my
Creator, Who hast done and suffered so much for my
sake; Thou hast given all Thou hast to me; Thou hast
given Thy labor, Thy toil, Thy thoughts, Thy love,
Thy life, the very last drop of Thy Heart's blood for me.
Ah! let me give Thee all I have — all my affections, all
my love, all my desires, my whole heart, my work, my
efforts, my sorrows, my joys, my life, my whole self.
16.
PRAYER TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST RISEN FROM THE
DEAD.
RANT me, O Jesus, the grace I seek in this medi
tation on Thy glorious Resurrection; it is that I
may rejoice with Thee, that I may exult over, and par-
ticipate in, Thy joy and Thy glory.
How beautiful art Thou, O my well-beloved 1 How
beautiful and radiant are the wounds in Thy hands and
Thy feet ! And still more beautiful and still more radiant
is the wound in Thy Sacred Heart 1 What ineffable sweet-
ness, what light in Thy words! Happy Peter, happy
Magdalen! still happier thou, O blessed Mother of Our
Lord, united to Him in the glory of His triumph !
Let me contemplate, O my Jesus, the splendor of
Thy Divinity. It seemed to hide itself during Thy
Passion, but now that Thou art risen, how clearly does
it shine, how evident it is to me as I recognize and con-
fess it, and the truth and holiness of Thy presence, and
of Thy apparitions which brought such peace and con-
solation with them?
no The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius,
What so overjoys and fills me with gratitude in con-
templating Thee, O Lord Jesus, is the loving care Thou
Tiast to bring consolation to Thy servants. This tender
care and loving thought for those who are Thine fills
me with a great joy, and deep love and gratitude. O
Jesus Christ, the Consoler, Thou Who so well knowest
how to fulfil this office, this royal ministry of Thy love;
how immense is the difference, how great the contrast
between what friends can say to console their friends,
and what Thou sayest and dost to console Thy disciples !
0 divine Consoler, be Thou my consoler! Give to me
that true consolation, that consolation which is the in-
crease of faith, of hope, and of charity.
1 congratulate thee, O most holy Virgin Mother, on
thy happiness, and I participate in thy joy.
Regina Coeli-
I adore Thee, O Jesus, in the glory of Thy Resurrec-
tion, in the immutability of Thy beatitude, and I con
secrate myself to Thee anew, my Saviour and my King.
Glory be to the Father,
PRAYER TO EXCITE LOVE FOR GOD.
f*\ LORD, I ask of Thee the grace to realize intimately
the greatness and excellence of Thy blessed bene-
fits which Thou hast so lavishly poured forth on me: I
beg of Thee that I may realize the full extent of Thy
generosity, the prodigality of Thy Heart, so that measur-
ing my gratitude by Thy marvellous generosity, it may
make that return which justice and love require by serv-
ing Thee in and by Thy gifts, and consecrating myself to
Thy love and service.
It is from Thee that I have received the benefits of
creation, and all those special gifts of grace which never
fail me in my dangers and my difficulties. How good
The Spiritual Exercises of Si, Ignatius, in
hast Thou been to me in particular — above so many
others, who are more worthy than I am.
Let me reflect upon the past! Thy love, never sat-
isfied with giving, would always give more. Ah, my
God, I am confident, I know that in Thy love Thou wilt
never be satisfied, until Thou tiast given me Thyself
entirely and for ever in heaven.
And now in my turn, what can I do for Thee ? What
is meet, just, and right that I should offer to Thy
divine Majesty? I have nothing of myself, I hold all
from God; what else, then, can I do but offer Thee all
that I have, all that I am?
Suscipe, D amine : Take, O Lord, and receive my
entire liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my
whole will. All that I am, all that I have, Thou hast
given me, and I restore it all to Thee, to be dis-
posed ' of according to Thy good pleasure. Give me
only Thy love and Thy grace; with these I am rich
enough, and I desire nothing more.
But Thou art present, Thou dwellest in all these Thy
benefits, in all creatures, in myself. It is Thou who
didst create and dost give existence to the elements;
Thou who causest them to be — Thou who dost give
fife to the plants, and causest them to grow. Thou who
hast given to animals sensation. Thou who hast given
man intelligence, the power of thought, an immortal soul.
Thus Thou hast united all Thy gifts and given them all
to me, life, sensation, reason. I have been created in
Thy likeness, and am as an image of Thy divine Majesty.
In the most noble and- excellent manner Thou dwellest
in me, Thou dost dwell in me as in Thy temple, as in a
sanctuary, seeing in me Thine own image, and finding
in me an intelligence, capable of knowing and loving
Thee. What then can I do to honor in His gifts Him
Who presents them to me and Who maintains them by
His power? What can I do except treat them with an
infinite respect, and walk always in the presence of God
ii2 The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
thinking and acting in His presence which surrounds
and penetrates even within me.
Thou, my Benefactor, art always with me; Thou art
more intimately united to me than is my soul to my
body; help me then, O my God, help me to keep myself
before Thee as a child in the presence of a tenderly-loved
father, studying the slightest sign of Thy will and Thy
wish.
O my God, not only dost Thou dwell in the whole of
creation, not only art Thou present in the entire uni-
verse, but Thou dost act continually in all Thy creatures,
and dost work in them for ever, for my service.
Yes! divine Artificer, Thine infinite power, occupy-
ing itself in the heavens, the elements, the fruits of the
earth, becomes as it were the servant of my needs; Thou
dost light my path, enlighten me with the light of day;
Thou dost nourish me with the productions of the earth,
and serve me by each one of the creatures I use! Thy
rounty, wisdom, and power, are placed at my service,
and exercised for my wants and pleasures.
Help me, O my God, to serve Thee, acting always
solely for Thee, and in Thy presence, uniting work with
recollection, calm contemplation of Thee with activity
in Thy service; let me think always of Thee, but with-
out ceasing to act, and let me act, but in such a manner
as not to be distracted and without ceasing to think of
Thee. That I may attain to this perfection in all that
I do, grant that I may seek but one end in the diversity
of my occupations — Thy good pleasure and holy will,
O my God.
So Thou art in all these gifts ^hich I receive from
Thee; it is in them and by them that Thou dost serve
me.
Behind the veil of these creatures I discern Thy fa-
cherlv hand which presents them to me, and fashions them
to mv service. If then, they come from Thee to me, it
is but just that from me they should return to Thee. It is
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. 1 \ 3
with this intent that I have offered all to Thee; for the
future I will to see in creatures only the good and useful
means they may offer of serving and praising Thee, and
to use them only so long as, and inasmuch as, they shall
serve to this end. I will to be detached from creatures
and myself; this double detachment will give me true
liberty of spirit, which consists in being no longer bound
either to creatures or myself, and in reposing perfectly
and solely on Thy love.
I will to be detached from creatures because they have
only very limited perfections; the most perfect being
hut as a weak and rude image of Thy perfections. What
t?\ey have of the good and beautiful is but an emanation
of Thy Divinity, which rests on them as the rays of the
sun rest on the moon and glorify it; but as the moon is
pale in the presence of the sun, shining as it does with
but a borrowed light, so creatures have but a very faint
reflection of Thy perfections.
I will to be detached from myself, because all my being
and happiness depend not on myself but on Thee; if I
ieave myself I shall find Thee, and in Thee I find as in
their source and in an infinite degree all perfections. In
Thee and in Thee alone shall I find my happiness and
my being. "Thou hast made us, O Lord, for Thyself,
and our hearts can not rest until they rest in Thee" (St.
Augustine). Thou hast said, O Lord: "He that loveth
his life shall lose it: and he that hateth his life ir_ this
world, keepeth it unto life eternal" (John xii. 25).
O give me then, my Lord, this perfect detachment.,
since in that state my soul will be absolutely indifferent
to all that is not Thee. I shall then have but one thought
— to please Thee in all my actions ; but one desire — soon
to quit this world, in order fully to possess Thee, my God,
in heaven.
The little that I am flows from a Being so infinitely
elevated above me; from Thee, O eternal Source, descend
justice, comfort, sweetness, piety, gentleness, goodnesSc
ii4 The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
0 pour down into my soul Thy gifts, inundate me with
Thy perfections, and grant me such entire conformity
to Thy will that I may attain to perfect repose in Thee.
O living Light, O heavenly Sun, the source from
whence proceed all those beams of light which illuminate
the souls of the saints, flooding them with an effulgence
of celestial radiance, let me be engulfed and lose myself
in Thee! May I forget myself, and leave myself; may
1 strip myself of all love of creatures to love Thee alone,
my Creator and my God. May I leave both creatures
and myself in order to attach myself only to Thee, my
Lord and my God. May I see Thee alone in the whole
of creation, serving Thee and Thee only, reposing and
rejoicing for ever in Thy most holy will. Amen.
PETITIONS FOR GRACES.
O Father, O Son, O Holy Ghost!
O Most Holy Trinity! O Jesus! O Mary!
Ye blessed angels, and all ye saints of paradise, obtain
for me these graces, which I ask through the merits of
the most precious blood of Jesus Christ.
1. Always to do the will of God.
2. To be always in union with God.
3. To think only of God.
4. To love God alone.
5. To do everything for God.
6. To seek only the glory of God.
7. To make myself a saint for God's sake alone
8. To know my own nothingness.
9. To know more clearly the will of God.
10. {Insert what you specially desire?)
O most holy Mary, offer to the eternal Father thfr
most precious blood of Jesus Christ for my soul for-
the holy souls in purgatory, for the needs of holy Church, .
for the conversion of sinners, and for the whole world.
BOOK II.
Spiritual Bjercises in tbe /IDorninQ,
I. Aspirations and Invocations.
II. Mental Prayer.
III. Vocal Prayer.
On Bwafcing anD Brtstng,
Aspirations.
In the name of the Father ■f*, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
THE ANGELIC TRISAGION.
ANCTUS, S a net us, ""p^OLY, holy, holy Lord
Sanctus, Dominus Deus & God of hosts: the earth
exercituum: Plena est terra is full of Thy glory. Glory be
gloria tua: Gloria Patri, to the Father, glory be to the
gloria Filio, gloria Spiritui Son, glory be to the Holy
Sancto. Ghost.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Clement XIV., June 6,
1769.
Omnia ad majorem Dei gloriam!
prater wbtle Bxceeirxg.
OLOTHE me, my Lord, with the robe of innocence;
invest me, O most loving Jesus, true Spouse of
my soul, with the wedding-garment of charity. Per-
mit not that I appear stripped of good works before Thy
face. Let me ever be loyal to Thee, and faithful to my
promises.
117
a 1 8 Spiritual Exercises in the Morning.
Or, the following may be said:
aLOTHE me, my Lord, with the robe of innocence,
and adorn my heart, O divine Spouse of my soul,
with all the virtues that are pleasing to Thee ; especially
with humility, obedience, purity, charity, and an exact
fidelity to my holy rules and vows.
putting on tbe Ibafrit*
£\ GOOD Jesus, divine Spouse of my soul, I thank
Thee for this cherished token of my allegiance
to Thee; and I beseech Thee, that, with Thy grace, I
may preserve unsullied the wedding-garment with which
Thou didst invest my soul on the blessed day of my con-
secration to Thee.
In spirit cast yourself into the Sacred Heart of Jesus and say
some ejaculatory prayer.
prater of St* ©etttufce on Bwafcing*
Our divine Lord said to St. Mechtilde: When you awake in
the morning, let your first act be to salute My Heart, and to offer
Me your own.
I ADORE, praise, and salute Thee, O most sweet Heart
of Jesus Christ, fresh and gladdening as the breath
of spring, from which, as from a fountain of graces,
sweeter than the honeycomb fioweth evermore all good
and all delight. I thank Thee with all the powers of my
heart for having preserved me throughout this night,
and for having rendered to God the Father praises and
thanksgivings on my behalf. And now, O my sweet
Love, I offer Thee my wretched and worthless heart as
a morning sacrifice; I place it in Thy most tender Heart,
and entrust it to Thy keeping; beseeching Thee that
Thou wouldst deign to pour into it Thy divine inspira-
tions, and to enkindle it with Thy holy love. Amen.
Spiritual Exercises in the Morning. 119
prager of JSleesefc /Ifcarsaret /Iftar^
I BELIEVE that my Redeemer liveth, and that I shall
rise again on the last day. Grant, O my God, that
my resurrection be a glorious one. This hope rests
in my heart. Replenish it, O God, so copiously with
Thyself, that space be no longer found therein for crea-
tures, for myself, or for earthly things. Permit me not, O
Jesus, to fall from bodily into spiritual sleep, but awakei.
my heart, my spirit, and my will unto Thy love, in which
I desire to persevere, like the angels, without interrup-
tion. O my divine Spouse, unite me so intimately with
Thee that nothing shall be able to sever me from Thee.
Thou art my life, my treasure, and my sole consolation.
Let external occupations withdraw me not a moment
from Thy holy presence, but let them rather be the means
of a closer union with Thee.
S~\ SACRED Heart of Jesus! O Heart of love! Wilt
Thou have my poor heart ? Take it, and plunge
it into Thy Heart, that burning furnace of divine love,
that it may be inflamed with charity.
MOST amiable Heart! I love Thee because Thou
art goodness itself. I offer Thee my heart and
my whole being, in order to honor and glorify Thee now
and for ever. Let me never displease Thee ; help me ever
to do what is most pleasing to Thee.
EJACULATION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
AY the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sac-
rament be praised, adored, and loved with grate-
ful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of
the world, even to the end of time. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., Feb. 29, 1868.
1 20
Spiritual Exercises in the Morning.
iborntng flnvocatlons anfc Salutations.
ORDINARY. ,
V. Venite, adoremus Do- V. Come, let us adore tht
mmum, qui fecit nos. Lord, Who made us.
R. Venite, adoremus. R. Come, let us adore
Him.
EXTRAORDINARY.
On Christmas Day.
V. Christus natus est no- V. Christ is born to us
bis; venite, adoremus. come, let us adore Him.
R. Venite, ador.mus. R. Come, let, us adore Him.
On Maundy Thursday.
Christus factus est pro no- Christ became obedient for
bis obediens usque ad mor- us unto death,
tern.
On Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
Christus factus est pre Christ became obedient foi
nobis obediens usque ad mor- us unto death; even the death
tern; mortem autem crucis. of the cross.
On Easter Day.
V. Surrexit Dominus vere, V. The Lord is risen in
Alleluia. deed, Alleluia.
R. Alleluia, Alleluia. R. Alleluia, Alleluia.
On Ascension Day.
V. Alleluia; Christum Do- V. Alleluia; come, let us
minum ascendentem in cce- adore Christ, our Lord, as-
lum; venite, adoremus, Alle- cending into heaven, Alleluia,
luia.
R. Venite, adoremus, Alle- R. Come, let us adore
luia. Him, Alleluia.
Spiritual Exer cists in the Morning.
121
On Pentecost.
V. Alleluia, Spiritus Do- V. Alleluia, the Spirit of
mini replevit orbem terrarum; the Lord hath filled the whole
venite, adoremus, Alleluia. earth; come, let us adore
Him, Alleluia.
R. Venite, adoremus, Alle- R. Come, let us adore HimT
luia. Alleluia.
Ipragers before AeDttatton.
(For your selection.)
OMY God, I firmly believe that Thouart here pres-
ent. Thou dost penetrate my heart, and dwell
therein as in Thy living temple. I offer Thee my pro-
found adoration and beseech Thee to give me the grace
of perfect union with Thee now and for ever. Amen.
My Lord, I can do nothing of myself; I can not even
have a good thought; therefore I beseech Thee, in this
meditation, to direct all the powers of my soul to Thy
service and glory, and to my sanctification. Amen.
ANOTHER PREPARATORY PRAYER.
Y God, I firmly believe Thou art everywhere pres-
ent, and seest all things. Thou seest me in
all my actions; Thou seest me in this, my meditation.
I bow down before Thee and wrorship Thy divine majesty
with my whole being. Cleanse my heart from all vain,
wicked, and distracting thoughts. Enlighten my under-
standing and inflame my will, that I may pray with
reverence, attention, and devotion.
My Lord and my Creator! look graciously on Thy
child, the work of Thy hands, and mercifully grant me
the help of Thy grace, that all my intentions and acts
during this meditation may be directed purely to the
service and praise of Thy divine majesty; through
Christ our Lord. Amen.
122 Spiritual Exercises in the Morning.
ANOTHER FORM OF PRAYER BEFORE MEDITATION.
Pater and Ave.
MY God, I believe that Thou art here truly present,
that Thy divine eyes penetrate the secrets of my
heart. Thou seest all its miseries.
/ adore Thee in union with holy Mary, all the angels
and saints, and all holy souls upon earth.
/ deeply grieve for all my sins, especially for those
which wound Thy Sacred Heart, and render my heart
most unlike Thine.
/ offer Thee, O Lord, all I possess: my soul with all
its faculties, my body with all its senses. Miserable as
this offering is, my God, it is all I have ; and in return I
ask the light of the Holy Spirit, that I may know Thy
will — and Thy grace, that I may do it.
/ beseech Thee, grant that I may draw fruit from this
prayer. Holy Mary, blessed Mother of Jesus, refuge of
poor sinners, and my dear Mother, pray for me.
St. Joseph, St. Ignatius, St. Francis Xavier, pray for us.
A SHORT PREPARATORY PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART.
f~\ MY Jesus, I desire to enter into Thy Sacred Heart,
and to make my prayer there, that I may pray
with Thee and through Thee, and adore the Father in
spirit and in truth. I desire to unite myself as closely
as possible to this source of all graces and blessings,
that my heart may be inflamed, my mind enlightened,
and all my deficiencies supplied. Amen.
PRAYER TO THE HOLY GHOST BEFORE MEDITATION.
aOME, O Holy Spirit! fill the hearts of Thy faith-
ful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Spiritual Exercises in the Morning. 123
Let us pray.
£\ GOD, Who has taught the hearts of the faithful
by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the
gift of the same Spirit we may be always truly wise, and
aver rejoice in His consolation through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
£\ ETERNAL Father! shed upon us, we beseech
Thee, the plenitude of Thy divine Spirit, and
grant us an entire and perfect submission to the inspi-
rations of Thy grace. We renounce every thought and
affection which may withdraw us from Thy adorable
presence, and we most earnestly implore, through the
merits and sufferings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, as also
through the intercession of His immaculate Mothei
Mary, of our guardian angels, and of our patron saints,
that this meditation may be conducive to Thy greater
glory, and to our eternal salvation.
jpragera atter /Iftefcitatton*
(For your selection^)
OFFERING OF THE RESOLUTIONS.
Y God, I offer Thee these resolutions : that I may
be faithful to them, I must have Thy blessing.
From Thy goodness, then, I hope to obtain this blessing,
which I ask of Thee in the name and through the merits
of Jesus, my divine Saviour.
Holy Virgin, Mother of my God, who art also my
Mother, my guardian angel, and my holy patron saints,
obtain for me the grace to keep these resolutions with
perfect fidelity.
THANKS GIVING AFTER MEDITATION.
MY God, I most humbly thank Thee for having
permitted me to be so long in Thy holy presence,
although so unworthy. I thank Thee for the lights
124 Spiritual Exercises in the Morning,
and good affections which I have Received from Th\
Holy Spirit. I beg Thy pardon for the distractions
which I have had during this meditation. I consecrate
anew to Thee my whole being, my thoughts, my words,
and my actions.
O holy Virgin Mary, my dear Mother and my good
Patroness, obtain for me from Jesus, thy Son, the grace
to put my good resolutions into practice. O my good
angel, my holy patrons, and all ye saints, pray for me,
that I may preserve in my heart the truths upon which
I have meditated, and that I may regulate my life in
accordance with them. Amen.
ANOTHER FORM OF PRAYER AFTER MEDITATION.
r\ MY God, I give Thee heartfelt thanks for all the
graces and for all the light Thou hast conferred
on me during this meditation. Pardon me, I beseech
Thee, all the negligence and all the distractions of which
I have been guilty. Give me strength to carry out the
resolutions that I have made. Fortify me, that from
henceforth I may diligently practise this virtue . . .
avoid this fault . . . perform this action ... to Thy
honor. Help me to do this, O sweet Virgin Mary; and
do thou, my good angel, recall these good resolutions
to my memory, if I should ever forget or neglect them.
Omnia ad major em Dei gloriam !
Anima Christi.
ASPIRATIONS
NIMA Christi, sancti-
fica me.
Corpus Christi, salva me.
Sanguis Christi, inebria me.
Aqua lateris Christi, lava me.
OUL of Christ, sanctify
me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ,
wash me
Spiritual Exercises in the Mor?iing. 125
Passio Christi, conforta me.
O bone Jesu, exaudi me.
Intra tua vulnera absconde
me.
Ne permittas me separari a
te.
Ab hoste maligno defende
me.
In hora mortis meae voca me,
Et jube me venire ad te,
Ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem
te. '
In saecula saeculorum, Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, every
Passion of Christ, strengthen
me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated
from Thee.
From the malignant enemy
defend me.
In the hour of my death call
me,
And bid me come to Thee,
That, with Thy saints, I may
praise Thee
For ever and ever. Amen.
time.— Pius IX., Jan. 9, 1854.
Suscipe of St. Ignatius.
^USCIPE, Domine, uni- f^AKE, 0 Lord, and re-
>^ versam meam liberta- ceive all my liberty,
tern. Accipe memoriam, in- my memory, my understand-
tellectum atque voluntatem ing, and my whole will. Thou
omnem. Quidquid habeo vel hast given me all that I am
possideo, mihi largitus es; id and all that I possess; I sur-
tibi totum restituo ac tuae render it all to Thee, that
prorsus voluntati trado guber- Thou mayest dispose of it
nandum. Amorem tui solum according to Thy will. Give
cum gratia tua mihi dones et me only Thy love and Thy
dives sum satis, nec aliud quid- grace; with these I will be
quam ultra posco. rich enough, and will have
no more to desire.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., May 26,
1883.
126 Spiritual Exercises in the Morning.
dfcornlns ©racers*
In the name of the Father and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Place Yourself in the Presence of God, and adore His
holy Name.
/T\OST holy and adorable Trinity, one God in three
Persons, I believe that Thou art here present; I
adore Thee with the deepest humility, and render to Thee,
with my whole heart, the homage which is due to Thy
sovereign majesty. Blessed be the holy and undivided
Trinity, now and for ever. Amen.
AN ACT OF FAITH.
f \ MY God, I firmly believe that Thou art one God
in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost; I believe that Thy divine Son became man,
and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the
living and the dead. I believe these, and all the truths
which the holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou
hast revealed them, Who canst neither deceive nor be
deceived.
AN ACT OF HOPE.
f"\ MY God, relying on Thy infinite power, goodness,
and promises, I hope to obtain the pardon of my
sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through
the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
AN ACT OF LOVE.
f\ MY God, I love Thee above all things, and with
my whole heart, because Thou art all-good and
worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself
for the love of Thee.
Spiritual Exercises in the Morning,
127
AN ACT OF CONTRITION.
OMY God, for the love of Thee, I heartily detest
my sins. I am truly sorry for having offended
Thee, because Thou art infinitely good. I firmly re-
solve never to offend Thee again, and by the help of
Thy grace to amend my life.
Thank God for all Favors and Offer Yourself to Him.
/T\Y God, Thou hast made me out of nothing,
^* » Thou hast redeemed me by the death of Thy
Son, Thou hast sanctified me by the grace of Thy Holy
Spirit, Thou hast favored me by a call to the religious
life, Thou has sent me so many blessings through the
Holy Eucharist, Thou hast preserved me and brought
me happily to the beginning of another day: I thank
Thee, my Lord, most humbly and earnestly for these
benefits and for all the graces which Thou hast bestowed
upon me. I offer and consecrate to Thee my whole
being, and in particular all my thoughts, words, actions,
and sufferings this day, beseeching Thee that through
the infinite merits of Jesus Christ, my Saviour, they may
all be pleasing and acceptable in Thy sight. May Thy
divine love animate them, and may they all tend to
Thy greater glory.
Resolve to Avoid Sin and to Practise Virtue.
DORABLE Jesus, my Saviour and Master, model
of all perfection, I resolve and will endeavor this
day to imitate Thy example, to be, like Thee, mild, hum-
ble, chaste, obedient, charitable, and resigned. I will
redouble my efforts that I may not fall this day into any of
those sins which I have heretofore committed {here name
my besetting sin) , and which I sincerely desire to forsake.
Ask God for the Necessary Graces.
^\ MY God, Thou knowest my poverty and weakness,
and that I am unable to do anything good with-
out Thee; deny me not, O God, the help of Thy grace-
12 8 Spiritual Exercises in the ^Morning.
proportion it to my necessities; give me strength to
avoid anything evil which Thou forbiddest, and to prac-
tise the good which Thou hast commanded; and enable
me to bear patiently all the trials which it may please
Thee to send me.
Let us pray for the Holy Church,
^\ GOD, hear our prayers in behalf of our holy
Father, Pope. . . ., our bishops, our clergy, and for
all that are in authority over us. Bless all Religious;
bless the whole Catholic Church; convert all heretics
and unbelievers; have mercy upon our country. Pour
down Thy blessings, O Lord, upon all our friends, rela-
t'ves, and benefactors. Help the poor and sick, and
those who are in their last agony. O God of mercy
and goodness, have compassion on the souls of the
faithful in purgatory; put an end to their sufferings;
and grant to all those for whom we are particularly
bound to pray, eternal light, rest, and happiness.
V. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine;
R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace.
Amen.
THE LORD'S PRAYER.
^)ATER noster, qui es in /^|UR Father, Who art in
coelis, sanctificetur no- V^r heaven, hallowed be
men tuum: adveniat regnum Thy name: Thy kingdom
tuum: fiat voluntas tua, sicut come: Thy will be done on
in coelo, et in terra. Panem earth, as it is in heaven. Give
nostrum quotidianum da no- us this day our daily bread:
bis hodie: et dimitte nobis and forgive us our trespasses,
debita nostra, sicut et nos di- as we forgive those who tres-
mittimus debitoribus nostris. pass against us. And lead
Et ne nos inducas in tenta- us not into temptation: but
tionem: sed libera nos a malo. deliver us from evil. Amen
Amen.
Spiritual Exercises in the Morning.
129
THE HAIL MARY.
J I'VE. Maria, gratia plena;
Dominus tecum; bene-
dicta tu in mulieribus, et be-
nedictus fructus ventris tui,
Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater
Dei, ora pro nobis peccatori-
bus, nunc et in hora mortis
nostrae. Amen.
*"p^ AIL, Mary, full of grace;
«-■-& the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among
women, and blessed is the
fruit of thy womb, Jesus,
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners, now and
at the hour of our death.
Amen.
THE APOSTLES CREED.
a REDO in Deum, Pa-
trem omnipotentem,
Creatorem cceli et terrae; et
in Jesum Christum, Filium
ejus unicum, Dominum no-
strum: qui conceptus est de
Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Ma-
ria Virgine, passus sub Pon-
tio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus,
et sepultus. Descendit ad in-
ifeius; tertia die resurrexit a
mortuis; ascendit ad ccelos,
sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris
omnipotentis; inde venturus
est judicare vivos et mortuos.
Credo in Spiritum Sanctum,
Sanctam Ecclesiam Catholi-
cam, sanctorum communio-
nem, remissionem peccato-
rum, carnis resurrectionem,
vitam aeternam. Amen.
I BELIEVE in God, the
Father Almighty, Creator
of heaven and earth; and in
Jesus Christ, His only Son,
our Lord: Who was conceived
by the Holy Ghost, born of
the Virgin Mary, suffered
under Pontius Pilate, was cru-
cified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell; the
thiid day He rose again from
the dead; He ascended into
heaven, sitteth at the right
hand of God, the Father
Almighty; from thence He
shall come to judge the living
and the dead. I believe in
the Holy Ghost, the holy
Catholic Church, the com-
munion of saints, the forgive-
ness of sins, the resurrection
of the body, and the life ever-
lasting. Amen.
Make the intention to gain all the indulgences you can thL
day by your prayers and good works.
T.30 ' Spiritual Exercises in the Morning.
Ask the Prayers 0} the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph, yoii7
Guardian Angel, and your Patron Saint.
OLY Virgin, Mother of God, my Mother and Pa^
troness, I place myself under thy protection, I
throw myself with confidence into the arms of thy com-
passion. Be to me, O Mother of mercy, my refuge in
distress, my consolation under suffering, my advocate
with thy adorable Son, now and at the hour of my death.
INVOCATION TO ST. JOSEPH.
ELP us, Joseph, in our earthly strife.
E'er to lead a pure and blameless life.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., March 18,
1882.
NGEL of God, my guardian dear,
To whom His love commits me here,
Ever this day be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
O GREAT saint whose name I bear, protect me,
pray for me, that like thee I may serve God
faithfully on earth, and glorify Him eternally with thee
in heaven. Amen.
PRAISES TO THE WILL OF GOD.
HIAT, laudetur, atque in /T\AY the most just, most
asternum superexalte- high, most adorable
tur justissima, altissima et will of God be in all things
amabilissima voluntas Dei in done, and praised, and for
omnibus. ever magnified.
Spiritual Exercises in the Morning. 131
INVOCATIONS,
J7ESUS, have mercy on us.
• Jesus, have mercy on us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
All ye holy angels, pray for us.
Holy apostles, pray for us.
Holy martyrs, pray for us.
Holy confessors, pray for us.
Holy virgins, pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist, pray for us.
St. Benedict pray for us.
St. Dominic, pray for us.
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us.
St. Ignatius, pray for us.
St. Vincent of Paul, pray for us.
St. Francis of Sales, pray for us.
St. Augustine, pray for us.
St. Charles, pray for us.
St. Bernard, pray for us.
St. Thomas Aquinas, pray for us.
St. Francis Xavier, pray for us.
St. Patrick, pray for us.
St. Anthony of Padua, pray for us.
St. Roch, pray for us.
St. Teresa, pray for us.
St. Gertrude, pray for us.
St. Mechtilde, pray for us.
St. Ursula and all your holy companions, pray for us
St. Hildegard, pray for us.
St. Catharine, pray for us.
St. Clara, pray for us.
St. Angela Merici, pray for us.
St. Jane Frances de Chantal, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth. St. Rose, Bl. Margaret Mary, pray for us.
1 3 2 Spiritual Exercises in ttie Morning.
All the holy founders and great saints of the Religious
Orders, pray for us.
May all the saints in heaven intercede with God for us.*
LET US PRAY FOR OUR REVEREND MOTHER. •
V. £\ LORD, save N.N., our reverend Mother;
R. And hear our prayers in her behalf.
Let us pray.
E beseech Thee, almighty and eternal God, grant
to Thy servant, N.N., who, through Thy mercy,
hath undertaken the government of this Congregation,
the light of Thy Holy Spirit, and an increase of alJ
virtues, that she may perform the works that are pleas-
ing to Thee, and, being rendered acceptable in Thy
sight, may come at length to Thee, Who art the way, the
truth, and the life. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son5
Our Lord. Amen.
Pater, Ave.
IRenewal of IDowe*
I WISH, dear Jesus, to follow closely in Thy footsteps
this day, carrying my cross — the cross of religious
life — after Thee. I desire to fasten myself to the cross
by renewing my holy vows of poverty, chastity, and
obedience, so that I may resemble Thee more closely,
my crucified Saviour, Who art the sweet Spouse of my
soul. May all my actions, performed in union with
Thee, be pleasing to the heavenly Father, as^ spring-
ing from the tree of the cross, to which I nailed mysWf
on the happy day on which I made these vows. Sw^t
cross! Thou art my joy and my salvation.
* These Invocations may be either extended or curtaile
pleasure.
Spiritual Exercises in the Morning, 133
Sbort ^Formula ot IRenovation of Vows.
LMIGHTY and eternal God, I renew and confirm
with all my heart the vows of poverty, chastity,
and obedience which I made at my profession, and I
implore Thy grace to accomplish them perfectly. Amen.
MORNING OFFERING OF THE " APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER,'1
f\ MY God, I offer Thee my prayers, works, and suffer-
ings this day, in union with the Sacred Heart of
Jesus, for the intentions for which He pleads and offers
Himself in holy Mass, in thanksgiving for Thy favors,
in reparation for our offences, for the petitions of our
associates, especially this month for
(Name the General Intention for this month.)
EJACULATION IN HONOR OF THE SACRED HEART QT JESUS
IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.
AY the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacra-
ment be praised, adored, and loved with grate-
ful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of
the world, even to the end of time.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., Feb. 29, 1868.
A SHORT ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE SACRED HEART
OF JESUS.
/T\Y loving Jesus! I, N.N., give Thee my heart, and
^B * I consecrate myself wholly to Thee, out of the
grateful love I bear Thee, and as a reparation for all
my unfaithfulness; and with Thy aid I purpose never
to sin again.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day, if said before a picture o£
the Sacred Heart — Pius VII., June 9, 1807.
*34 Spiritual Exercises in the Morning,
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love!
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation!
Instead of the preceding Invocations may be recited the
nutans ot tbe Gbost t>olv Warne of 3-eeue*
YRIE eleison.
Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
Jesu, audi nos.
Jesu, exaudi nos.
Pater de ccelis Deus,
Fili Redemptor mundi
Deus.
Spiritus Sancte Deus.
Sancta Trinitas, unus
Deus,
Jesu, Fili Dei vivi,
Jesu, splendor Patris,
Jesu, candor lucis aeternae,
Jesu, rex gloriae,
Jesu, sol justitiae,
Jesu, nli Mariae Virginis,
Jesu amabilis,
Jesu admirabilis,
Jesu, Deus fortis,
Jesu, Pater futuri saeculi,
Jesu, magni consilii angele,
Jesu potentissime,
Jesu patientissime,
Jesu obedientissime,
Jesu, mitis et humilis
corde.
Jesu, amator castitati^,
', ORD, have mercy on
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven,
God the Son, Redeemer of
the world,
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Jesus, Son of the living
God,
Jesus, splendor of the Fa-
ther,
Jesus, brightness of eter-
nal light,
^ Jesus, king of glory,
Jesus, sun of justice,
3 Jesusj son of the Virgin
Mary,
i Jesus, most amiable,
Jesus, most admirable,
Jesus, mighty God,
Jesus, father of the world
to come,
Jesus, angel of the great
council,
Jesus, most powerful,
Jesus, most patient,
Jesus, most obedient,
Jesus, meek and humble
of heart,
Jesus, lover of chastity,
Spiritual Exercises in the Morning.
135
Jesu, amator noster,
Jesu, Deus pads,
Jesu, auctor vitae,
Jesu, exemplar virtutum,
Jesu, zelator animarum,
Jesu, Deus noster,
Jesu, refugium nostrum,
Jesu, Pater pauperum,
Jesu, thesaure fidelium,
Jesu, bone pastor,
Jesu, lux vera,
Jesu, sapientia aeterna,
Jesu, bonitas infinita,
Jesu, via et vita nostra,
Jesu, gaudium angelorum,
Jesu, rex patriarcharum,
Jesu, magister apostolo-
rum,
Jesu, doctor evangelistar-
um,
Jesu, fortitudo martyrum,
Jesu, lumen confessorum,
Jesu, puritas virginum,
Jesu, corona sanctorum
omnium,
Propitius esto, parce no-
bis, Jesu.
Propitius esto, exaudi nos,
Jesu.
Ab omni malo,
Ab omni peccato,
Ab ira tua,
Ab insidiis diaboli,
Jesus, lover of us,
Jesus, God of peace,
Jesus, author of life,
Jesus, model of virtues,
Jesus, zealous for souls,
Jesus, our God,
Jesus,' our refuge,
Jesus, father of the poor,
Jesus, treasure of the faith-
ful,
Jesus, good shepherd,
: Jesus, true light,
Jesus, eternal wisdom,
r g Jesus, infinite goodness,
Jesus, our way and our
: life,
Jesus, joy of angels,
Jesus, king of patriarchs,
Jesus, master of apostles,
Jesus, teacher of evange-
lists,
Jesus, strength of martyrs,
Jesus, light of confessors,
Jesus, purity of virgins,
Jesus, crown of all saints,
A spiritu fornicationis,
A morte perpetua,
A neglectu inspirationum
tuarum,
Be merciful, spare us? O
Jesus.
Be merciful, graciously hear
us, O Jesus.
From all evil,
From all sin,
£ From Thy wrath,
I'From the snares of the
* devil,
I From the spirit of forni-
V cation,
« From everlasting death,
From the neglect of Thy
) inspirations,
136 Spiritual Exercises in ihe Morning.
Per mysterium sanctae in-
carnationis tuae,
Per nativitatem tuam,
Per infantiam tuam,
Per divinissimam vitam
tuam,
Per labores tuos,
Per agcniam et Passionem
tuam,
Per crucem et dereliction-
em tuam,
Per languores tuos,
Per mortem et sepulturam
tuam,
Per resurrectionem tuam,
Per ascensionem tuam,
* Per gaudia tua,
Per gloriam tuam,
Through the mystery of '
Thy holy Incarnation,
Through Thy nativity,
Through Thine infancy,
Through Thy most divine
life,
^ Through Thy labors,
I5 Through Thine agony and
3 Passion,
I Through Thy cross and \ %
dereliction,
Through Thy faintness
and weariness,
Through Thy death and
burial,
ThroughThy Resurrection,
Through Thine Ascension,
* Through Thy joys,
Through Thy glory,
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata Lamb of God, Who takest
mundi, parce nobis, Jesu. away the sins of the world,
Agnus Dei, etc., exaudi nos,
Jesu.
Agnus Dei, etc., miserere
nobis, Jesu.
Jesu, audi nos.
Jesu, exaudi nos.
Oremus.
BOMINE Jesu Christe,
qui dixisti: Petite, et
accipietis; quaerite, et inveni-
etis; pulsate, et aperietur ye shall find; knock, and it
vobis, quaesumus; da nobis shall be ppened unto you;
petentibus divinissimi tui grant, we beseech Thee, unto
amoris affectum, ut te toto us who ask, the gift of Thy
corde, ore et opere diligamus, most divine love, that we may
ever love Thee with all our
* Where authorized by the Bishop, the following invocation
may, be added here : Per sanctissimae Eucharistiae institutionem
tuarn. Through Thy institution of the most holy Eucharist.
(Congr. of Rites, Feb. 8, 1905.)
spare us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, etc., graciously
hear us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, etc., have
mercy on us, O Jesus.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
Let us Pray.
OLORD Jesus Christ,
Who hast said: Ask
and ye shall receive; seek, and
Spiritual Exercises tn the Morning.
j37
et a tua nunquam laude cesse- hearts, and in all our words
mus. and actions, and never cease
from showing forth Thy
praise.
Sancti Nominis tui, Do- Make us, O Lord, to have
mine, timorem pariter et a perpetual fear and love of
amorem fac nos habere per- Thy holy name; for Thou
petuum, quia nunquam tua never failest to govern those
gubernatione destituis quos whom Thou dost solidly es-
in soliditate tuae dilectionis tablish in Thy love. Who
instituis. Qui vivis et reg- livest and reignest, etc.
nas, etc. Amen. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIIL, Jan. 16, 1886.
THE ANGELUS DOMINI.
NGELUS Domini nun- f^HE angel ot the Lord de-
tiavit Mariae, et con- clared unto Mary, and
cepit de Spiritu Sancto. she conceived of the Holy
Gtost
Ave Maria, etc. Hail Mary, etc.
Ecce ancilla Domini: fiat Behold the handmaid of
mihi secundum verbum tuum. the Lord: be it done unto me
according to thy word.
Ave Maria, etc. Hail Mary, etc.
Et verbum caro factum est, And the Word was made
et habitavit in nobis. flesh, and dwelt among us.
Ave Maria, etc. Hail Mary, etc.
Oremus. Let us pray.
WRATIAM tuam, quae- "T^OUR forth, we beseech
\£> sumus, Domme, men- A— Thee, O Lord! Thy
tibus nostris infunde: ut qui, grace into our hearts, that we,
angelo nuntiante, Christi Filii unto whom the Incarnation
tui incarnationem cognovi- Gf Christ, Thy Son, was made
mus, per Passionem ejus et known by the message of an
crucem ad resurrectionis glo- angel? may, by His Passion
riam perducamur. Per eum- an(j crosS) be brought to the
dem Christum Dominum nos- giory 0f the Resurrection,
trum. Amen. through the same Christ our
Lord. Amen.
138 Spiritual Exercises in the Morning.
instead of the Angelus say the Regina Cceli.
From Easter until Trinity. From Easter until Trinity.
Regina coeli, laetare, Queen of heaven, rejoice,
Alleluia. Alleluia.
Quia quern meruisti portare, For He Whom thou didst de-
serve to bear,
Alleluia. Alleluia.
Resurrexit, sicut dixit, Is risen again as He said,
Alleluia. Alleluia.
Ora pro nobis Deum, Pray for us to God,
Alleluia. Alleluia.
V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo V. Rejoice and be glad, O
Maria, Virgin Mary!
Alleluia. Alleluia.
R. Quia surrexit Dominus R. Because Our Lord is
vere, truly risen,
Alleluia. Alleluia.
Oremus. Let us pray.
Deus, qui per resurrec- O God, Who, by the Resur-
Honem Filii tui, Domini nos- rection of Thy Son, Our Lord
tri, Jesu Christi, mundum Jesus Christ, hath been
iaetificare dignatus es, praes- pleased to fill the world with
ta, quaesumus, ut per ejus joy; grant, we beseech Thee,
genitricem Virginem Mariam that by the Virgin Mary, His
perpetuae capiamus gaudia Mother, we may receive the
vitae: per eumdem Christum, joys of eternal life: through
Dominum nostrum. the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
HYMN AT PRIME ON SUNDAYS AND WEEK-DAYS THROUGH-
OUT THE YEAR.
Jam lucis orto sidere.
\ OW doth the sun ascend the sky,
And wake creation with its ray;
Keep us from sin, O Lord most high!
Through all the actions of the day.
Curb Thou for us th' unruly tongue;
Teach us the way of peace to prize;
And close our eyes against the throng
Of earth's absorbing vanities.
Spiritual Exercises in the Morning. 139
Oh, may our hearts be pure within!
No cherish' d madness vex the soul!
May abstinence the flesh restrain,
And its rebellious pride control.
So when the evening stars appear,
And in their train the darkness bring;
May we, O Lord, with conscience clear,
Our praise to Thy pure glory sing.
To God the Father, glory be,
And to His sole-begotten Son,
Glory, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
While everlasting ages run.
a Sbort aform of /Iftornfng ©racers for rceltaloue.
[All the essential points 0} the preceding Morning Prayers
will be found condensed in this Short Form.)
IN the name of the Father, >J« and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful,
and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
Most holy and adorable Trinity, one God in three
Persons, I adore Thee, as Thou art truly present here,
with the deepest humility, and render to Thee, with my
whole heart, the worship that is due to Thy sovereign
majesty.
0 my good God, I thank Thee for having preserved
me during the past night, for all the favors Thou hast
hitherto granted me, and especially for the grace of my
vocation to the religious life.
1 believe in Thee, because Thou art truth itself;
I hope in Thee, because Thou art all good, all-power-
ful, and faithful to Thy promises ;
I love Thee above all things, and with my whole heart,
because Thou art infinitely perfect and worthy of all
love. I am truly sorry for having offended Thee be-
140 Spiritual Exercises in the Morning,
cause Thou art infinitely good, and I heartily detest my
sins because by them I have displeased Thee. I am
firmly resolved, with the help of Thy grace, to amend
my life, and to strive more earnestly than ever after per-
fection in the following of Christ and in the imitation
of the saints. Accept, O Lord, my good will; grant me
Thy blessing, that I may do Thy holy will and please
Thee this day in all my thoughts, words, actions, and
sufferings, which I offer and consecrate to Thee, for Thy
greater glory, in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and the immaculate Heart of Mary.
I intend to gain all the indulgences that I can this
day, and to be present in spirit at all the Masses which
will be celebrated to-day in the whole world.
I beseech Thee, O Lord, to accept the dedication of
my whole being, and of all my good works and prayers
to Thy divine honor, in union with the offerings of all
just souls on earth, and of all Religious Congregations.
I implore Thy grace to enable me to perform all my
duties in the spirit of our Holy Rule, and to observe
faithfully my vows, which I now renew. Bless our
dear Reverend Mother in the government of our holy
Institute, and direct her in the way of salvation. Teach
us all to do Thy will, O God, and strengthen us to ful-
fill it perfectly.
O Jesus, ever-present in the adorable Sacrament of
the Altar, may ev^.ry creature praise and bless Thee.
O Sacrament most holy; O Sacrament divine;
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment
Thine!
Lord Jesus, keep me in Thy love ; let me dwell in Thy
Sacred Heart, let me live in close union with Thee all
through the day.
Mary, my dear Mother, I love thee; bless me and
protect me.
St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart, pray for me.
My good angel, enlighten and guard me, rule and
Spiritual Exercises in the Morning. 141
guide me. My holy patron saints, I salute you, and
beseech you, together with all the angels and saints, to
pray for me.
Unto the King of ages, the immortal, invisible, only
God, be honor and glory for ever and ever !
The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and
bring us unto life everlasting.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the
mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
/Ifcorntncj Offering to tbc Messed Sacrament,
SWEETEST Jesus, divine Friend, Thou hast been
watching and waiting patiently and lovingly
in Thy lonely tabernacle all through the dark night for
this moment, which finds me once more at Thy blessed
feet, that I may be consoled and strengthened by Thy
presence. And now, my dearest Lord, I have come in
humble adoration before Thee, with a heart full of
thanks for abiding with us "all days," for having pro-
tected and preserved me during the past night, and for
having given me another day to labor for Thy greater
honor and glory, and for the salvation of my soul. In
reparation for all the sufferings that Thy Sacred Heart
endures in the Blessed Sacrament, I offer Thee the
adoration and praise of all the just on earth, of all the
angels and saints in heaven, and especially of Thy
blessed Mother. I offer Thee my heart, my soul, my
body, and all that I have. My whole being shall be
consecrated to Thy service. Deign to make me obedi-
ent, modest, humble, patient, kind, and simple as a little
child; draw me to Thee in ever closer union with Thy
loving Sacred Heart; make me resigned to Thy holy
will, and grant that I may be found worthy one day of
that reward which Thou hast promised to those who
love and serve Thee faithfully on earth. Give me Thy
grace, that I may become a saint. Oh, stay with us.
142
Evening Prayers.
dear Jesus, till the evening of life. Pardon me all my
past transgressions ; for I love Thee truly with my whole
heart; and when death comes, say to me: " Enter thou
into the joy of thy Lord." Amen.
TEvemriQ praters*
IN the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful,
and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
Place Yourself in the Presence of God and Humbly Adore
Him.
RE AT God! the Lord of heaven and earth! I
prostrate myself before Thee. With the ador-
able Heart of Jesus, the immaculate heart of Mary, and
with all Thy angels and saints, I adore Thee, and ren-
der to Thee the homage of my being and life. I acknowl-
edge Thee to be my Creator and sovereign Lord. I
devote myself to Thy divine service now and for ever.
Amen.
AN ACT OF FAITH.
C\ MY God! I firmly believe all the sacred truths
which Thy Holy Catholic Church believes and
teaches; because Thou hast revealed them, Who canst
neither deceive nor be deceived.
AN ACT OF HOPE.
f~\ MY God! relying on Thy .infinite power, goodness,
and promises, I hope to obtain the pardon of my
sins, the assistance of Thy grace, and life everlasting,
through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Re-
deemer.
Evening Prayers.
143
AN ACT OF LOVE.
/"\ MY God! I love Thee above all things, with my
whole heart and soul, because Thou art infinitely
amiable, and deserving of all love. I love, also, my
neighbor as myself, for the love of Thee. I forgive all
who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I
have injured.
Pater Noster, Ave Maria, and Credo.
Return Thanks to God for all His M ercies.
I THANK Thee, O my God, for all Thy benefits. How
can I thank Thee worthily for Thy inestimable
graces ? Thou hast thought of me and loved me from
all eternity ; Thou hast formed me out of nothing ; Thou
hast delivered up Thy beloved Son to the ignominious
death of the cross for my redemption; Thou hast made
me a member of Thy holy Church; Thou hast even
called me to the religious life; Thou hast preserved
me from falling into the abyss of eternal misery, when
my sins had provoked Thee to punish me; Thou hast
graciously continued to spare me, even though I have
not ceased to offend Thee. What return, O my God,
can I make for Thy innumerable blessings and particu-
larly for the favors of this day? O all ye saints and
angels, unite with me in praising the God of mercies,
Who is so bountiful to so unworthy a creature.
Ask of God Light to Discover the Sins Committed this Day.
f"\ MY God, sovereign Judge of men, Who desirest not
the death of a sinner, but that he should be con-
verted and saved, enlighten my mind, that I may know
the sins which I have this day committed in thought,
word, and deed, and give me the grace of true contrition.
144
Evening Prayers,
Here Examine your Conscience; then Say:
/~\ MY God, I heartily repent, and am grieved that I
have offended Thee, because Thou art infinitely
good and sin is infinitely displeasing to Thee. I humbly
ask of Thee mercy and pardon, through the infinite
merits of Jesus Christ. I resolve by the assistance of
Thy grace, to do penance for my sins, and I will endeavor
never more to offend Thee.
THE C0NF1TE0R.
aONFITEOR Deo omni- ^ CONFESS to Almighty
potenti, beatae Mariae God, to blessed Mary,
semper Virgini, beato Michaeli ever Virgin, to blessed Mi-
Archangelo, beato Joanni chael the Archangel, to blessed
Baptistae, Sanctis apostolis Pe- John the Baptist, to the holy
tro et Paulo, omnibus Sanctis, apostles Peter and Paul, and
et tibi, Pater, quia peccavi to all the saints, and to you,
nimis cogitatione, verbo, et Father, that I have sinned
opere, mea culpa, mea culpa, exceedingly in thought, word,
mea maxima culpa. Ideo and deed, through my fault,
precor beatam Mariam sem- through my fault, through
per Virginem, beatum Mi- my most grievous fault,
chaelem Archangelum,beatum Therefore I beseech blessed
Joannem Baptistam, sanctos Mary ever Virgin, blessed
apostolos Petrum et Paulum, Michael the Archangel, blessed
omnes sanctos, et te, Pater, John the Baptist, the holy
orare pro me ad Dominum apostles Peter and Paul, all
Deum nostrum. the saints, and you, Father,
to pray to the Lord our God
for me.
Misereatur nostri omnipo- May almighty God have
tens Deus, et dimissis peccatis mercy upon us, and forgive us
nostris, perducat nos ad vitam our sins, and bring us unto life
aeternam. Amen. everlasting. Amen.
Indulgentiam, 4* absolutio- May the almighty and mer-
nem, et remissionem pecca- ciful Lord grant us pardon, 4*
torum nostrorum, tribuat no- absolution, and remission of
bis omnipotens et misericors our sins. Amen.
Dominus. Amen.
Evening Prayers,
'45
Pray for the Church of Christ. *
/~\ GOD, hear my prayers in behalf of our holy Father
Pope N., our bishops, our clergy, and for all that
are in authority over us. Bless, I beseech Thee, the whole
Catholic Church, and convert all heretics and unbe-
lievers.
Let us pray for our Reverend Mother. (See Morning
Prayers, page 132), or say the Memorare for her.
Pray for the Living and for the Faithful Departed.
OUR down Thy blessings, O Lord, upon all oui
friends, relations and benefactors. Bless our
Institute. Help the poor and sick, and those who are
in their last agony. O God of mercy and goodness,
have compassion on the souls of the faithful in pur-
gatory; put an end to their sufferings, and grant to
them eternal light, rest, and happiness. Have pity
especially upon the souls of our Superiors, and of the
Sisters who once dwelt in this house, and who have gone
before us, through the portals of death, into the house
cf eternity.
V. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine;
R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. Amen.
Commend Yourself to God1 to ihe Blessed Virgin, and the
■Saints.
BLESS, O Lord, the repose I am about to take,
that, my bodily strength being renewed, I may
be the better enabled to serve Thee.
/~\ BLESSED Virgin Mary, Mother of mercy, pray for
me that I may be preserved this night from all evil,
whether of body or soul. Dear St. Joseph, all ye saints
and angels, and especially you, my guardian angel and
146
Evening Prayers.
my chosen^patron, watch over me. I commend myself to
your protection now and always. Amen.
MEMORARE TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
*Tq> EMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that
never was it known that any one who fled to thy
protection, implored thy help, and sought thy interces-
sion, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence,
I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To
thee I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful,
O Mother of the Word Incarnate ! despise not my peti-
tions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Mary, my dearest Mother, pray to Jesus for me ; pray
for our Reverend Mother.
Xttang of tbe asiessefc IDtr^tiu
■ I^'YRIE eleison.
J-Vj Christe eleison
Kyrie eleison.
Christe, audi nos.
Christe, exaudi nos.
Pater de coelis Deus, miserere
nobis.
Fili Redemptor mundi Deus,
miserere nobis.
Spiritus Sancte Deus, misr
erere nobis.
Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus,
miserere nobis.
Sancta Maria,
Sancta Dei genitrix,
Sancta virgo virginum,
Mater Christi,
Mater divinae gratiae,
Mater purissima,
Mater castissima,
Mater inviolata,
Mater intemerata,
*-a— » ORD, have mercy.
rl i Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven,
have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the
world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, have
mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have
mercy on us.
Holy Maty,
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of divine grace,
Mother most pure,
Mother most chaste,
Mother inviolate,
Mother undefilecL
Evening Prayers.
i
Mater amabilis,
Mater admirabilis,
Mater boni consilii,
Mater Creatoris,
Mater Salvatoris,
Virgo prudentissima,
Virgo veneranda,
Virgo praedicanda,
Virgo potens,
Virgo clemens,
Virgc fidelis,
Speculum justitise,
Sedes sapientiae,
Causa nostras laetitiae,
Vas spirituale,
Vas honorabile,
Vas insigne devotionis3
Rosa mystica,
Turris Davidica,
Turris eburnea,
Domus aurea,
Foederis area,
Janua cceli,
Stella matutina,
Salus innrmorum,
Refugium peccatorum,
Consolatrix afflictorum,
Auxilium Christianorum,
Regina angelorum,
Regina patriarcharum,
Regina prophetarum,
Regina apostolorum,
Regina martyrum,
Regina confessorum,
Regina virginum,
Begina sanctorum om-
nium,
Regina sine labe originali
concepta,
Regina sacratissimi ro-
sarii,
Mother most amiable,
Mother most admirable,
Mother of good counsel,
Mother of our Creator,
Mother of our Saviour,
Virgin most prudent,
Virgin most venerable,
Virgin most renowned,
Virgin most powerful,
Virgin most merciful,
Virgin most faithful,
Mirror of justice,
Seat of wisdom,
Cause of our joy,
Spiritual vessel,
Vessel of honor,
Singular vessel of devotion,
Mystical Rose,
$ Tower of David,
^ Tower of ivory,
2 House of gold,
I Ark of the covenant,
£• Gate of heaven,
Morning star,
Health of the sick,
Refuge of sinners,
Comfoiter of the afflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of angels,
Queen of patriarchs,
Queen of prophets,
Queen of apostles,
Queen of martyrs,
Queen of confessors,
Queen of virgins,
Queen of all saints,
Queen conceived without
original sin,
Queen of the most holy
Rosary,
148
Evening Prayers.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata Lamb of God, Who takest
mundi, parce nobis, Domine. away the sins of the world,
spare us, O Lord.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata Lamb of God, Who takest
mundi, exaudi nos, Domine. away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us, O Lord.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata Lamb of God, Who takest
mundi, miserere nobis. away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Indulgence of 300 days every time; plenary indulgence under
usual conditions. — Pius VII., Sept. 30, 181 7.
SUB TUUM PRESIDIUM,
UB tuum presidium con- V/i i'E fly to thy patronage!
fugimus, sancta Dei vJlA, O holy Mother of God,
Genitrix; nostras depreca- despise not our petitions in
tiones ne despicias in necessi- our necessities, and deliver us
tatibus nostris, sed a periculis from all dangers, O ever glo-
cunctis libera nos, semper rious and blessed Virgin!
virgo gloriosa et benedicta.
V. Ora pro nobis, sancta V. Pray for us, O holy
Dei Genitrix. Mother of God.
R. Ut digni efficiamur pro- R. That we may be made
raissionibus Christi. worthy of the promises of
• Christ.
Or emus.
RATIAM tuam quaesu-
mus, Domine, menti-
bus nostris infunde: ut qui,
angelo nuntiante, Christi Filii
tui incarnationem cognovi-
mus, per passionem ejus et
crucem ad resurrectionis glo-
riam perducamur. Per eum-
5em Christum Dominum nos-
trum. Amen.
Let us pray.
OUR forth, we beseech
Thee, O Lord, Thy
grace into our hearts; that
we, to whom the Incarnation
of Christ, Thy Son, was made
known by the message of an
angel, may, by His Passion
and cross, be brought to the
glory of His Resurrection.
Through the same Christ our
Lord. Amen.
TO
Evening Prayers.
149
Or emus.
^pv EFENDE, quaesu-.
«-LJ mus, Domine, beata
Maria semper Virgine inter-
cedente, istam ab omni adver-
sitate familiam: et, toto corde
tibi prostratam, ab hostium
propitius tuere clementer in-
sidiis .
Deus, qui ineffabili provi-
dentia beatum Joseph Sanc-
tissimae Genitricis tuae Spon-
sum eligere dignatus es;
praesta, quaesumus, ut quem
protectorem veneramur in
terris, intercessorem habere
mereamur in caelis. Qui vivis
et regnas in saecula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
Let us pray.
*-p\EFEND, O Lord, we
r-L^ beseech Thee, by the
intercession of blessed Mary
ever Virgin, this Thy family
from all adversity; and merci-
fully protect us, who pros-
trate ourselves before Thee
with all our hearts, from the
snares of the enemy.
O God, Who by Thy un-
speakable providence didst
vouchsafe to choose blessed
Joseph to be the spouse of
Thy most holy Mother; grant
that, while we venerate him
as our protector on earth, we
may deserve to be aided by
his intercession in heaven.
Who livest and reignest, world
without end.
R. Amen.
V. Vouchsafe, O Lord, this night to keep us without
sin.
R. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us
Let us pray.
VISIT, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this habitation
and drive from it all the snares of the enemy.
Let Thy holy angels dwell herein, to preserve us in peace;
and may Thy blessing be upon us forever, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give my heart and my soul
to you;
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony;
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul
in peace with you.
Evening Prayers.
Consecration of iReiigious Communities*
jT\ SACRED Heart of Jesus, whence came those
words of truly ineffable love: "Come to Me
all you that labor and are burdened, and I wTill refresh
you." Relying upon this promise of Thine infinite
tenderness and charity, in the trial? and hardships of
our times, when the universal Church is attacked in her
chief Pastor and in her religious children, we betake
ourselves to Thee. We have determined to consecrate
to Thee for ever, solemnly and anew, this our house,
ourselves, and all that belongs to us. Do Thou gra-
ciously look down upon us and accept our vows, that,
sealed by Thy grace, they may ever remain firm and
unchangeable.
Wherefore, dearest Jesus, our sovereign Lord and
Leader, we, although most unworthy members of this
(College, Convent, Academy, House, etc., N.N.), yet
trusting in Thy help and grace, offer, and consecrate
ourselves and our household entirely to Thy most
Sacred Heart, and we submit ourselves and all that
we have to Thy most holy will.
We call upon our blessed Lady, Thy Virgin Mother,
our Founder N., and the whole court of heaven to wit-
ness that this is our intention, our desire, and our firm
determination to imitate as closely as possible Thy
most Sacred Heart in practising the virtues belonging
to our state of life, in order that we may promote Thy
glory in ourselves, and make some reparation for all
the grievous insults offered to Thee.
We, therefore, implore Thee, dearest Jesus, to pro-
tect our house, to guard us Thy servants for ever in Thy
most Sacred Heart, and to sanctify our labors, our
studies, and trials. May we, by Thy grace, advance
Thy greater glory, the salvation of souls, and devotion
to Thy most Sacred Heart. Amen.
Evening Prayers.
Set of Consecration tor IReltgtous*
Ven. de la Colombiere.
f\ MY amiable Redeemer, I give and consecrate
myself to Thy Sacred Heart without reserve.
I have in a manner nailed myself to Thy cross by the
vows of my profession; I renew them in this divine
Heart in presence of heaven and earth ; and I return Thee
thanks for having inspired me to make them.
I own that the yoke of Thy holy service is neither hard
nor heavy; I do not find myself embarrassed with my
chains ; on the contrary, I would wish to multiply them,
or rivet them yet closer upon me.
I embrace, then, the dear cross of my vocation, even
to my death; it shall be all my pleasure, all my glory
and all my delight.
God forbid that I should glory, that I should ever
rejoice, save in the cross of Jesus Christ.
God forbid that I should ever have any other treasure
than His poverty, any other delight than His sufferings,
any other love than Himself.
No, no, my amiable Lord, never will I separate myself
from Thee; and I will attach myself to none but Thee;
the narrowest paths of the life of perfection to which I
am called give me no alarm, because Thou art my light
and my strength.
I hope, then, O Lord, that Thou wilt render me stead-
fast under all temptations, victorious against the efforts
of my enemies, and that Thou wilt stretch out over me
that beneficent hand, which has bestowed upon me so
many favors, and make me ever more and more liberal
toward Thee.
I entreat this of Thee, O my adorable Jesus, by Thy
blood, by all Thy wounds, and by Thy Sacred Heart.
Grant that by the consecration which I make to Thee
of all that I am, I may become this day entirely renewed
in Thv love. Amen.
Evening Prayers.
B Sbort fform of JEventng prater.
IN the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and
kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
Pater Xoster, Ave Maria, Credo.
I ADORE Thee, O my God, and reiurn Thee thanks
for all the benefits which I have ever received from
Thee, and particularly this day. Give me light to see
what sins I have committed during the past day, and
grant me grace to be truly sorry for them.
(Here examine your conscience.)
Offences against God ; against your neighbor; against yourself >
Where have you been? With whom have you been?
Commandments of God; poverty, chastity, obedience; the
Holy Rule; the predominant passion; resolutions; prayers, works,
and sufferings. Does your conscience reproach you with regard
to any of these points?
f\ MY God, forgive me my offences; I am truly
som7 for having sinned, because Thou art infi-
nitely good, and sin displeases Thee. I purpose, with
the help of Thy grace, never to sin again. I love Thee
above all things, and with my whole heart, because
Thou art infinitely amiable and worthy of all love.
I beseech Thee, Lord, to preserve me this night, and
to keep rne from all sin. I take this sleep to please Thee,
and I have the intention to love Thee, praise Thee, and
diank Thee with every breath I draw '_i union with the
angels and saints in heaven.
f~\ MOST amiable Heart of Jesus! let me. my relatives,
and friends, and all that have commended them-
;elves to my prayer, and for whom I am bound to pray,
especially our reverend Mother, experience Thy most
powerful aid. Assist them individually in their necessi:
ties. O Heart full of mercies! convert all hardened
hearts, console the souls in purgatory, be the refuge of
Evening Prayers.
153
the dying, the consolation of all distressed and suffering.
Above all, be the refuge of my soul at the hour of deaths
and receive it into the bosom of Thy mercy.
In it I sleep securely and rest in peace.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
AY the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacra-
ment be praised, adored, and loved with grateful
affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the
world, even to the end of time. Mary, my dear Mother,
bless me, and keep me under thy protecting mantle. St.
Joseph, my good angel, and my dear patron saints, pray
for me.
AY Our Lord bless us, and preserve us from all
evil, and bring us to life everlasting. And may
the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of
God, rest in peace. Amen.
A PRAYER FOR A HAPPY DEATH.
In Connection with the Seven Last Words of Our Lord
on the Cross.
Y^IVINE Jesus! Incarnate Word of God! Who
having taken flesh for my salvation, didst vouch-
safe to be born in a stable, to lead a life of poverty, toil,
and love, and finally to expire in agony on the cross:
Say, I beseech Thee, to Thy eternal Father at the moment
of my death: " Father, forgive her; " say to Thy blessed
Mother: " Behold thy child; " say to my soul: u To-day
shalt thou be with Me in paradise."
My God, my God, forsake me not in that hour! "I
thirst!" Yea, my soul thirsts, O my God, after Thee;
Thou art the Fountain of living waters.
My life is passing awTay as a tale that is told ; yet a
little while, and all will be " consummated ; " therefore
my adorable Saviour, even from this moment, for all
eternity: "Into Thy hands I commend my spirit." My
Jesus, mercv!
154
Evening Prayers.
IftiSbt ©flertng to tbe JSleeaeD Sacrament.
S~\ DIVINE Jesus! lonely to-night in so many taber-
nacles, without visitor or worshipper, I offer Thee
my poor, but loving heart. May every pulsation be a
prayer of love to Thee. Thou art ever watching under
the sacramental veils; in Thy love Thou never sleepest,
and Thou art never weary of Thy vigil for sinners. O
good Jesus, I love Thee. Thou art infinitely good,
and I have displeased Thee by many sins. Forgive
me — I am truly sorry for having offended Thee. O
sweet Jesus I O lonely Jesus! may my heart be a lamp,
the light of which shall burn henceforth for Thee alone.
Bless me, Jesus. Come, and refresh me spiritually by
Thy presence, before I take my repose. Let me never-
more be separated from Thee by sin. Adorable Heart
of Jesus, burning furnace of divine love! within Thy
sacred wound take Thou my soul, in order that my
heart may be inflamed with the love of Thee.
O Prisoner of love! divine Jesus! chain my poor heart
to the foot of Thy altar. Dearest Jesus, Thou hast
made my heart for Thyself alone, and it will not find
rest, except in Thee; hide it within Thy divine Heart in
the tabernacle. When shall I see Thee face to face, and
rest for ever in Thy bosom ? Good Lord, my heart is
weary ; suffer me to enter and repose in Thy Sacred Heart .
O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine,
All praise and all thanksgiving be every momeni
Thine!
fT\ AKE me, Jesus, wholly Thine;
Take this wayward heart of mine;
Guide me through this world so drear —
Heart of Jesus, hear!
When I draw my parting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
Then, sweet Jesus, be Thou near —
Heart of Jesus, hear!
1
Evening Prayers.
155
IDesper^Song of <§>ur XaD£.
(Luke I.)
THE MAGNIFICAT.
/TYAGNIFICAT : anima
mea Dominum.
Et exultavit spiritus me-
us: in Deo salutari meo.
Quia respexit . humilita-
tem ancillae suae: ecce enim
ex hoc beatam me dicent
omnes generationes.
Quia fecit mihi magna qui
potens est: et sanctum no-
men ejus.
Et misericordia ejus a pro-
genie in progenies: timenti-
bus eum.
Fecit potentiam in brachio
suo: dispersit superbos mente
cordis sui.
Deposuit potentes de sede:
et exaitavit humiles.
Esurientes implevit bonis,
et divites dimisit inanes.
Suscepit Israel puerum
suum: recordatus misericor-
diae suae.
Sicut locutus est ad patres
nostros: Abraham, et semini
ejus in saecula.
Gloria, etc.
Or emus.
fONCEDE nos famuios
tuos, quaesumus Do-
mine Deus, perpetua mentis
cr
/TvY soul doth magnify
the Lord.
And my spirit hath rejoiced:
in God my Saviour.
Because He hath regarded
the. humility of His hand-
maid: for behold from hence-
forth all generations shall call
me blessed.
Eecause He that is mighty
hath done great things unto
me; and holy is His name.
And His mercy is from
generation to generation: unto
them that fear Him.
He hath showed might
with His arm: He hath scat-
tered the proud in the con-
ceit of their heart.
He hath put down the
mighty from their seat, and
hath exalted the humble.
He hath filled the hungry
with good things: and th
rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath helped His ser-
vant Israel: being mindful o'
His mercy.
As He spoke to our
fathers: to Abraham and his
seed for ever.
Glory, etc.
Let us pray.
/^(RANT, we beseech Thee.
V£> O Lord God, that we,
Thy servants, may enjoy per-
A
Evening Prayers,
corporis sanitate gaudere; et
gloriosa beatae Mariae sem-
per Virginis intercessione, a*
praesenti liberari tristitia, et
aeterna perfrui laetitia. Per
Dominum nostrum, etc.
R. Amen.
Or the
Or emus.
T^\E U S , qui de beatae
r-LJ Mariae Virginis utero,
Verbum tuum, angelo nunti-
ante, carnem suscipere volu-
isti; praesta supplicibus tuis,
ut qui vere earn Genitricem
Dei credimus, ejus apud te
intercessionibus adjuvemur.
Per eumdem Dominum no-
strum.
R. Amen.
petual health, both of mind
and body: and by the glori-
ous intercession of blessed
Mary ever Virgin, may be
delivered from present sor-
row, and attain unto eternal
joy. Through Our Lord, etc.
R. Amen,
following:
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who wast pleased
that Thy Word, at the
message of an angel, should
take flesh in the womb of the
blessed Virgin Mary; grant
to Thy humble servants, that
we, who believe her to be
truly the Mother of God, may
be assisted by her interces-
sions with Thee. Through
the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
DE PROFUNDIS
For the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
^T^vE profundis clamavi ad
A*-J te, Domine: Domine,
exaudi vocem meam.
Fiant aures tuae inten-
dentes, in vocem depreca-
tionis meae.
Si iniquitates observaveris,
Domine: Domine, quis sus-
tinebit ?
Quia apud te propitiatio
est: et propter legem tuam
sn.stinui te, Domine.
Sustinuit anima mea in
verbo ejus: speravit anima
mea in Domino.
OUT of the depths I
have cried to Thee, O
Lord! Lord, hear my voice
Let Thine ears be atten-
tive to the voice of my sup-
plication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt
mark our iniquities: O Lord,
who shall stand it?
For with Thee there is
merciful forgiveness: and by
reason of Thy law I have
waited for Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on His
word: my soul hath hoped in
the Lord.
Evening Prayers. 157
A custodia matutina usque . From the morning watch
ad noctem, speret Israel in even unto night, let Israel
Domino. hope in the Lord.
Quia apud Dominum mi- Because with the Lord
sericordia, et copiosa apud there is mercy: and with Him
eum redemptio. plenteous redemption.
Et ipse redimet Israel ex And He shall redeem Israel
omnibus iniquitatibus ejus. from all his iniquities.
Or Pater Noster, Ave Maria, and
V. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine;
R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Indulgence of 100 days to all the faithful who, at the sound of
the bell, at the first hour after nightfall, shall say devoutly on their
knees the psalm De profundis, or the Our Father, the Hail Mary,
and the Requiem aeternam.
Plenary indulgence, once a year, on usual conditions. — Clement
XII., Aug. 11, 1736. Pius VI., March 18, 1781, granted these
indulgences to all the faithful who may happen to dwell in a place
where no bell for the dead is sounded, provided they shall say
the De profundis, or the Our Father, and the Hail Mary, etc.,
about nightfall. Pius IX., July 18, 1877, declared that these indul-
gences can be gained on the recital as above of the De profundis,
or the Our Father, etc., before or after nightfall, provided that the
bell is sounded at such hour, according to the custom of the church
or place. Leo XIII., Feb. 3, 1888, granted indulgence of 50 days
three times a day.
Compline**
The Reader begins.
V. Jube, domine, benedi- V. Pray, give the blessing,
cere.
The Blessing (by the Superior.)
>OCTEM quietam, et (J)AY the Lord almighty
TV
r*- (3 finem perfectum con- N1-^ grant us a quiet night,
cedat nobis Dominus omnipo- and a perfect end.
tens.
R- Amen. R. Amen.
* Compline is the last office of the Church, and is proper to the
enc* of the evening before going to bed, reckoned to be about 9 r
Bu* it may be said any time before midnight.
Evening Prayers,
Short Lesson.
HRATRES, sobriie stote,
et vigilate: quia adver-
sarius vester diabolus tam-
qua . leo nigiens circuit,
quaeiens quern devoret: cui
resistite fortes in fide. Tu
autem, Domine, miserere no-
bis.
R, Deo gratias.
V. Adjutorium nostrum in
nomine Domini.
R. Qui fecit caelum et ter-
rain.
Pater noster. (Dicitur to-
tum secreto.)
(i Pet. V. 8.)
BRETHREN, be sober,
and watch, because
your adversary the devil, as a
roaring lion, goeth about seek-
ing whom he may devour;
whom resist ye, strong in faith.
But do Thou, G Lord, have
mercy on us.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. Our help is in the name
of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and
earth.
Our Father, etc. (All in
secret.)
The Priest then says the Confiteor.
The Choir answers:
QISEREATUR tui omni- /T)AY almighty God have
potens Deus, et dimis- mercy upon thee, for-
sis peccatis tuis, perducat te give thee thy sins, and bring
ad vitam aeternam. thee to life everlasting.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Then the Choir rex
aONFITEOR Deo om-
ni p o t e n t i , beatae
Marias semper Virgini,
beato Michaeli Archangelo,
beato Joanni Baptistae, Sanc-
tis Apostolis Petro et Paulo,
omnibus Sanctis, et tibi, pater:
quia peccavi nimis cogita-
tione, verbo, et opere: mea
culpa, mea culpa, mea maxi-
ma culpa. Ideo precor bea-
tam Mariam semper Vir-
ginem, beatum Michaelem
Archangelum, beatum Joan-
\ats the Confession:
I CONFESS to almighty
God, to blessed Mary
ever Virgin, to blessed Mi-
chael the archangel, to blessed
John the Baptist, to the holy
apostles Peter and Paul, to
all the saints, and to you,
Father: that I have sinned
exceedingly in thought, word,
and deed: through my fault,
through my fault, through
my most grievous fault.
Therefore I beseech tht
b]essed Mary ever Virgin
Evening Prayc*
159
nem Baptistam, sanctos Apo- blessed Michael the arch-
stolos Petrum et Paulum, angel, blessed John the Bap-
omnes Sanctos, et te, pater, tist, the holy apostles Peter
orare pro me ad Dominum and Paul, all the saints, and
Deum nostrum. you, Father, to pray to the
Lord our God for me.
The Priest says:
ISEREATUR vestri
omnipotens Deus, et
dimissis peccatis vestris, per-
ducat vos ad vitam aeter-
nam.
R. Amen.
Indulgentiam, absolutio-
nem, et remissionem pecca-
torum nostrorum tribuat no-
bis omnipotens et miseri-
cors Dominus.
R. Amen.
AY almighty God have
mercy upon you, for-
give you your sins, and bring
you to life everlasting.
R. Amen.
May the almighty and
merciful Lord grant us pardon,
absolution, and remission of
our sins.
R. Amen.
Then is said:
V. Converte nos, Deus V. Convert us, O God our
salutaris noster. Saviour.
R. Et averte iram tuam R. And turn away Thy
a nobis. anger from us.
V. Deus, in adjutorium V. O God, come to my
~ieum intende. assistance.
R. Domine, ad adjuvan- R. O Lord, make haste to
dum me festina. help me.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Glory be to the F ather, and
Spiritui Sancto. to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Sicut erat in principio, et As it was in the beginning,
nunc, et semper, et in saecula is now, and ever shall be,
saeculorum. Amen. world without end. Amen.
Alleluia, vet Laus tibi, Alleluia, or, Praise be to
Domine, Rex aeternae gloriae. Thee, O Lord, King of ever-
lasting glory.
An{. Miserere. Ant. Have mercy.
In Paschal time. Ant. Alleluia,
i6o
Evening Prayers ,
Fsalm IV. C
OUM invocarem exaudi-
vit me Deus justitiae
meae: in tribulatione dilatasti
mihi.
Miserere mei: et exaudi
orationem meam.
Filii hominum usquequo
gravi corde: ut quid diligitis
vanitatem, et quaeritis men-
dacium ?
Et scitote quoniam mirifi-
cavit Dominus sanctum suum :
Dominus exaudiet me cum
clamavero ad eum.
Irascimini, et nolite pec-
care: quae dicitis in cordibus
vestris, in cubilibus vestris
compungimini.
Sacrincate sacrificium jus-
titiae et sperate in Domino:
multi dicunt: Quis ostendit
nobis bona?
Signatum est super nos lu-
nen vultus tui, Domine: de-
listi laetitiam in corde meo.
A fructu frumenti, vini, et
olei sui: multiplicati sunt.
In pace in idipsum: dor-
miam et requiescam.
Quoniam tu, Domine, sin-
gulariter in spe: constituisti
me.
Gloria Patri, etc.
m Invocarem.
HEN I called upon
Him, the God of my
justice heard me: when I was
in distress, Thou hast enlarged
me.
Have mercy on me: and
hear my prayer.
O ye sons of men, how long
will you be dull of heart: why
do you love vanity, and seek
after lying?
Know ye also that the
Lord hath made His holy One
wonderful: the Lord will
hear me when I shall cry unto
Him.
Be ye angry and sin not',
the things you say in your
hearts, be sorry for them upon
your beds.
Offer up the sacrifice ot
justice, and trust in the Lord :
manv say, Who showeth us
good things?
The light of Thy counte-
nance, O Lord, is signed upon
us: Thou hast given glad-
ness in my heart.
By the fruit of their corn,
their wine and oil: they are
multiplied.
In neace in the self same:
I will sleep and I will rest.
For Thou, O Lord, singu-
larly: hast settled me in hope.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Even ing Prayers. 161
Psalm XXX. In Te, Domine, Speravi.
IN te, D online, speravi,
non confundar in aeter-
num: in justitia tua libera
me.
Inclina ad me aurem tuam:
accelera, ut eruas me.
Esto mihi in Deum pro-
tectorem, et in domum re-
fugii: ut salvum me facias.
Quoniam fortitude mea,
et refugium meum es tu: et
propter nomen tuum de-
duces me, et enutries me.
Educes. me de laqueo hoc,
quern absconderunt mihi :
quoniam tu es protector
meus.
In manus tuas commendo
spiritum meum: redemisti
me, Domine, Deus veritatis.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Psalm XC.
QUI habitat in adjutorio
altissimi: in protec-
tione Dei cash commorabitur.
Dicet Domino, susceptor
meus es tu, et refugium meum:
Deus meus, sperabo in eum.
Quoniam ipse liberavit me
de laqueo venantium: et a
verbo aspero.
Scapulis suis obumbrabit
tibi: et sub pennis ejus spe-
rabis.
•lTN Thee, O Lord, have I
r-*-» hoped, let me never be
confounded: delivei me in
Thy justice.
Bow down Thy ear to me:
make haste to deliver me.
Be Thou unto me a God,
a protector, and a house of
refuge: to save me.
For Thou art my strength
and my refuge: and for Thy
name's sake, Thou wilt lead
me and nourish me.
Thou wilt bring me out of
this snare, which they have
hidden for me: for Thou art
my protector.
Into Thy hands I commend
my spirit: Thou hast re-
deemed me, O Lord, the God
of truth.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Qui Habitat.
E that dwelleth in cne
aid of the Most High:
shall abide under the protec-
tion of the God of heaven.
He shall say to the Lord,
Thou art my protector, and
my refuge: my God, in Him
Trill I trust.
For He hath delivered me
from the snare of the hunters :
and from the sharp word.
He will overshadow thee
with His shoulders: and
under His wings thou shalt
trust.
l62
Evening Prayers,
Scuto circumdabit te Veri-
tas ejus: non timebis a ti-
more nocturne
A sagitta volante in die, a
negotio perambulante in tene-
bris: ab incursu et dssmonio
meridiano.
Cadent a latere tuo mille,
et decern millia a dextris tuis:
ad te autem non appropin-
quabit.
Verumtamen oculis tuis
considerabis: et retributio-
nem peccatorum videbis.
Quoniam tu es, Domine,
spesmea: altissimum posuisti
refugium tuum.
Non accedet ad te malum:
et flagellum non appropin-
quabit tabernaculo tuo.
Quoniam angelis suis man-
davit de te: ut custodiant te
in omnibus viis tuis.
In manibus portabunt te*
lie forte offendas ad lapidem
pedem tuum.
Super aspidem et basilis-
cum ambulabis: et concul-
cabis leonem et draconem.
Quoniam in me speravit
liberabo eum: protegam eum
quoniam cognovit nomen me-
um.
Clamabit ad me, et ego ex-
audiam eum: cum ipso sum
in tribulatione; eripiam eum,
et glorificabo eum.
Longitudine dieruro re-
His truth shall compass
thee with a shield: thou shalt
not be afraid of the terror of
the night.
Of the arrow that flieth m
the day, of the business that
walketh about in the dark:
of invasion, or of the noon-
day devil.
A thousand shall fall at thy
side, and ten thousand at thy
right hand: but it shall not
come nigh thee.
But thou shalt consider
with thy eyes: and shalt see
the reward of the wicked.
Because Thou, O Lord,
art my hope: thou hast made
the Most High thy refuge.
There shall no evil come to
thee: nor shall the scourge
come near thy dwelling.
For He hath given His
angels charge over thee: to
keep thee in all thy ways.
In their hands they shall
bear thee up: lest thou dash
thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt walk upon the
asp and the basilisk: and
thou shalt trample under
foot the Hon and the dragon.
Because he hath hoped in
Me, I will deliver him: I will
protect him, because he hath
known My name.
He shall cry to Me, and I
will hear him : I am with him
in his trouble: I will deliver
him, and I will glorify him.
I will fill him with length
Evening Prayers,
163
pie bo eum: et ostendam illi of days: and I will show him
salutare meum. My salvation.
Gloria Patri, etc. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Psalm CXXXIII. Ecce Nunc.
benedicite
: omnes sera
^CCE nunc,
V-4 Dominum:
Domini.
Qui statis in domo Domini:
in atriis domus Dei nostri.
In noctibus extollite manus
vestras in sancta: et bene-
dicite Dominum.
Benedicat te Dominus ex
Sion: qui fecit caelum et ter-
rain.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Ant. Miserere mihi, Do-
mine, et exaudi orationem
meam.
BEHOLD now, bless ye
the Lord: all ye ser-
vants of the Lord.
Who stand in the house of
the Lord in the courts of the
house of Our God.
In the nights lift up your
hands to the holy places: and
bless ye the Lord.
May the Lord out of Sion
bless thee: He that made
heaven and earth.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Ant. Have mercy on me,
O Lord, and hear my prayer.
Hymn.
E lucis ante terminum, ®^ ^e ^ •
ing light,
Maker of all! we ask of
Thee,
Of Thy great mercy, through
the night
Our guardian and defence
to be.
Far off let idle visions fly;
No phantom of the night
molest;
Hostemque nostrum com- Curb Thou our raging en-
Rerum Creator poscimus;
Ut pro tua dementia,
Sis praesul et custodia.
Procul recedant somnia,
Et noctium phantasmata;
prime,
Ne po luantur corpora.
Praesta, Pater piissime,
Patrique compar, Unice,
emy,
That we in chaste repose
may rest.
Father of mercies, hear our
cry;
Hear us, O soie-begotteo
Son;
Evening Prayers.
Cum Spiritu ParacJito
Regnans per omne saeculum.
Who, with the Holy Ghost
most high,
Reignest while endless age:
run.
Little Chapter. (Jer. XIV.)
autem in nobis es,
Domine, et nomen
sanctum tuum invocatum est
super nos, ne derelinquas nos,
Domine Deus noster.
R. Deo gratias.
Resp. brev.
In manus tuas, Domine,
commendo spiritum meum.
Cher. In manus tuas,
Domine, commendo spiritum
meum.
V. Redemisti nos, Domine,
Deus veritatis.
Chor- Commendo spiritum
meum.
V. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et
Spiritui Sancto.
Chor. In manus tuas, Do-
mine, commendo spiritum
meum.
V. Custodi nos, Domine,
at pupillam oculi.
R. Sub umbra alarum tua-
Tum protege nos.
f^HOU, O Lord, art
among us, and Thy
holy name is invoked upon
us; forsake us not, O Lord
our God.
R. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
Into Thy hands, O Lord, I
commend my spirit.
Choir. Into Thy hands, O
Lord, I commend my spirit.
V. Thou hast redeemed us,
O Lord, the God of truth.
Choir. I commend my
spirit.
V. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost.
Choir. Into Thy hands, O
Lord, I commend my spirit.
V. Keep us, O Lord, as
the apple of Thy eye.
R. Protect us under the
shadow of Thy wings.
In Paschal time, the above is said thus:
In manus tuas, Domine. commendo spiritum meum. AI
leluia, alleluia.
Chor. In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum
Vileluia, alleluia.
I\ Redemisti nos, Domine, Deus veritatis.
Chor. Alleluia, alleluia.
V. Gloria Patri, et Filio : et Spiritui Sancto.
Evening Prayers,
Chor. In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum
Alleluia, alleluia.
V. Custodi nos, Domine, ut pupillam oculi. Alleluia.
R> Sub umbra alarum tuarum protege nos. Alleluia.
The Nunc Dirnittis, or Canticle of Simeon.
Ant.
Ant. ^AVE us.
Now Thou dost
dismiss Thy servant, O Lord:
according to Thy word, in
peace.
Because my eyes have seen:
Thy salvation.
Which Thou hast prepared
before the face of all peoples.
A light to the revelation of
the Gentiles, and the glory of
Thy people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Ant. Save us, O Lord,
when we are awake, and keep
us while we sleep; that we
may watch with Christ, and
rest in peace. (In Paschal
time, Alleluia.)
The following Prayers are omitted on Doubles, and within
Octaves:
t. £^ALVA nos.
£3 Nunc dirnittis
servum tuum, Domine: se-
cundum verbum tuum, in
pace.
Quia viderunt oculi mei
salutare tuum.
Quod parasti ante faciem
omnium populorum.
Lumen ad revelationem
gentium, et gloriam plebis
\uae Israel.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Ant. Salva nos, Domine,
vigilantes, custodi nos dor-
mientes: ut vigilemus cum
Christo, et requiescamus in
pace. (Tempore Paschali, Al-
leluia.)
Kyrie eleison.
Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
Pater noster. (Secreto.)
V. Et ne nos inducas in
tentationem.
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
Credo in Deum. (Secreto.)
V. Carnis resurrectionem.
R. Vitam aeternam Amen
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father. (In secret.)
V. And lead us not into
temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
I believe in God. (In
secret.)
V. The resurrection of the
body.
R. And life everlasting.
Amen.
Evening Prayers,
V . Benedictus es, Domi-
ne, Deus, patrum nostrorum.
R. Et laudabilis et glorio-
sus in saecula.
V. Benedicamus Patrem et
Filium cum Sancto Spiritu.
R. Laudemus, et super-
exaltemus eum in saecula.
V. Benedictus es, Domine,
in firmamento cceli.
R. Et laudabilis, et glorio-
sus, et superexaltatus in
saecula.
V. Benedicat et custodiat
nos omnipotens et misericors
Dominus.
R. Amen.
V. Dignare, Domine, nocte
ista.
R. Sine peccato nos custo-
dire
V. Miserere nostris Do-
mine.
R. Miserere nostri.
V. Fiat misericordia tua
Domine, super nos.
R. Quemadmodum spera-
vimus in te.
V. Domine, exaudi oratio-
nem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat. '
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
Oremus.
VISTA, quaesumus,Domi-
ne, habitationem is-
tam, et omnes insidias inimici
V. Blessed art Thou, O
Lord, the God of our fathers.
R. And worthy to be
praised and glorious foi ever.
V. Let us bless the Father
and the Son with the Holy
Ghost.
R. Let us praise and exalt
Him above all for ever.
V. Blessed art Thou, O
Lord, in the firmament of
heaven.
R. And worthy to be
praised, and glorious, and
exalted above all for ever.
V. May the almighty and
merciful Lord bless and pre-
serve us.
R. Amen.
V. Vouchsafe, O Lord, this
night.
R. To keep us without sin.
V. Have mercy on us, O
Lord.
R. Have mercy on us.
V. Let Thy mercy, O Lord,
be upon us.
R. As we have hoped in
Thee.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
VISIT, we beseech Thee,
O Lord, this habita-
tion, and drive far from it all
Evening Prayers.
167
ab ea longe repelle : angeli tui
sancti habitent in ea, qui nos
in pace custodiant: et bene-
dictio tua sit super nos sem-
per. Per Dominum.
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
V. Benedicamus Domino.
R. Deo gratias.
snares of the enemy; let Thy
holy angels dwell herein, to
preserve us in peace; and
may Thy blessing be always
upon us. Through Our Lord.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
The Blessing.
Benedicat et custodiat nos
omnipotens et misericors Do-
minus, Pater, et Filius, 4* et
Spiritus Sanctus.
R. Amen.
May the almighty and mer-
ciful Lord, Father, Son,
and Holy Ghost, bless and
preserve us.
R. Amen.
Then is said one of the Antiphons 0} the Blessed Virgin, accord-
ing to the season. The Antiphon is to be said kneeling, ex-
cept in Paschal time, when it is to be said standing.
I.
From Vespers 0} Saturday before First Sunday in Advent to
the Purification, inclusive.
ALMA REDEMPTORIS.
Vt'LMA Redemptoris Ma-
cJ^i ter, quae pervia cceli,
Porta manes, et Stella maris,
succurre cadenti,
Surgere qui curat, populo:
tu quae genuisti,
Natura mirante, tuum sanc-
tum Genitorem:
Virgo prius ac posterius, Ga-
brielis ab ore,
Sumens illud Ave, peccato-
rum miserere.
/TOOTHER of Christ! hear
f*"^ thou thy people's cry,
Star of the deep, and portal of
the sky I
Mother of Him Who thee
from nothing made,
Sinking we strive, and call to
thee for aid;
Oh, by that joy which Gabriel
brought to thee,
Thou Virgin first and last, let
us thy mercy see.
In Advent.
V. Angelus Domini nun- V. The angel of the Lord
davit Mariae.
announced unto Mary
i68
Evening Prayers.
R. Et concepit de Spiritu
Sancto.
Or emus.
RATIAM tuam quaesu-
mus, Domine, menti-
bus nostris infunde; ut qui
angelo nuntiante, Christi Filii
tui incarnationem cognovi-
mus, per passionem ejus et
crucem ad resurrectionis
gloriam perducamur. Per
eumdem Christum Dominum
nostrum.
R. Amen.
R. And she conceit A of
the Holy Ghost.
Let us pray.
OUR forth, we ^seech
Thee, O Lo*d, Thy
grace into our hearts; that we,
to whom the Incarnation of
Christ, Thy Son, was made
known by the message of an
angel, may, by His Passion
and cross, be broaght to
the glory of His Resuirection.
Through the same Christ our
Lord.
R. Amen.
From Christmas -day to the Purification.
V. Post partum virgo in-
violata permansisti.
R. Dei Genitrix, intercede
pro nobis.
Or emus.
^T^vEUS, qui salutis aeternae,
r-LJ beatae Mariae virgini-
tate fcecunda, humano gen-
eri praemia praestitisti; tribue,
quaesumus, ut ipsam pro no-
bis intercedere sentiamus, per
quam meruimus auctorem
/itae suscipere, Dominum nos-
trum Jesum Christum Filium
tuum. Qui vivit.
R. Amen.
V. Divinum auxilium ma-
neat semper nobiscum.
R. Amen.
Paternoster. (Secretn.)
V. After child-birth thou
didst remain a pure virgin.
R. Intercede for us, 0
Mother of God.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who, by the fruit
ful virginity of blessed
Mary, hast given to mankind
the rewards of eternal salva-
tion, grant, we beseech Thee,
that we may experience hei
intercession for us, through
whom we have deserved to
receive the Author of life, Our
Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Who liveth.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine assist
ance remain always with us
R. Amen.
Our Father. (In secret.)
Evening Prayers.
169
VE, Regina ccelorum!
II.
From Compline on the Feast of the Purification to Maundy
Thursday exclusively.
AVE REGINA.
*~p^ AIL, O Queen of heaven
r*— G enthroned!
Hail, by angels mistress owned!
Root of Jesse, Gate of morn,
Whence the world's true light
was born.
Glorious Virgin, joy to thee,
Loveliest whom in heaven they
see.
Fairest thou where all are fair'.
Plead with Christ our sins to
spare.
V. Vouchsafe that I ma
praise thee, O sacred Virgin.
R. Give me strength against
thine enemies.
Let us pray.
W RANT, O merciful God,
x£J support to our frailty;
that we who commemorate
the holy Mother of God, may,
by the help of her intercession,
arise from our iniquities.
Through the same Christ our
Lord.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine assis'
ance remain always with us
R. Amen.
Ave domina angelorum!
Salve radix, salve porta,
Ex qua mundo Lux est orta.
Gaude, Virgo gloriosa,
Super omnes speciosa.
Vale, O valde decora!
Et pro nobis Christum exora.
V. Dignare me laudare te,
Virgo sacrata.
R. Da mihi virtutem con-
tra hostes tuos.
Or emus.
aONCEDE, misericors
Deus, fragilitati no-
stra? praesidium ; utquisanctae
Dei Genitricis memoriam agi-
mus, intercessionis ejus aux-
ilio a nostiis iniquitatibus
resurgamus. Per eumdem
Christum.
R. Amen.
V. Divinum auxilium ma-
neat semper nobiscum.
R. Amen.
III.
From Compline on Holy Saturday till Trinity Eve.
REGINA CCELI.
EGINA cceli, laetare! f^vUEEN of heaven rejoice,
JL\> Alleluia. V£ Alleluia-
Evening Prayers.
Quia quern meruisti portare;
Alleluia.
Resurrexit sicut dixit; Alleluia.
Ora pro nobis Deum; Alleluia.
V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo,
Maria: Alleluia.
R. Quia surrexit Dominus
vtre : Alleluia.
Oremus.
^T^vEUS, qui per Resurrec-
tionem Filii tui Do-
mini nostri Jesu Christi mun-
dum laetificare dignatus es;
praesta, quaesumus, ut per ejus
Genitricem Virginem Mariam
perpetuae capiamus gaudia
vitae. Per eumdem Christum
Dominum nostrum.
R. Amen.
V. Divinum auxilium ma-
neat semper nobiscum.
R. Amen.
Because He Whom thou hast
deserved to bear, Alleluia.
Has risen as He said; Alleluia.
Pray God for us; Alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad, O
Virgin Mary: Alleluia.
R. Because the Lord hath
truly risen: Alleluia.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who, through
the Resurrection of Thy
Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
hast deigned to make the
world rejoice, grant, we be-
seech Thiee, that through His
Virgin Mother Mary, we may
receive the joys of perpetual
life. Through the same
Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine assist-
ance remain always with us.
R. Amen.
IV.
From First Vespers of Trinity Sunday to Advent.
SALVE
Q>TALVE. Regina, mater
misericordiae;
Vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra,
salve,
Ad te clamamus, exules
filii Evae;
Ad te suspiramus, gemen-
tes et flentes in hac lacry-
marum valle.
Eia ergo. Advocata nostra.
Illos tuos misericordes ocu-
los ad nos converte;
REGINA.
*Tp^ AIL, holy Queen, Moth-
gJ-b er of mercy;
Our life, our sweetness, and
our hope,
To thee do we cry, poor
banished children of Eve;
To thee do we send up our
sighs, mourning and weeping
in this valley of tears.
Turn, then, most gracious
advocate, thine eyes of mercy
toward us.
Evening Prayers,
171
Et Jesum, benedictum fruc-
tum ventris tui,
Nobis post hoc exilium os-
tende,
O clemens, O pia, O dulcis
Virgo Maria.
V. Ora pro nobis, sancta
Dei Genitrix.
R. Ut digni emciamur pro-
missionibus, Christi.
Oremus.
OMNIPOTENS, sempi-
terne Deus, qui glori-
osae Virginis Matris Mariae
corpus et animam, ut dig-
num Filii tui habitaculum
effici mereretur, Spiritu Sanc-
to co-operante, praeparasti;
da at cujus commemoratione
laetamur, ejus pia interces-
sione ab instaDtibus malis et
a morte perpetua liberemur.
Per eumdem Christum Do-
minum nostrum.
R~ Amen.
V. Divinum auxilium ma-
neat semper nobiscum.
R. Amen.
And after this our exile
show unto us
The blessed fruit of thy
womb, Jesus.
O clement, O pious, O sweet
Virgin Mary.
V. Pray for us, O holy
Mother of God.
R. That we may be made
worthy of the promises of
Christ.
Let us pray.
VTLMIGHTY, everiast
t%7^* ing God, Who, by the
cooperation of the Holy Ghost,
didst prepare the body and
soul of Mary, glorious Virgin
and Mother, to become the
worthy habitation of Thy Son;
grant that we may be de-
livered from present evils and
from everlasting death by
her gracious intercession, in
whose commemoration we
rejoice. Through the same
Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine assist-
ance remain always with us.
R. Amen.
With regard to the hymn at Compline, "Te Lucis" it is 10 be
noted that the last verse is sometimes said thus, altered in honor
of the Incarnation, on feasts of Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin,
Jesu, tibi sit gloria
Qui natus es de Virgine,
Cum Patre et almo Spiritu
In sempiterna saecula,
Amen.
Jesu, the Virgin-born, to Thee
Eternal praise be given,
With Father, Spirit, One and
Three,
Here, as it is in heaven.
Amen.
172
Evening Prayers.
In Paschal lime, in honor of the Resurrection.
To God the Father, with the
Son
Who from the grave immor-
tal rose,
And Thee, O Paraclete, be
praise,
While age on endless ages
flows.
Amen.
Deo Patri sit gloria
Et filio, qui a mortuis,
Surrexit, ac Paraclito,
In sempiterna saecula.
Amen.
On feasts of Our Lady, the two following verses are sung it,
its place by some Religious:
O Mary, Mother of ail grace,
And mercy to our sinful race,
Protect us from the demon's
Maria, Mater gratiae,
Mater misericordiae,
Tu nos ab hoste protege;
F^ hora mortis suscipe.
Gloria tibi, Domine,
Qui natus es de Virgine,
Cum Patre et sancto Spiritu,
In sempiterna saecula.
power,
And take us ac life's closing
hour.
All glory be to Thee, O Lord,
A Virgin's Son, o'er all adored,
And equal praise for ever greet,
The Father and the Paraclete.
Amen.
B jformula of tbe Wo\v&.
*TT* LMIGHTY and eternal God! I, N.N., in pro-
found adoration before the Holy Trinity, and
in presence of the blessed Virgin Mary, and of all the
angels and saints, vow and promise to Thy supreme
Majesty, and, subject to the good pleasure of His Lord-
ship, the Bishop, to you, reverend Mother, as first holding
the place of God to me, poverty, chastity, and obedience *
(for a year in the Company or Congregation N.N.) ; and
I hope to obtain, through the merits of Jesus Christ, Who
'aispires me to make these vows, and through the interces-
sion of the saints, the grace to accomplish them. Amen.
* Some Religious Orders :
then poverty and chastity.
nention obedience first in the formula'
Grace Before and After Meals
173
•Renewal ot tbe IDows.
Vj*LMIGHTY and eternal God! I, Sister N.N.,.
*J*-^ now renew and confirm with my whole heart
the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, which I
made at my profession. I implore Thee, O God of
infinite goodness and mercy, by the precious blood of
Jesus Christ, and through the intercession of the blessed
Virgin Mary, to grant me the grace to fulfil these vows
perfectly. Amen.
©race Before an& Hfter /Ifceals,
BEFORE DINNER.
jgUPERIOR — Benedicite.
The rest answer — Bene-
dicite.
V. Oculi omnium in te
sperant Domine, et tu das
escam illorum in tempore op-
portune
R. Aperis tu manum tuam,
et imples omne animal bene-
dictione.
V. Gloria Patri, et Filio
. et Spiritui sancto.
R. Sicut erat in principio,
et nunc et semper, et in saecula
saeculorum. Amen.
V. Kyrie eleison.
R. Christe eleison.
V. Kyrie eleison.
*T^)ATER noster (the rest is
A— said in secret) qui es in
coelis, sanctificetur nomen tu-
um; adveniat regnam tuum;
C^U PERI OR— Let us
praise the Lord.
The rest answer — Let us
praise the Lord.
V. The eyes of ail hope in
Thee, O Lord, and Thou
givest them food in a favor-
able time.
R. Thou openest Thy hand,,
and fillest every living creat
ure with Thy blessing.
V. Glory be to the Father,
rnd to the Son, and *o the
Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the begin-
ning, is now, and ever shall be.
world without end. Amen.
V. Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Christ, have mercy or
us.
V. Lord, have mercy on us.
OUR Father, Who art in
heaven, hallowed be
Thy name; Thy kingdom
come; Thy will be done on
17^ Grace Before and After Meacs.
fiat voluntas tua sicut in coelo
et in terra; panem nostrum
quotidianum da nobis hodie;
et dimitte nobis debita' nostra
sicut et nos dimittibus debi-
toribus nostris; {loud) Et ne
nos inducas in tentationem.
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
Or emus.
BENEDIC, Domine, nos,
et haec tua dona, quae
de tua largitate sumus sump-
turi. Per Christum Domi-
num nostrum.
R. Amen. Jube, Domine,
benedicere.
V. Mensae ccelestis par-
ticipes faciat nos Rex aeternae
gloriae.
R. Amen.
earth as it is in heaven; give
us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive th?m that tres-
pass against us. And lead
us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from
evil.
Let us pray.
BLESS us, O Lord, and
these Thy gifts, which
of Thy bounty we are going
to receive. Through Christ
our Lord.
R. Amen. Lord, grant me
Thy blessing.
V. May the King of glory
make us partakers of the
heavenly table.
R. Amen.
AFTER DINNER.*
O
tua.
R.
tibi.
V.
ONFITEANTUR tibi,
Domine, omnia opera
Et sancti tui benedicant
Gloria Patri, etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc.
V. Agimus tibi gratias,
omnipotens Deus, pro uni-
versis beneficiis tuis; qui
*T~"|ET all Thy works praise
Thee, O Lord.
R. And all Thy saints bless
Thee.
V. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
R. As it was, etc.
V. We give Thee thanks,
almighty God, for all Thy
benefits, Who liveth and
* The Reader says:
V. Tu autem, Domine, mise- V. Do Thou, O Lord, have
rere nobis. mercy on us.
R. Deo gratias. R. Thanks be to God.
CThe same after supper, when there has been reading at table.)
Grace Before and After Meals.
175
vivis et regnas in ssecula saxu- reigneth for ever and ever,
lorum, etc. etc.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Psalm CXVI Laudate Dominum.
V. *T-: AUDATE Domi-
t ■ * num omnes gen-
tes; laudate eum omnes pop-
uli.
R Quoniam confirmata est
super nos misericordia ejus,
et Veritas Domini manet in
aeternum.
V. Gloria Patri, etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc.
V. Kyrie eleison.
R Christe eleison.
V. Kyrie eleison.
Pater noster, etc. Et ne
nos inducas in tentationem.
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
V. Dispersit, dedit pauperi-
bus.
R. Justitia ejus manet in
saeculum saeculi.
V. Benedicam Dominum
in omni tempore.
R. Semper laus ejus in ore
meo.
V. In Domino laudabitur
anima mea.
R. Audiant mansueti, et
laetentur.
V. Magnincate Dominum
mecum.
R. Et exaltemus nomen
ejus in idipsum.
V. Sit nomen Domini bene-
dictum.
y. "T^RAISE the Lord,
«-■— all ye nations;
praise Him, all ye people.
R. Because His mercy is
confirmed upon us, and the
truth of the Lord remaineth
for ever.
V. Glory, etc.
R. As it was, etc.
V. Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Christ, have mercy on us<
V. Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, etc. And lead
us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from
evil.
V. He distributed and gave
to the poor.
R His justice remaineth
for ever.
V. I will bless the Lord at
all times.
R. His praise shall be ever
on my lips.
V. In the Lord shall my
soul be praised.
R. Let the meek hear and
rejoice.
V. O magnify the Lore
with me.
R. And let us extol His
name together.
V. Let the name of the
Lord be blessed.
ij6
Grace Before and After Meals.
R. Ex hoc nunc et usque in R. From henceforth now,
saeculum. and for ever.
V.
Or emus.
ETRIBUERE dig-
c*-\, nare, Domine, om-
nibus nobis bona facientibus
propter nomen tuum, vitam
asternam.
R. Amen.
V. Benedicamus Domino.
R. Deo gratias.
V. Et ndeHum animae per
misericordiam Dei requies-
cant in pace.
R. Amen.
Pater noster. (Secreto.)
V. Deus det nobis suam
pacem.
R. Et vitam aeternam.
Ameti.
Let us pray.
T\slTT'OUCHSAFE, O
V Lord, to re-
ward with eternal life all those
who have done us good, for
Thy name's sake.
R. Amen.
T'. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. And may the souls of
the faithful departed, through
the mercy of God, rest in
peace.
R. Amen.
Our Father. (In secret.)
V. May God grant us His
peace.
R. And life everlasting.
Amen.
BEFORE SUPPER.
U P E R I O R .— Bene-
* dicite.
The rest answer — Bene-
dicite.
F. Edent pauperes, et sat-
urabuntur, et laudabunt Do-
minum qui requirunt eum.
R. Yivent corda eorum in
saeculum saeculi.
V. Gloria Patri, etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc.
V. Kyrie eleison.
R. Christe eleison.
V. Kyrie eleison.
UPEivIOR. — Let u«
praise the Lord.
The rest answer — Let us
praise the Lord.
V. The poor shall eat and
be filled, and they shall praise
the Lord who seek Him.
R. Their hearts shall live far
ever and ever.
V. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
R. As it was, etc.
V. Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Christ, have mercy on
us.
V. Lcrd, have mercy on us.
Grace Before and After Meals.
177
Pater noster, etc. Et ne
nos inducas in tentationem.
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
Or emus.
-|£>ENEDIC, Domine nos,
J^-J et haec tua dona, quae
de tua largitate sumus sump-
turi. Per Christum Dominum
nostrum.
R. Amen. Jube, Domine,
benedicere.
V. Ad ccenam vitae aeternae
perducat nos Rex aeternae glo-
rias.
R. Amen
AFTER
EMORIAM fecit mi-
rabilium suorum mi-
sericors et miserator Domi-
nus; escam dedit timentibus
se.
Gloria Patria, etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc.
V. Benedictus Deus in do-
nis suis, et sanctus in omni-
bus operibus suis, qui vivet et
regnat in saecula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
Psalm
V. Laudate Dominum
omnes gentes; laudate eum
omnes populi.
R. Quoniam connrmata est
super nos misericordia ejus:
et Veritas Domini manet in
aeternum.
Our Father, etc. And lead
us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil
Let us pray.
BLESS us, O Lord, and
these Thy gifts, which
of Thy bounty we are going
to receive. Through Christ
our Lord.
R. Amen. Lord, grant me
Thy blessing.
V. May the King of glory
make us partakers of the
heavenly table.
R. Amen.
SUPPER.
HE merciful and com-
passionate Lord hath
made a memorial of His won-
derful works; He hath given
food to them that fear Him.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
R. As it was, etc.
V. Blessed be God in all
His gifts, and holy in all His
works, Who liveth and reign-
eth for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
CXVL
V. Praise the Lord, all ye
nations; praise Him, all ye
people.
R. Because His mercy is
confirmed upon us, and the
truth of the Lord remainetb
for ever.
178 Grace Before and A fter Meals.
V. Gloria Patri, etc. V. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc. R. As it was, etc.
(The rest is the same as the grace after dinner.)
The preceding form of Grace before and after meals is con-
tinued throughout the year, except on the festivals hereafter
marked.
On fast days no other Grace is said before and after dinner
than that appointed for supper on ordinary days.
From Christmas -day, inclusively, till supper on the Eve c)
the Epiphany, exclusively.
*"T"T'ERBUM caro factum >^HE Word was made
V est, Alleluia. v9 flesh, Alleluia.
R. Et habitavit in nobis, R. And dwelt amongst usj
Alleluia. Alleluia.
V. Gloria Patri, etc. V. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc. R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before.)
AFTER MEALS.
OTUM fecit Dominus, f£^HE Lord hath made
Alleluia. >-J known, Alleluia.
R. Salutare suum, Alleluia. R. His salvation, Alleluia.
V. Gloria Patri, etc. V. Glory be to the Father.
etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc. R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before.)
Front supper on the Eve of the Epiphany, inclusively, till
supper on the Octave day, exclusively.
EGES Tharsis et Insu- ^^HE kings of Tharsis
lae munera oflerunt, and the Islands shall
Alleluia. offer presents, Alleluia.
R. Reges Arabum et Saba R. The kings of the Ara-
dona adducent, Alleluia. bians and Saba shall bring
gifts, Alleluia.
Grace Be/ ore and After Meals. 179
V. Gloria Patri, etc. V. Glory be to the Father,,
etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc. R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before )
AFTER MEALS.
OMNES de Saba venient, *"jTT*LL shall come from
Alleluia. eJjL, Saba, Alleluia.
R. Aurum et thus defer- R. Bringing gold and frank -
entes, Alleluia. incense, Alleluia.
V. Gloria Patri, etc. V. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc. R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before.)
On Holy Thursday u Benedicite" is omitted, and the Grace
is said in a low tone 0} voice as follows:
^HRISTUS factus est pro |^ffiRIST became for us
V>! nobis obediens usque obedient unto death,
ad mortem.
Pater noster, etc. Our Father, etc.
(Said entirely in silence .)
AFTER DINNER.
for US
pro
aHRISTUS factus est y^fHRIST became for
pro nobis obediens obedient unto death
usque ad mortem.
Pater noster, etc. Our Father, etc.
(In silence; then follows:)
Psalm L. Miserere Mei Dens.
VYT\ I S E R E R E mei V. *Tp> AVE mercy on me
Deus. secundum r*— & O God, accord
magnam misericordiam tuam. ing to Thy great mercy.
R. Et secundum multitude R. And according to the
nem miserationum tuarum, multitude of Thy tender mer-
dele iniquitatem meam. cies, blot out my iniquity.
V. Amplius lava me ab in- V. Wash me yet more from
iquitate mea: et a pecc&to my iniquity, and cleanse me
me a munda me. from my sin.
i8o
Grace Before and After Me ah.
R. Quoniam iniquitatem
meam ego cognosco, et pec-
catum meum contra me est
semper.
V. Tibi soli peccavi, et ma-
lum coram te feci: ut justifi-
ceris in sermonibus tuis et
yincas cum judicaris.
R. Ecce enim in iniquita-
tibusconceptussum: et in pec-
catis concepit me mater mea.
V. Ecce enim veritatem
dilexisti: incerta et occulta
sapientiae tuae manifestati
mihi.
R. Asperges me hyssopo,
et mundabor; lavabis me,
et super nivem dealbabor.
V. Audit ui meo da bis gau-
dium et laetitiam; et exulta-
bunt ossa humiliata.
R. Averte faciem tuam a
peccatis meis et omnes, iniqui-
tates meas dele.
V. Cor mundum crea in
me, Deus; et spiritum rec-
tum innova in visceribus meis.
R. Ne projicias me a facie
tua; et spiritum sanctum
tuum ne auferas a me.
V. Redde mihi laetitiam
salutaris tui; et spiritu prin-
cipali confirma me.
R. Docebo iniquos vias
R. For I know my iniquity,
and my sin is always before
me.
V. To Thee only have I
sinned, and have done evil
before Thee; that Thou
mayest be justified in Thy
words, and mayest overcome
when Thou art judged.
R. For behold I was con-
ceived in iniquity: and in sins
did my mother conceive me.
V. For behold Thou hast
loved truth: the uncertain
and hidden things of Thy wis-
dom Thou hast made mani-
fest to me.
R. Thou shalt sprinkle me
with hyssop, and I shall be
cleansed; Thou shalt wash
me, and I shall be made
whiter than snow.
V. To my hearing Thou
shalt give joy and gladness;
and the bones that have been
humbled shall rejoice.
R. Turn away Thy face
from my sins, and blot out aU
my iniquities.
V. Create a clean heart ik
me, O God, and renew a
right spirit within my bowels.
R. Cast me not away from
Thy face, and take not Thy
Holy Spirit from me.
V. Restore unto me the
joy of Thy salvation; and
strengthen me with a perfect
spirit.
R. T will teach the unjust
Grace Before and A fter Meals.
181
i tuas: et impii ad te conver-
tentur.
V. Libera me de sanguini-
I bus, Deus, Deus, salutis meae;
1 et exultabit lingua mea justi-
tiam tuam.
R. Domine labia mea ape-
ries: et os meum annuntiabit
laudum tuam.
V. Quoniam si voluisses
sacrificium, dedissem utique:
holocaustis non delectaberis.
R. Sacrificium Deo spiri-
; tus contribulatus: cor contri-
\ turn et humiliatum Deus non
despicies.
V. Benigne fac Domine in
bona voluntate tua Sion: ut
aedificentur muri Jerusalem.
R. Tunc acceptabis sacri-
; ficium justitiae, oblationes, et
1 holocausta: tunc imponent
super altare tuum vitulos.
V. Respice, quaesumus Do-
mirie, super hanc familiam
tuam, pro qua Dominus nos-
ter Jesus Christus non dubi-
tavit manibus tradi "nocen-
tium, et crucis subire tormen-
tum (in silence) qui vivis et
i regnas in saecula saeculorum.
Amen.
On Good Friday the preceding
ence
OHRISTUS factus est pro
nobis obediens usque
ad mortem.
Thy ways; and the wicked
shall be converted to Thee.
. V. Deliver me from blood,
O God, Thou God of my sal -
vation, and my tongue shall
extol Thy justice.
R. O Lord, Thou wilt open
my lips, and my mouth shall
declare Thy praise.
V. For if Thou hadst desired
sacrifice, I would indeed have
given it: with burnt offerings
Thou wilt not be delighted.
R. A sacrifice to God is an
afflicted spirit: a contrite and
humbled heart, O God, Thou
wilt not despise.
V. Deal favorably, O Lord,
in Thy good-will with Sioc,
that the walls of Jerusalem
may be built up.
R. Then Thou shalt accept '
the sacrifice of justice, obla-
tions, and whole burnt offer-
ings: then they shall lay calves
upon Thy altar.
V. Look down, we beseech
Thee, O Lord, on this Thy
family, for which Our Lord
Jesus Christ was pleased to be
delivered into the hands of
the wicked, and suffer the tor-
ments of the cross (in silence),
Who liveth and reigneth world
without end. Amen.
Grace is said, with this differ-
only:
HRIST became for us
obedient unto death.
1 82 Grace Before and After Meals.
R. Mortem autem crucis. R. Even to the death of the
cross.
On Holy Saturday "Benedicite" is said as usual:
VESPERE autem Sab- *ZTND in the end of the
bati, fwfX Sabbath,
R. Quae lucescit in prima R. When it began to
Sabbati, venit Maria Mag- dawn towards the first day of
dalene et altera Maria videre the week, came Mary Mag-
sepulchrum, Alleluia. dalen and the other Man7, to
see the sepulcher, Alleluia.
V. Gloria Patri, etc. V. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc. R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before.)
AFTER DINNER.
V. Vespere autem Sabbati. V. And in the end, etc.
R. Quae lucescit, etc. R. When it began to dawn,
etc.
V. Gloria Patri, etc. V. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc. R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before.)
From Easter Sunday, inclusively, till the Supper of the follow-
ing Saturday, exclusively.
/EC dies quam fecit Do- *s ^e wni°n tne
r-L^ minus, Alleluia. Lord hath made, Al-
leluia.
R. Exultemus et laetemur R. Let us exult and rejoice
in ea, Alleluia. thereon, Alleluia.
V. Gloria Patri, etc. V. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc. R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before.)
AFTER MEALS.
V. Haec dies, etc. V. This is the day, etc.
R. Exultemus, etc. R. Let us exult, etc.
(The rest as before.)
Grace Before and After Meals.
i83
From the Eve 0} the Ascension, inclusively, till the Eve of Pen-
tecost, exclusively.
'-TTTSCENDIT Deus in VjfOP is ascended with
aJr^ jubilatione, Alleluia. ^SJ jubilee, Alleluia.
R. Et Dominus in voce R. And the Lord with the
tubae, Alleluia. sound of the trumpet, Alleluia.
V. Gloria Patri, etc. V. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc. R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before.)
AFTER MEALS.
V. Ascendens Christus in V. Christ ascending on
altum, Alleluia. high, Alleluia.
R. Captivam duxit capti- R. Hath led captivity cap-
vitatem, Alleluia. tive, Alleluia.
V. Gloria Patri, etc. V. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc. R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before.)
From the Eve of Pentecost, inclusively, to the Supper of the jol
lowing Saturday, exclusively.
G^PIRITUS Domini reple- f£^HE spirit of the Lord
vit orbem terrarum, Al- hath filled the whole
leluia. . earth, Alleluia.
R. Et hoc quod continet R. And all contained there-
omnia, scientiam habet vocis, in hath heard His voice,
Alleluia. Alleluia.
V. Gloria Patri, etc. V. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc. R. As it was, etc,
(The rest as before.)
AFTER MEALS.
EPLETI sunt omnes ^ HE Y were all filled with
Spiritu Sancto, Alle- V*> the Holy Ghost, Alle-
luia, luia.
it
184
Grace Before and After Meals.
R. Et cceperunt loquL Ai- R. And they began to
leluia. speak, Alleluia.
V. Gloria Patri, etc. V. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc. R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before.)
BEFORE BREAKFAST AXD BEFORE COLLATION OX FASTING-DAYS.
V. Benedicite.
R. Benedicite.
""I^OMIXUS nos et ea, quae
r-LJ sumus sumpturi, bene-
dicat dextra Christi, in nomine
Patris et Filii et Spiritus
Sancti.
R. Amen.
V. Let us praise the Lord.
R. Let us praise the Lord.
AY Christ's right hand
bless us, and what we
are about to receive; in the
name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost.
F.. Amen.
AFTER BREAKFAST AXD AFTER COLLATION.
GIMUS tibi gratias,
omnipotens Deus,
pro Uiiiversis beneficiis tuis,
qui vivis et regnas in saecula
saeculorum.
R. Amen.
V. Kyrie eleison.
R. Christe eleison.
V. Kyrie eleison.
Pater Noster.
V. Et ne nos inducas in
tentationem.
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
V. Fidelium animae per
misericordiam Dei requies-
cant in pace.
R. Amen.
E give Thee thanks,
almighty God, for all
Thy benefits, Who livest and
reignest now and for ever.
R. Amen.
V. Lord have mercy on us,
R. Christ have mercy on us.
TT. Lord have mercy on us.
Our Father,
V. And lead us not into
temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. May the souls of the
faithful departed through the
mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.
Grace Before and After Meals.
i85
Psalm CXXIX.
V. ^T^E profundis clama-
JU vi ad te Domine;
Domine exaudi vocem meam.
R. Fiant aures tuse inten-
dentes; in vocem depreca-
tionis meae.
V. Si iniquitates observa-
veris, Dcmine; Domine quis
sustinebiti
R. Quia apud te propitiatio
est, et propter legem tuam
sustinui te, Domine.
V. Sustinui x anima mea in
verbo ejus; speravit anima
mea in Domino.
R. A custodia matutina
usque ad noctem: speret Is-
rael in Domino.
V. Quia apud Dominum
misericordia, et copiosa apud
eum redemptio.
R. Et ipse redimet Israel
ex omnibus iniquitatibus ejus.
V. Requiem ssternam dona
eis Domine.
R. Et lux perpetua luceat
eis.
V. A porta inferi,
R. Erue Domine animas
eorum.
V. Requiescant in pace.
R. Amen.
De Profundis .*
V. *X^JR0M the depths
r-L] I have cried to
Thee, O Lord; Lord, hear
my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be at-
tentive to the voice of my pe-
tition.
V. If Thou wilt observe
iniquities, O Lord; Lord,
who shall endure it?
R. Because with Thee there
is propitiation, and by rea-
son of Thy law I have waited
for Thee, O Lord!
V. My soul hath relied on
His word; my soul hath
hoped in the Lord.
R. From the morning watch
even until night, let Israel
hope in the Lord.
. V. Because with the Lord
there is mercy, and with Him
plentiful redemption.
R. And He shall redeem
Israel from all his iniquities.
V. Eternal rest give to
them, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light
shine upon them.
V. From the gates of hell,
R. Deliver their souls, O
Lord.
V. May they rest in peace-
R. Amen.
* For the convenience of those Communities in which the "De
Profundis" is recited after Grace at certain times, the Psalm is
here inserted together with the Versicles, responses, and prayers.
For the Magnificat, see p. 155.
£86
Grace Before and After Meals.
Oremus.
BIDELIUM Deus, om-
nium Conditor et Re-
demptor, animabus famu-
lorum famularumque tuarum,
remissionem cunctorum tri-
bue peccatorum; ut indul-
gentiam quam semper opta-
verunt, piis supplicationibus
consequantur: qui vivis et
regnas in sascula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
V. Requiem aeternam dona
eis, Domine.
R. Et lux perpetua luceat
eis.
V. Requiescant in pace.
R. Amen.
Let us pray.
OGOD the Creator and
Redeemer of all the
faithful, give to the souls of
Thy servants departed the
full remission of all their sins;
that through pious suppli-
cations they may obtain the
pardon they have always de-
sired. Who livest and reign-
est for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
V. Eternal rest give to
them, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light
shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
grace before meals. (For all classes.)
Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are
about to receive from Thy bounty: through Christ our
Lord.
R. Amen.
GRACE AFTER MEALS.
We give Thee thanks, O almighty God, for all Thy
benefits. Who liveth and reigneth now and for ever.
R. Amen.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to reward with eternal life all
those who do us good for Thy name's sake.
R. Amen.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed through
the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.
General Prayers.
187
2>atl£ flntenttons.
BUND AY. — Mass, Communion, Office, Rosary, etc.,
in honor of the Most Holy Trinity, for the Pope,
prelates, and clergy, the propagation of the faith, in
thanksgiving for my creation, redemption, and vocation,
and to beg grace to unite my heart perfectly to God by
dying to myself and to the world, so that I may use my
talents and my whole being in the service of my heavenly
Spouse.
Monday. — Mass, Office, Rosary, etc., in honor of St. N.,
for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, par-
ticularly N.N., and the Sisters of the Institute; and for
myself, the grace of final perseverance and a happy death.
Tuesday. — Mass, Communion, Office, Rosary, etc.,
in honor of the angels, for the conversion of negligent
Catholics, especially N.N.; for myself, a right knowl-
edge, and the perfect spirit of poverty, chastity, and
obedience.
Wednesday. — Mass, Office, Rosary, etc., in honor of
St. Joseph, for parents, friends, benefactors, for those for
whom I have promised to pray, for the temporal wants
of the Institute, for the Superiors of the several houses;
and for myself, modesty, meekness, and humility, and
the graces to subdue my senses and imagination.
Thursday. — Mass, Communion, Office, Rosary, etc.,
in honor of the Blessed Sacrament, in reparation for all
sacrilegious communions, and all indignities offered to this
Sacrament of love, for all Religious, N. . . . for priests,
N. . . . my duties, the relief of the poor; and for my-
self, the virtues of charity, patience, and confidence in
God.
Friday. — Mass, Communion, Office, Rosary, etc., in
honor of the sacred Passion and death of my Saviour,
Jesus Christ, that union and charity may reign in the
Community, that its members may increase, and that
all may be filled with zeal for the conversion of sinners ;
iS8
General Prayers.
for myself, a simple and pure intention in all my
actions. For the same intentions, in honor of the
Sacred Heart.
Saturday. — Mass, Office, Rosary, etc., in honor of
our blessed Lady, to beg grace to confess my sins, briefly
distinctly, and contritely, and to draw fruit from my con-
fessions and communions.
Bails prater for tbe associates in tbe SacreD Ibeart
of Jesus-
Y loving Jesus, I, N,N., give Thee my heart, and
I consecrate myself wholly to Thee out of the
grateful love I bear Thee, and as a reparation for all my
unfaithfulness to grace, and with Thine aid I purpose
never* to sin again.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us,
inflame our hearts with love for Thee. Grant that we
may, in conversation, manners, and conduct, avoid
whatever may in the least disturb our union, or lessen
in the smallest degree our mutual charity and love, that
we may repair the smallest offence by quickly asking
pardon, and if asked pardon of by others, oh! enable
us to grant it without contention or reserve.
5>ailg prater for tbe Associates in tbe Sacred ft>eart
of /IfoarE*
EMEMBER, O most blessed Virgin! that it has
never been heard of in any age, that those who
implored thy powerful protection were abandoned by
thee. I, therefore, O sacred Virgin, animated with the
most lively confidence, cast myself at thy sacred feet,
most earnestly beseeching thee to adopt me as thy child,
to take care of my eternal salvation, and to watch over
me at the hour of death. Oh, do not, Mother of the
Word Incarnate, despise my prayer, but graciously
hear and obtain the grant of my petitions. Amen.
General Prayers,
O dearest Mother, obtain for us, thy children, the
trrace ever do bear in mind that by the vow of obedience
we have for ever renounced our own will, and resigned
it to the direction of our Superiors: that we may be able
to comply with all their directions, whether in matters
of great or little moment, agreeable or disagreeable:
that we may never murmur, but with humility and
spiritual joy carry the sweet yoke of thy divine Son, Jesus.
iDrager before J6jamen.
C\ MOST loving Father! I thank Thee with my
whole heart and soul for all Thy mercies to me,
1 most miserable sinner. Thou hast created me for
Thine own glory, redeemed me with Thy most precious
islood, called me to Thy holy faith, and, with most un-
speakable goodness, hast chosen me for Thy spouse,
permitting me to live under the same roof with Thyself
and Thy chosen servants. O my soul, bless the Lord!
let all that is within thee praise His holy name! He has
done all things for me: I will bless and glorify Him for
ever and ever.
O divine Spirit of light and truth, enlighten me, that
I may know myself. Amen.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc.
ISING. — Promptitude in rising and dressing,
► thoughts on God or the subject of meditation.
Morning Offering. — With fervor.
Meditation. — Respectful posture; presence of God;
attention; fervor in affections and resolutions; choice
of ejaculations for the day.
Office. — Recollection; attention to ceremonies and
pronunciation of words.
Mass: — Formal intention; the prayers with devotion
190
General Prayers.
or meditation on the Passion; spiritual communion and
offering of one's seif to God.
Communion. — Preparation by offering of duties from
evening meditation; faith, humility, gratitude, love;
the fruit drawn from it.
Visits to the Blessed Sacrament. — Fidelity in making
those prescribed, viz.: after breakfast to review medi-
tation, after spiritual reading, before and after meals,
before and after an appointed duty in the schools, house
of mercy, etc.: besides those, one or two of special
devotion for a few minutes.
Spiritual Reading. — Attention, fruit drawn from it.
Domestic Duties. — Union with Jesus in Nazareth, or
in the spirit of penance, care, neatness.
Time-employments. — With regularity, exactness, fer-
vor, cheerfulness under labor or fatigue ; avoiding indul-
gence in idleness or slothful neglect, yielding to impa-
tience, irritability, pride, or vanity.
Silence. — Time, places, and manner prescribed; avoid-
ing idle thoughts.
Night Prayers. — Punctuality; diligent examen; devo-
tion at Litany; preparation of meditation.
Retiring to rest. — Silence; thoughts of God; in bed at
the appointed time.
Bnotber Sbort /IfoetboD of Datlg lEjamem
(Recall Presence of God.)
FIRST POINT — ACT OF THANKSGIVING.
MY Lord and my God! I most humbly thank
Thee for the great benefits of creation, redemp-
tion, etc., and for Thy mercy and patience in bearing
with me in spite of my many faults and sins. I offer
Thee, my dear Lord and Master, the gratitude of my
poor heart for all Thy favors, general and particular;
above all, for having called me to this Congregation in
order to save me in it.
General Prayers,
191
SECOND POINT — PETITION FOR LIGHT.
f~\ MY God, give me light to know my sins and see
their real deformity, and to realize what a bad
and bitter thing it is to stray from Thee. Grant me
grace to see clearly my miseries, and to detest them with
all my heart.
THIRD POINT— EXAMINATION.
f~\ MY dear Lord, how far have I gone astray from
the path of perfection, although my Saviour
Jesus hath marked it out for me by footprints stained
with blood!
(Seneral lEjamem
FIRST POINT — SPIRITUAL DUTIES.
f'vFFERING of first thoughts and in union with the
Apostleship of Prayer? Morning and night
prayers? Meditation and reflection? Mass? Holy
communion? Spiritual reading? Daily examen?
Beads? Vocal prayers? Visits to the Blessed Sacra-
ment? Particular examen?
SECOND POINT— VOWS.
1. "T^OVERTY. — In giving? lending? borrowing?
accepting ? retaining ? without leave ? Waste
in charges ? Spirit of poverty cultivated ?
2. Chastity. — Custody of eyes, ears, tongue? Dan-
gerous reading? Avoidance of dangerous occasions?
3. Obedience, — In execution? In will? In judg-
ment? Obeyed unreservedly ? promptly? courageously?
humbly ? in spirit of faith ?
4. Service of the Poor. — Appointed work neglected or
badly done ? Spirit of faith, serving Christ's poor with
devotedness? " Unceasing labor"?
5. Instruction of Children. — Devotedness? Thor-
oughness? Kindness? Patience? Impartiality? In
the spirit of faith?
192
General Prayers.
THIRD POINT — PRACTICE OF PRINCIPAL VIRTUES,
What faults against charity? Humility? Industry?
Patience? Punctuality? Silence? etc.
FOURTH POINT — ACT OF SORROW.
£\ MY dear Lord, through Thy infinite mercy par-
don me my many sins and faults. I am heartily
sorry for them, because by them I have grieved and
wounded Thy Sacred Heart and rendered myself so un-
worthy of Thy love. I am sorry from my heart for the
ungrateful return I have, made Thee for all Thy good-
ness to me. Forgive me, dear Lord, pierce my heart
with true sorrow. I love Thee above all things.
FIFTH POINT— PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT.
/T\Y Lord and my God, I now firmly resolve with
^ * Thy help to correct my faults — to overcome
specially that one, N.N., which I am determined not
to commit again. Confirm this my resolution by the
merits of Thy bitter Passion and death, which I now
offer in satisfaction for my sins. My dear Jesus! I
unite my poor heart with Thine all wounded and torn.
May Thy Heart be a hiding-place in which I may dwell
securely. My heart is ready, O my God! my heart is
ready to make atonement for my sins, to adopt the means
of correcting my faults, and of acquiring the perfection
of my holy state.
N.B. — Conclude with Pater and Ave. If time permit,
recite Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity, also "Suscipen
and ?, few indulgenced aspirations.
Sn ©ffenn^ of Communion*
I OFFER Thee, O my God! the Mass and commun-
ion of to-morrow, to the honor and glory of Thy
most holy name, in commemoration of Thy sacred Pas-
sion, in thanksgiving for all Thy benefits, in satisfaction
General Prayers.
x93
for all my sins, and as a means of obtaining all the graces
I stand in need of, in order to serve Thy divine Majesty
in the most perfect manner possible to me. I offer this
holy communion to Thee, O eternal Father, in union
with the offering my dear Redeemer made of Himself
upon the cross, in thanksgiving for my creation, redemp-=
tion, and preservation, in union with all the intentions
my divine Saviour had in the institution of this Most
Holy Sacrament, that I may become more meek,
humble, particularly charitable, obedient, patient, and
mortified; that I may always do Thy will with exact-
ness, fervor, and perseverance; and that in all my
actions I may aim at perfection. I offer it as an atone-
ment to the adorable Heart of my most loving Jesus,
for all the outrages it has received, from myself and
all mankind. I also * offer it for N.N., for the con-
version of sinners, the perseverance of the just, and for
me relief of the souls in purgatory.
Intentions for Ibolg Communion.
INTENTIONS for holy communion regarding the
Church Triumphant, the Church Militant, and the
Church Suffering.
1. In thanksgiving for benefits; to obtain an increase
of graces and blessings for the whole Order ; particularly
to supplicate the divine assistance in the spiritual and
temporal necessities of your own Community; in praise
of God for the glory of the saints, and especially of the
founders of Religious Orders.
2. For the Catholic Church in general; for its special
wants in this country; for the propagation of the faith;
for the intentions of the Holy Father ; for the hierarchy ;
for zealous priests and evangelical laborers; for the
League of the Sacred Heart, and the intentions of the
Apostleship of Prayer; for your own sanctification,
fidelity to your vows, and final perseverance.
i94
General Prayers.
3. For the holy, suffering souls in purgatory — in par-
ticular for the deceased members and benefactors of
your Order, and for those souls that were most devoted
to the Holy Eucharist and to the Blessed Virgin Mary.*
The Visitation Manual gives the following list of inten-
tions for holy communions:
HE first communion in each month, for the reno-
vation of your vows, or good purposes.
The second, for the exaltation of the holy Church,
for the Pope, and the whole ecclesiastical order.
The third, for the preservation, union, and perfection
of your Order.
The fourth, for the conversion of infidels and sinners.
The fifth, for concord among Christian rulers ; chiefly
for the welfare of the country in which you reside, or
for other public necessities.
Sixth. A holy communion and Mass, once a month,
for all the souls in purgatory.
Seventh. A holy communion and Mass, for the de-
ceased members of your holy Order; and one upon the
decease of relations and Sisters.
In the monasteries of the Visitation, a Mass and gen-
eral communion are offered for all benefactors, at their
decease.
On the first Friday, or first Sunday of each month,
offer your holy communion in union with the League
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the intentions of the
Apostleship of Prayer.
The intentions for the daily communion are:
1 st. For the special wants of the Church, particularly
in this country, and for the propagation of the faith.
2d. To obtain evangelical laborers.
* Special intentions are mentioned in the following chapters,
i.e., in the opening prayer, under the caption: Offering of Mass
and Communion, for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and so on, for
each day in the week.
General Prayers.
195
3d. For the whole Order and particularly for the
spiritual and temporal necessities of your own Com-
munity.
4th. For those devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and to our holy founder.
lpraget of tbe Bseociates for tbe Communion of
TReparattoiu
"TTT NIM ATED by an earnest desire to console Thy
cJ*^ Adorable Heart, O beloved Jesus, and feeling
our inability to do so worthily, it is by the immaculate
heart of Thy holy Mother that we dare to offer Thee
the homage of our humble reparation. With her, and
in memory of Thy precious blood, we beseech Thee to
stretch forth Thy powerful arm over Thy Church, to
defend her, to give her the victory over all her enemies,
and to put an end to the long trials of her venerable and
august Head. Vouchsafe also to bless and protect this,
our country, cast upon it Thine eyes of mercy, and ren-
der it fruitful in saints and valiant defenders of the faith.
Finally, O blessed Lord, bring back to Thyself all sin-
ners, crown with Thy graces and with Thy most abun-
dant blessings each member of our Association, and
kindle in the hearts of all the fire of Thy love, and those
burning flames of zeal which Thou Thyself didst come
to enkindle upon the earth. Amen,
PRAYER TO BE SAID BEFORE MASS.
*T"! ORD, God almighty, behold me prostrate before
Thee, in order to appease and honor Thy divine
Majesty, in the name of all creatures. But how can I
do it — I, a wretched sinner ? Yes, I can, and I will do
it; because I know that Thou dost glory in being called
the Father of mercy, and that, for love of us, Thou hast
given even Thy only-begotten Son, Who offered Him-
self for us on the cross, and Who continually renews for
196
General Prayers.
us the same sacrifice on our altars. And therefore,
though a sinner, yet truly penitent; wretched, and yet
rich in Jesus Christ, I present myself before Thee, and
with the fervor of all the saints and angels, and with
the ardent love of the immaculate heart of Mary, I offer
Thee, in the name of all creatures, the Masses which are
now being said, with all those which have been said, and
which will be said to the end of the world. I also desire
to renew this offering, at every instant of th;s day, and
of my whole life, in order to give Thy infinite majesty
honor and glory worthy of Thee; to appease Thy wrath,
and to satisfy Thy justice for our many sins; to render
Thee thanks in keeping with Thy benefits, and to im-
plore Thy mercy for myself and for all sinners, for all
the faithful, living and dead, for the whole Church, and
chiefly for its visible head, the Roman Pontiff; and
lastly, for all poor schismatics, heretics, and infidels, that
they may also be converted and saved.
AN OFFERING TO BE MADE DURING THE TIME OF MASS.
TERNAL Father, I offer Thee the sacrifice which
Thy beloved Son, Jesus, made of Himself on
the cross, and now renews on this altar. I offer it in
the name of all creatures, together with the Masses which
have been said and which will be said throughout the
whole world, to adore Thee and to give Thee honor
which Thou deservest; to render to Thee the thanks
which are due Thee for Thy numberless benefits, to
appease Thy anger, and to satisfy for our many sins;
to supplicate Thee for myself, for the Church, for the
whole world, and for the blessed souls in purgatory.
Indulgence of 3 years, once a day, for each prayer; plenary indul-
gence, once a month, on usual conditions. — Pius IX., April 11,
/860. The S. Congr. of Indulgences, May 5, 1890, declared that
priests can gain the indulgence granted for the above offering by
saying it before celebrating Mass.
Methods of Hearing Mass.
x97
' AN OFFERING.
6TERNAL Father, we offer Thee the blood, the
Passion, and the death of Jesus Christ, the sor-
rows of Mary most holy, and of St. Joseph, in satisfac-
tion for our sins, in aid of the holy souls in purgatory,
for the needs of holy Mother Church, and for the con-
version of sinners.
.ndulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., April 30, i860.
/IDetbofcs of Ibearmg /IDass**
(Merino of /Ifcaea anfc Communion t>n SunDags—
1boi£ Ztinity.
^ROSTRATE before the throne of Thy divine
«-■— Majesty, O my God, I humbly implore Thy
pardon for my offences, and Thy grace that I may be
entirely employed in praising and adoring Thee. O
adorable Trinity! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, bless
me. O Holy Trinity, Whose throne is surrounded by
adoring angels, and Whose awful presence is felt by
all creatures, the work of Thy omnipotent hands, dis-
dain not the homage of my heart, which I desire to con-
secrate entirely to Thy service. Thou art my hope and
my life ; what can I desire in heaven, or what can I seek
on earth, but Thee? and where shall I so surely find
Thee as on this altar ? I offer this Mass and holy com-
* Sunday, in honor of the Holy Trinity.
Monday, for the holy souls in purgatory.
Tuesday, in honor of the holy angels, and especially the Guar-
dian Angel.
Wednesday, in honor of St. Joseph.
Thursday, in honor of the Blessed Sacrament and the Sacred
Heart.
Friday, in honor of the Sacred Passion and the suffering Hear"
of Jesus.
Saturday in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
198 Methods of Hearing Mass.
munion in thanksgiving for the benefits bestowed upon
me; give me grace to be ever grateful for them, and to
serve Thee faithfully by the observance of my vows,
and by an unreserved consecration of myself to Thee.
PRAYER TO THE MOST HOLY TRINITY.
OMNIPOTENCE of the Father, help my weakness,
and deliver me from the depth of misery.
Wisdom of the Son, direct all my thoughts, words, and
actions.
Love of the Holy Ghost, be thou the source and begin-
ning of all the operations of my soul, whereby they may
be always conformable to the divine will.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., March 15,
1890.
B /Ilbetboo of Ibearing /iftase on SunDag.
FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE INTROIT.
Make acts 0} humility and contrition, and beg grace to
assist devoutly and with profit at this august sacrifice.
FROM THE INTROIT TO THE ELEVATION.
Follow the Ordinary of the Mass.
FROM THE ELEVATION TO THE PATER NOSTER.
Prostrate in spirit before God, offer Him, in thanks-
giving for all the benefits bestowed on you, the merits of
His divine Son in this august sacrifice; pray for the
voants of the Catholic Church, the propagation of the
true faith, for the Pope, prelates, and clergy, for this Com-
munity, and for the Institute in general.
AT THE PATER NOSTER.
Repeat devoutly this prayer — the prayer of Jesus Christy
Himself — make acts of faith, love, and confidence in your
Lord and Saviour, Who wishes to come into your heart.
Vide Mass on Thursday.
Methods of Hearing Mass.
199
AT THE AGNUS DEI,
OLAMB cf God, Who takest away the sins of the
world, take away my sins, cleanse my soul from
every imperfection. I am unworthy to receive Thee.
Come, O Lord, and prepare my heart for Thyself. My
God and my all, what have I but Thee ? Satisfy the desire
of my heart: come to me and make me entirely Thine.
Make an act of sincere contrition, renew your offering
and intentions. Renew your vows, and then keep your-
self in profound recollection, waiting to receive into your
heart your Lord and your God. Vide Devotions for
Communion, and in honor of the Holy Trinity.
©tterins of /Iftase anD Communion on dBonDag— Cbe
Ibolg Souls In purgatory
GOD! what victim can better appease Thy jus-
tice than that which we are going to offer in this
unbloody sacrifice of the cross? As that divine obla-
tion disarmed Thy wrath, and induced Thee to revoke
the sentence of condemnation pronounced against man-
kind, so, mercifully grant that this adorable sacrifice
may be accepted by Thee as an atonement for those
souls for whom we offer it, that, being released from
their prison, they may be received into Thy kingdom, and
through the merits of Jesus Christ, pass into eternal joys.
O bountiful Jesus, Who art the propitiation for the
living and the dead, what thanks are due to Thee for
having left us this divine sacrifice, and for having ren-
dered it available to the souls of the faithful departed!
Mercifully grant that they for whom we offer it this day
. . . being released from suffering, may advocate for
us in heaven, as we advocate for them on earth.
Let Thy mercy, O Lord! which Thou delightest to
exercise, be applied to . . . whose greatest torment is
to be deprived of Thy sweet and adorable presence-
200
Methods of Hearing Mass.
Jesus Christ, a willing victim on this new Calvary, pleads
powerfully for the remission of every stain that now sep-
arates them from Thee.
illbetboD of Ibeartng /Ifoaes on tffoonoa£.
Vide " Mass for the Poor Souls," and " Requiem
Mass," at the end of the " Office for the Dead."
Offering of /nbaes anD Communion on GuesDag— Cbe
OMY God, being wholly incapable of rendering
Thee the thanks I owe, I offer Thee the ardent
love and perpetual praise of Thy glorious host of angels,
the profound adorations of Thy saints, especially the
pure and fervent love of the ever blessed Virgin, the
Queen of angels and saints, begging that Thou wilt be
pleased to receive them in acknowledgment of all Thy
infinite mercies to me. I offer this Mass and commun-
ion for the conversion of negligent Catholics, especially
... I offer it to obtain for myself, through the special
intercession of my angel guardian, the spirit of interior
recollection, fidelity to grace, and union with God, a pro-
found humility, and sincere and heartfelt contrition. I
also offer this Mass and communion to beg, O my God,
that Thou wilt bestow upon all priests, especially . . .
Thy spirit, and make them apostolic men, and true and
faithful laborers in Thy vineyard. Behold me, O my
God, prostrate before Thee, begging that, together with
the sacrifice of Thy divine Son, Thou wilt be pleased to
accept of my unworthy self, and the promises I made at
my profession, which I now renew. O Mary, my Mother,
have compassion on me, and obtain for me, from thy
divine Son, what you see I want most, in order to render
me agreeable in His sight.
O all ye holy angels and saints of God, intercede for
me.
Methods of Hearing Mass.
201
/DbetboD of Ibearlng /Ifcass on GueeOag.
FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE OFFERTORY.
Recite in sentiments of contrition and confidence in Gody
the psalm "Miserere."
AT THE OFFERTORY.
/T\Y Lord and my God, permit me to offer Thee my
^* > soul and body with the bread and wine which
are offered Thee by the priest, to the end that they may
be changed into the body and blood of Thy divine Son.
Oh! so let me be changed into the semblance of Him.
All is pure in Him, and all is profane in me. It was to
reform what the malice of the devil and sin had defaced
of Thy image, that my Saviour immolated Himself on
the cross, and it is for that He now sacrifices Himself on
this altar. Oh! repair in me His image by that precious
blood which flowed from His sacred wounds, and which
will soon flow on this altar. Take away from me the per-
verse inclinations which lead me into sin, change my
tepidity into fervor, take possession of me, O my God,
and make me wholly Thine. Imprint on my memory
the remembrance of Thy divine presence, in my under-
standing the knowledge of Thy divine perfections, and
in my heart Thy love; destroy in me whatever may dis-
pute Thy right over me, and crown all Thy mercies
to me by giving me that humble and contrite heart,
which is the offering Thou desirest above all to receive
from Thy creatures.
AFTER THE ELEVATION.
r\ VICTIM of Salvation! Eternal King! Incar-
nate Word! sacrificed for me and all mankind!
O precious body of the Son of God! O sacred flesh,
torn with nails, pierced with a lance, and bleeding on a
cross forme! O infinite Good! O exceeding Love! let
that tender love Dlead now in my behalf; let all my
202
Methods of Hearing Mass.
iniquities be here effaced, and my name be written in
the book of life. I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee, I
love Thee. To Thee be honor, praise, and glory for
ever and ever. O sacred blood flowing from the wounds
of Jesus Christ, and washing away the sins of the world !
cleanse, sanctify, and preserve my soul, that nothing
may ever separate me from Thee. Behold, O eternal
Father, Thy only-begotten Son ! look on the face of Thy
Christ, in Whom Thou art well pleased; hear the voice
of His blood, which calls to Thee for mercy and pardon.
Oh! let it plead powerfully in our behalf; let it blot out
my sins, cleanse every stain from my soul, and render
me pure and pleasing in Thy sight.
AT THE AGNUS DEI.
r\ ETERNAL Father, behold here Thy divine Son,
and for His sake look upon me, whom He
has redeemed with His precious blood, since together
vrith Him I consecrate myself to Thee, to be disposed
of as Thou shalt please for time and eternity.
AT THE COMMUNION.
aOME, dear Jesus, into my heart; it is by Thee
alone that I can worthily acknowledge God's
infinite mercies to me. O love, immense and infinite,
thaw the icy coldness of my heart, soften it, that Thou
mayest no longer find in it any resistance to Thy inspi-
rations. I consecrate to Thee my soul, my life, and all
that I am. O sweet Saviour! unite me to Thyself, that
I may be one with Thee by grace and a perfect con-
formity of will; and by the efficacy of Thy presence in
my heart, increase my faith, strengthen my hope, and
inflame my heart with Thy love, that it may pant only
for Thee, and live for Thee alone.
Make an act of sincere contrition, renew your vows,
and, with humble reverence, invite Jesus into your heart
by fervent aspirations. Vide Devotions in honor of the
Angels.
Methods of Hearing Mass,
203
©ffering of dlbaes anD Communion on THHeDnegDag—
St. Soeepb.
O DIVINE Jesus! Lamb without spot, Whose pre-
cious blood was shed for the redemption of man-
kind, I adore Thee in the mystery of faith and love, in
which, by Thy exceeding great mercy, Thou dost daily
renew the sacrifice of Thyself for man. Deign to destroy
in me all that is displeasing to Thy pure eyes, in order
that I may be as a living holocaust, pleasing and accept-
able before the throne of Thy love.
O Mary, I have recourse to thee in this happy moment ;
pray for me, that my heart may be penetrated with pro-
found humility, lively faith, and ardent lo^e during the
celebration of this august sacrifice.
O glorious St. Joseph, first adorer, after Mary, of the
sacred humanity of my Saviour, to you do I confide my
friends and benefactors, and those for whom I promise
to pray, especially . . . Obtain for them all the graces
you know to be necessary for them; take under your
protection the temporal interests of this Institute ; obtain
for its Superiors, wisdom and justice in the discharge of
their authority, and obtain for me, O holy St. Joseph
a perfect spirit of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and
a happy death.
/DbetboD of tearing /Ifcass on THHe&nesDaE,
FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE GOSPEL.
Employ yourself in making acts of contrition for your
many sins committed against God, considered as your God,
your King, and your Father. Vide " Mass for Religious.19
AT THE OFFERTORY.
C\ MY God, considering the infinite merits of the
Victim that will be offered to Thee, I hope that
Thou wilt look with pity and compassion on me. O
204 Methods of Hearing Mass.
blessed be this hour in which Thou, O divine Jesus,
art going to offer Thyself to Thy eternal Father for
my salvation. O my God, receive this holy sacrifice, in
which Thy divine Son offers Himself, and is offered by
the priest, to render Thee due homage and worthy
thanks for all Thy benefits. Receive here also the entire
sacrifice which I make of myself, of my body, of my soul,
and of all that I am, which I unite with that of Thy
divine Son. For His sake receive me, together with the
promises I made at my holy profession.
AT THE ELEVATION.
I ADORE Thee, O Victim of propitiation, Who hast
been sacrificed for my salvation. Humbled at
Thy feet I implore Thy mercy. Thou hast shed Thy
blood to blot out my iniquitif3; purify my soul still
more from its stains. O infinite Goodness, do not
abandon me. Sacred hands, which have formed me, do
not destroy me. Sacred feet, which have been fatigued
running after the dispersed children of Israel, be my
asylum and refuge. Heart, ever filled with compassion
for sinners, receive me. G Jesus, my beloved, for me
Thou hast died, for Thee I desire to live — for Thee alone.
Jesus, my Lord, my God, and my all ! Thou wert cruci-
fied and didst die for love of me; oh, grant that I may
be truly crucified in spirit and die to self for love of
Thee.
AT THE AGNUS DEI.
DIVINE Lamb, Who earnest to take away the
sins of the world, let me not be excluded from a
share in Thy universal mercies ! Cleanse my soul ; purify
it in the bath of Thy precious blood ; adorn it, I beseech
Thee, with those virtues which will render me less un-
worthy to participate in the food of angels. "As th^
Methods of Hearing Mass. 205
hart panteth after fountains of water, so my soul panteth
after Thee, O God I"
0 amiable Virgin! thou, who art by excellence blessed
among women, show thyself now my tender Mother
and powerful advocate.
Angels and saints, bless the Lord, and intercede for me.
1 adore Thee at every moment, O living Bread of
heaven, Most August Sacrament. O Jesus, beloved
Son of the Virgin Mary, I pray Thee to bless my soul.
To Thee I consecrate my heart, O most blessed Jesu?
my dear Saviour. Mayest Thou be known, adored, anc4
loved by all, and may thanks be continually given to
Thee in the Most Holy and Most August Sacrament
Amen.
Jesus, most merciful; Jesus, meek and humble of
Heart, forgive us our sins; give Thy peace to our souls
remember us in Thy kingdom.
Mary and Joseph, pray for us this hour and at the
hour of our death.
Make an act of contrition, a renewal oj vows, and wait
in humble adoration the coming oj Jesus.
«
©tfering of /Hbase anfc Communion on (TbureDat?— Gbe
^SleseeD Sacrament anfc tbe SacreD Ibeart*
I COME, O my God, into Thy sanctuary, to seek
the food and life of my soul. By the hope Thou
commandest me to have in Thee, inspire me with con-
fidence to approach Thy holy mountain; permit me,
divine Jesus, to ascend this new Calvary with Thee7
that my whole soul may do homage to Thy Majesty;
that my heart, with its tenderest affections, may
acknowledge Thy infinite love; that my memory may
dwell on the admirable mysteries here renewed; and
that the sacrifice of my whole being may accom-
pany them. Alas'. I am unworthy to join with Thy
minister in adoring Thee; but do Thou Thyself assist
2o6
Methods of Hearing Mass.
me, and purify my heart and mind, that I may be en-
tirely employed and occupied about Thee during this
holy sacrifice. O Jesus, humbly prostrate before Thee,
I adore Thee and offer Thee the holy sacrifice at which
I am going to assist, in order to make atonement for the
many outrages which Thy divine Heart daily receives
in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the altar. I beseech
Thee to inflame my heart with a most ardent love of
Thee; make me one with Thee; totally transform and
change me into Thyself; may nothing in life or death
ever separate me from Thee.
/Ifcetbofc of Ibeadng /Iftass on GbursDaE*
FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE INTROIT.
Make acts oj contrition, humility, and confidence.
AT THE INTROIT.
S~\ MY God, strengthen me by Thy grace, that I may
worthily approach Thy altar and participate in
the sacred mysteries. Create in me, O Lord, a clean
heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Thou art
worthy, O my almighty Creator, of an infinite homage,
which my extreme misery and poverty render me inca-
pable of offering; yet I am not destitute, for Jesus, Thy
beloved Son, by His profound adorations and incompre-
hensible humiliations, more than supplies for my defi-
ciencies. O permit me by Him and with Him to pros-
trate and humble myself before Thy supreme Majesty.
I adore Thee with the adorations of my divine Saviour,
the only Victim worthy of Thyself, and I rejoice in seeing
Thee thus worthily and perfectly honored. I offer this
Mass and holy communion in honor of the adorable
Sacrament, in reparation for all sacrilegious commun-
ions, for Religious, for priests, for those under my care,
and to implore for myself the spirit of patience, self-
Methods of Hearing Mass.
207
denial, and entire resignation, charity, and unbounded
confidence in my Lord and God.
AT THE OFFERTORY.
/~\ JESUS! Thou hast loved me so tenderly as to
leave me Thy Heart in the Eucharist, and this
Heart so full of mercy, and of love is outraged and pierced
incessantly by my ingratitude; but Thou wilt forgive
my sins. Ohl yes, I conjure Thee, save my soul, which
Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious blood, cleanse
me from every stain. I long to be restored to Thy grace
and favor. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, inflamed with love
of me, inflame my heart with love of Thee! I dedicate
myself to Thee for ever — my tongue to proclaim Thy
favors; my mind to think of Thee, my only Good; my
will to desire Thee; and my heart to love Thee alone.
I offer Thee the sacrifice of my existence when it may
please Thee to call for it, only asking that I may breathe
my last sigh in Thy Sacred Heart. I offer Thee, my
God, all that I have and all that I am, a miserable sac-
rifice, but such as it is, I unite it to the great oblation of
my divine Saviour, in union with Whose precious blood
and merits I dare hope Thou wilt accept my offering.
AT THE PREFACE.
/~\ DIVINE Jesus! grant me a share in Thy zeaj
for Thy Father's glory, that, in union with the
dominations, principaliues, and the whole hierarchy
of angels, I may anticipate in my exile the ever new
canticle which they incessantly sing in the abode of bliss :
Holy, thrice holy, infinitely holy, is the Lord God of
hosts! the heavens and the earth are full of His glory;
but His mercies have been exalted above all His works,
since Thou, O divine Jesus! hast descended from His
bosom and come in His name to dwell in this valley of
tears; nay, more, to dwell in unworthy hearts.
208
Methods of Hearing Mass,
AT THE ELEVATION.
^T* ADORE Thee at every moment, O living Bread
of heaven, great Sacrament! O Jesus! beloved
Son of the Virgin Mary, I pray Thee to bless my soul;
to Thee I consecrate my heart, O most blessed Jesus!
my dear Saviour. Mayest Thou be known, adored,
and loved by all, and may thanks be continually given
to Thee in the Most Holy and Most August Sacrament.
OH! see upon the altar placed
The Victim of the greatest love!
Let all the earth below adore,
And join the choirs of heaven above.
Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore;
Oh! make us love Thee more and more.
O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine,
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine!
Glory be to the blood of Jesus, now and for ever, and
throughout all ages. Amen.
IN PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION.
Vj*DORAMUSte,Christe, /TjTE adore Thee, Christ,.
eJr*-* et benedicimus tibi. VxA» and we bless Thee.
. Quia per sanctam • crucem Because by Thy holy cross
tuam redemisti mundum. Thou hast redeemed the world.
I ADORE Thee, eternal Father, and I give Thee
thanks for the infinite love with which Thou didst
deign to send Thy only -begotten Son to redeem me,
and to become the food of my soul. I offer Thee all
the acts of adoration and thanksgiving that are offered
to Thee by the angels and saints in heaven and by the
just on earth. I praise, love, and thank Thee with all
the praise, love, and thanksgiving that are offered to
Thee by Thine own Son in the Blessed Sacrament;
and I beg Thee to grant that He may be known, loved,
honored, praised, and worthily received by all in this
Most Divine Sacrament.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
Methods of Heari7ig Mass. 209
I ADORE Thee, eternal Son, and I thank Thee for
the infinite love which caused Thee to become
man for me, to be born in a stable, to live in poverty, to
suffer hunger, thirst, heat, cold, fatigue, hardships, con-
tempt, persecutions, the scourging, the crowning with
thorns, and a cruel death upon the hard wood of the
cross. I thank Thee with the Church militant and
triumphant for the infinite love with which Thou didst
institute the Most Blessed Sacrament to be the food of
my soul.
I adore Thee in all the consecrated Hosts throughout
the whole world, and I return thanks for those who know
Thee not and do not thank Thee. Would that I were
able to give my life to make Thee known, loved, and
honored by all in this Sacrament of love, and to pre-
vent the irreverences and sacrileges that are committed
against Thee! I love Thee, divine Jesus, and I desire to
receive Thee with all the purity, love, and affection of
Thy blessed Mother, and with the love and affection of
Thy 'own mo^t pure Heart. Grant, O most amiable
Spouse of my soul, in coming to me in this Most Holy
Sacrament, that I may receive all the graces and bless-
ings which Thou dost come to bestow on us, and let
me rather die than receive Thee unworthily.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
I ADORE Thee, eternal Holy Ghost, and I give Thee
thanks for the infinite love with which Thou didst
work the ineffable mystery of the Incarnation, and for
the infinite love with which Thou didst form the sacred
body of Our Lord Jesus Christ out of the most pure
blood of the Blessed Virgin Maty, to become in this
Sacrament the food of my soul. I beg Thee to enlighten
my mind, and to purify my heart and the hearts of all
men, that all may know the benefit of Thy love, and
receive worthily this Most Blessed Sacrament.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc»
2IO
Methods of Hearing Mass.
ANTUM ergo sacra-
mentum,
Veneremur, cernui;
Et antiquum documentum,
Novo cedat ritui;
Praestet fides supplementum,
Sensuum defectui.
Genitori Genitoque,
Laus et jubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio,
Procedenti ab utroque,
Compar sit laudatio.
Amen.
V. Panem de ccelo prae-
stitisti eis.
R. Omne delectamentum
in se habentem.
Or emus.
^T^VEUS, qui nobis, sub sac-
A-' ramento mirabili, pas-
sionis tuae memoriam reliqui-
sti : tribue, quaesumus, ita nos
corporis et sanguinis tui sacra
mysteria venerari, ut redemp-
tionis tuae fructum in nobis
jugiter sentiamus. Qui vivis
et regnas, etc.
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pki
OWN in adoration fall-
ing,
Lo! the sacred Host we
hail;
Lo! o'er ancient forms de-
parting.
Newer rites of grace pre-
vail;
Faith for all defects supply-
ing,
Where the feeble senses
fail.
To the everlasting Father,
And the Son Who reigns on
high,
With the Holy Ghost pro-
ceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honor, blessing,
Might and endless majesty.
Amen.
V. Thou gavest them bread
from heaven.
R. And therein was sweet-
ness of every kind.
Let us pray.
OD, Who, beneath this
marvelous sacrament,
hast left us a memorial of
Thy Passion: grant us, we
beseech Thee, so to venerate
the sacred mysteries of Thy
body and blood, that we may
ever feel within us the fruit of
Thy redemption, Who livest
and reignest, etc.
VII., Aug.. 24, 1818.
Jleihods of Hearing Mass.
211
AGNUS DEI AND COMMUNION.
O INNOCENT Lamb of God Who takest away
the sins of the world, take away mine, I beseech
Thee; efface them by Thy great mercy; purify my soul
in the streams of Thy precious blood. O Prince of
peace, give me that peace which the world can not give,
that peace which is found in Thy love, that peace which
neither earth nor hell can deprive me of, unless I forfeit
it by sin. O grant me the peace of Thy grace here, and
eternal peace hereafter. Amen.
PRAYER.
^TEE where Thy boundless love has reached, my
loving Jesus! Thou, of Thy flesh and precious
blood, hast made ready for me a banquet whereby to give
me all Thyself. Who drove Thee to this excess of love
for me? Thy Heart, Thy loving Heart. O adorable
Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of divine love! within
Thy sacred wound take Thou my soul; in order that,
in that school of charity, I may learn to love that God
Who has given me such Vvondrous proofs of His great
love. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius VII., Feb. 9, 1818.
Make an act of contrition, a renewal of vows, and
invite your Lord into your heart by fervent aspirations.
AJFTER HOLY COMMUNION.
Faith and Adoration.
Y Lord Jesus Christ! Thou dost now dwell within
me. Thou art mine and I am all Thine. I
adore Thee with the angels and saints of heaven. Thou
art my King; reign Thou alone in me; defend me
against the evil spirits and the temptations of the world,
that I may serve Thee and love Thee faithfully and
never be separated from ^hee and Thv sweet dominion
over me.
212
Methods of if earing Mass.
Thanksgiving,
Y Lord Jesus Christ! I thank Thee for the grace
which Thou hast bestowed upon me to-day of
coming to dwell within me and of nourishing me with
Thy sacred body and precious blood.
Saints and angels! in my unworthiness I call upon
you to give thanks to God for His great goodness and
mercy, and to praise becomingly His holy name. " What
shall I render to the Lord for all the things that He hath
rendered to me?" (Ps. cxv. 12.)
Love.
Y Lord Jesus Christ, how great is Thy love! I
now return Thee love for love, according to my
ability. I repent with my whole heart of all my offences
against Thee, because Thou art infinitely good and deserv-
ing of all my love. I desire to love Thee more and more,
and I will avoid everything that is displeasing to Thee.
Prayer of St. Ignatius.
AKE, O Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory,
my understanding, and my whole will. Thou hast
given me all that I am ar*d all that I possess ; I surrender
it all to Thee that Thou mayest dispose of it according
to Thy will. Give me only Thy love and Thy grace;
with these I will be rich enough, and will have no more
to desire.
Indulgence of 300 days once a day. — Pope Leo XIII., May
26, 1883.
Petitions.
Pray for the Holy Father's intentions, for the Catholic
Church, for the conversion of sinners, for the holy, suffer-
ing souls in purgatory, for your Community, for the
Religious Orders, for your special necessities, for your
country, for your relatives and benefactors , and for all who
have asked you to pray for them. Vide " Mass for Com-
munion days " and " Devotions for Holy Communion"
Methods of Hearing Mass.
213
INDULGENCED PRAYER BEFORE A CRUCIFIX.
*T~~I OOK down upon me, good and gentle
A Jesus, while before Thy face I hum-
^^pSH^Wy kneel, and with burning soul pray and
plbeseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively
|^ sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, true
IF Lv,xiCrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of
|f amendment; and while I contemplate with
If great love and tender pity Thy five wounds,
pondering over them within me, and calling to
mind the words which David Thy prophet said of Thee,
my Jesus: "They pierced my hands and my feet; they
numbered all my bones. " (Ps. xxi. 17, t8.)
A plenary indulgenC which can be applied to the souls in
purgatory, may be gained by the faithful who, after having con-
fessed their sins with sorrow and received holy communion, shall
devoutly recite the above prayer before an image or picture of
Christ crucified, and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father. —
Pius IX., July 31, 1858.
INVOCATIONS.
NIMA Christi, sancti-
fica me.
Corpus Christi, salva me.
Sanguis Christi, inebria me.
Aqua lateris Christi, lava me.
Passio Christi, conforta me.
O bone Jesu, exaudi me.
Intra tua vulnera absconde
me.
Ne permittas me separari a te.
Ab hoste maligno defende me.
In hora mortis meae voca me,
Et jube me venire ad te,
OUL of Christ, sanctify
me:
Body of Christ, save me:
Blood of Christy inebriate me:
Water from the side of Christ,
wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen
me:
O good Jesus, hear me:
Within Thy wTounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated
from Thee.
From the malignant enemy
defend me:
In the hour of my death call
me,
And bid me come to Thee,
214
Methods of Hearing Mass,
Ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem te That, with Thy saints, I may
praise Thee
In saecula sseculorum. For ever and ever.
Amen. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius IX., Jan. 9,, 1854.
PRAYER : 0 JESUS, LIVING IX MARY.
OJESU, vivens in Maria,
veni et vive in famulis
tuis, in spiritu sanctitatis tuae,
in plenitudine virtutis tuae, in
veritate virtutum tuarum, in
perfectione viarum tuarum, in
communione mysteriorum tu-
orum, dominare omni adver-
sae potestati, in spiritu tuo ad
gloriam Patris. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once
O JESUS, living in Mary!
come and live in Thy
servants, in the spirit of Thy
holiness, in the fulness of Thy
might, in the truth of Thy vir-
tues, in the perfection of Thy
ways, in the communion of
Thy mysteries; subdue every
hostile power, in Thy spirit
for the glory of the Father.
Amen.
a day. — Pius IX.. Oct. 14, 1859*
prayer: o most compassionate jesus.
OLEMENTIS SIME
Jesu, salus, vita, resur-
rectio nostra tu solus es. Te
ergo quaesumus ne derelin-
quas nos in angustiis et per-
turbationibus nostris, sed per
agoniam cordis tui sanctis-
simi et per dolores matris
tuae immaculatae tuis famulis
subveni, quos pretioso san-
guine redemisti.
OMOST compassionate
Jesus! Thou alone art
our salvation, our life, and
our resurrection. We im-
plore Thee, therefore, do not
forsake us in our needs and
afflictions, but, by the agony
of Thy most Sacred Heart,
and by the sorrows of Thy
immaculate Mother, succor
Thy servants whom Thou
hast redeemed by Thy most
precious blood,
a day. — Pius IX., Oct. 6, 1870*
©ffertng of /Ifeass anfc Communion on ffrtDa^— Gbe
passion anfc tbe SacreD Ibeart of Jesua*
f \ DIVINE Jesus! sacred Victim, immolated for
the redemption of mankind, I earnestly beseech
Indulgence of 100 days, once
Methods of Hearing Mass. 215
Thee that I may assist at this adorable sacrifice with the
most lively faith, animated hope, unbounded gratitude,
and tender love; permit me to follow Thee in spirit
through the different stages of Thy sacred Passion, and
give me an abundant share of that infinite charity which
induced Thee to suffer such excessive torments for my
sake. I offer this divine sacrifice to commemorate in
a special manner Thy Passion and death, and to obtain,
through its efficacious merits, the conversion of tepid
priests and Religious ; furthermore that union and charity
may reign in this Community, and that all its members
may be filled with zeal for the conversion of sinners, for
whom Thou didst die ; and for myself, the spirit of mor-
tification and humility, light and prudence in the dis-
charge of my office, patience and forbearance with those
under my care, purity of intention, simplicity, diffidence
in self, confidence in God. But, O my Jesus, Thou
needest not my representation to discern my wants. I
am too weak, too insensible, to feel my miseries as I ought,
too guilty to deserve being heard; let my silence then
speak. O most merciful Saviour! let my multiplied
miseries plead in my behalf. Thou wilt not be deaf to
their eloquent supplications, and surely, O my Jesus!
Thou needest but consult Thy own Heart, and that
infinite love which brings Thee daily upon our altars,
to find motives for granting pardon, and mercy to me,
a poor sinner.
/Iftetbofc of Ibearlns /foass on jf rtt>a£.
AT THE CONFITEOR AND INTROIT.
Represent to yourself Jesus Christ retiring to the Gar-
den 0} Gethsemane to pray : unite your sentiments with
the divine dispositions of the Son of God, and prepare for
this divine sacrifice of the Mass by acts of sincere contrition:
3ESUS, in the Garden of Olives, shed His blood for
us in such streams that it bathed the earth around.
2l6
Methods of Hearing Mass.
This He did at the vision He then had of the ingratitude
with which men would meet His love. Oh! let us, then,
repent sincerely for the past, considering how poorly we
have met the countless benefits of Our Lord, and re-
solve henceforth to make good use of His graces and holy
inspirations.
O my good Jesus, my dear Saviour, I compassionate
Thee in Thy sufferings. I fervently bless Thee and
thank Thee for all Thou hast done and suffered for me;
give me grace to weep over the sins and the ingratitude
which caused Thy dreadful agony. Sweet Jesus, mercy !
Pardon me, O Lord, for my past indifference to Thy love.
Heart of Jesus, inflamed with love of us, inflame our
hearts with love of Thee.
AT THE KYRIE ELEISON.
Represent Jesus taken and bound with cords, and say:
AY those bonds which confined Thy hands burst
the fetters of my sins, and restore me to the sweet
liberty of Thy children! I cast myself at Thy sacred
feet, O my King and my God: and since Thou hast
undergone the humiliation of allowing Thyself to be
bound by Thy creatures, may I place all my happiness
in sharing Thy humiliations, and carrying Thy cross.
AT THE GOSPEL.
Reflect on the patience and benignity of Jesus in allow-
ing Himself to be dragged from tribunal to tribunal, and
say:
Q SPOTLESS Lamb of God! while Thy judges
proclaim Thee an impostor, I rise without fear
or shame to declare, in the face of heaven and earth, that
Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God, and that I
unreservedly assent to all and every article proposed by
Thy holy Church to my belief: but, O divine Lord, give
me grace to profess by my actions as well as by my words
Methods cf Hearing Mass.
217
the faith. Have mercy on all who are involved in the
dreadful night of infidelity: may the light of Thy grace
shine upon them, and so penetrate their hearts that they
may embrace the truth, and be admitted to the commun-
ion of Thy holy Church.
AT THE OFFERTORY.
Represent Jesus bound to the pillar and cruelly scourged:
ESUS, in His cruel scourging, shed His blood most
painfully and abundantly, offering it to His
eternal Father in payment of our impatience and our
wantonness. How is it, then, that we do not curb our
wrath and self-love? Oh! let us henceforth try to be
more patient in our trials, to despise ourselves, and to
bear in peace the injuries men do us.
O Jesus, Thou art the Love and Life of my soul. I
find true peace and real happiness only in Thy love, in
Thy service, and in the imitation of Thy virtues. I offer
myself to Thee; do what Thou wiliest with me; hence-
forth my motto shall be, "All for Jesus. "
Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like
unto Thine.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love!
AT THE PREFACE.
Contemplate thy Saviour crowned with thorns; reflect on
the words "Behold the man" and say :
BEHOLD me, O most merciful Jesus: A poor sin-
ner; I cast myself at Thy sacred feet, penetrated
with sorrow for my sins. Oh! let not pride any longer
occupy my heart, which Thou, my Saviour, hast so
tenderly loved and redeemed at so great a price ; cleanse
my poor soul, O Jesus, from all offensive stains, and
drown my imperfections in the boundless ocean of Thy
mercv-
2l8
Methods of Hearing Mass,
AT THE ELEVATION.
Contemplate Jesus hanging on the cross, and adore the
same Jesus here present on the altar:
Ave Verum.
*TT*VE Verum Corpus, na-
fxJPL turn
Ex Maria virgine!
Vere passum, immolatum,
In cruce pro homine!
"T^AIL to thee! true body
r-L& sprung
From the Virgin Mary's
womb!
The same that on the cross
was hung,
And bore for man the bitter
doom!
Cujus latus perforatum
Vero fluxit sanguine;
Esto nobis prsegustatum,
Mortis in examine.
O clemens, O pie!
O dulcis Jesu, Fili Mariae!
Thou Whose side was pierced
and flowed
Both with water and with
blood;
Suffer us to taste of Thee,
In our life's last agony.
O kind, O loving one!
O sweet Jesus, Mary's Son!
O JESUS, my crucified Saviour, Thou didst die for
the love of me, let me die to self and to the world
for love of Thee! O crucified Love! O precious blood
of Jesus! May all hearts 7ove Thee, may all tongues
praise and glorify and thank Thee, now and for ever-
more.
PRECIOUS blood, shed so profusely in the cru-
cifixion of our Jesus, make me die entirely to
self-love !
Precious blood, shed to the very last drop by the open-
ing of the Sacred Heart, give me that generous love that
sacrifices all for God!
Precious blood, sacred source whence flow all virtues
and all graces, apply thy infinite merits to my soul'
Methods of Hearing Mass.
219
Precious blood, whose virtue animates and vivifies
our actions, apply thy infinite merits to all our works!
Life-giving fountain, in which the soul fully slakes its
thirst, saturate it with pure love!
O divine blood of my Jesus, I adore thee from the
depth of my heart! Thee I ardently invoke, for thou
art my salvation, and by thee I hope to obtain the joys
of paradise.
Most precious blood of Jesus, cry for mercy for us, to
thy divine Father and deliver us!
'Eternal Father, I offer Thee the precious blood of
Jesus, in satisfaction for my sins and for the wants of
the holy Church."
By the precious blood of Jesus, I beseech Thee, Father
in heaven, have mercy on the poor souls in purgatory.
Requiem seternam dona eis, Domine; Et lux perpetua
luceat eis!
Adore the five wounds 0} your crucified Jesus, kissing
them in spirit, praying for true and abiding sorrow for
your sins, for perfect conformity to the will of God and the
grace of perseverance.
Jesu dulcis amor mens.
3ESU ! as though Thyself wert here,
I draw in trembling sorrow near;
And hanging o'er Thy form divine,
Kneel down to kiss these wounds of Thine.
Ah me, how naked art Thou laid!
Bloodstain' d, distended, cold, and dead!
Joy of my soul — my Saviour sweet,
Upon this sacred winding-sheet!
Hail, awful brow! hail, thorny wreath!
Hail, countenance now pale in death!
Whose glance but late so brightly blazed,
That angels trembled as they gazed.
220
Methods of Hearing Mass.
And hail to thee, my Saviour's side;
And hail to thee, thou wound so wide:
Thou wound more ruddy than the rose,
True antidote of all our woes!
Oh, by those sacred hands and feet
For me so mangled! I entreat,
My Jesu, turn me not away,
But let me here for ever stay.
AT COMMUNION.
Make an act of contrition, a renewal of vows, and cast-
ing yourself in spirit into the bleeding Heart of Jesus,
pray that you may love Him more and more, be more like
to Him in the imitation of His virtues, and be united
with Him for evermore.
6
AT THE BLESSING.
An Indulgenced Prayer.
TERN AL Father ! we offer Thee the most precious
blood of Jesus, shed for us with such great love
and bitter pain from the wound in His right hand; and,
through its merits and its might, we entreat Thy divine
Majesty to grant us Thy holy benediction, that, by its
power, we may be defended against all our enemies and
freed from every ill; whilst we say:
Benedictio Dei omnipo- May the blessing of God
tentis, Patris et Filii et Spiri- almighty, Father, and Son,
tus Sancti, descendat super and Holy Ghost, descend up-
nos, et maneat semper. on us, and remain for ever.
Amen. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Indulgence of 100 days to those who shall say this offering,
with the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory be to the
Father, to the Most Holy Trinity, in thanksgiving for blessings
received; plenary indulgence once a mortfh, on usual conditions.
—Leo XIL, Oct. 25, 1823.
Methods of Hearing Mass.
221
PRAYER TO THE HOLY VIRCHN, OUR LADY OF SORROWS.
QARY most holy, Mother of sorrows, by that in-
tense martyrdom which thou didst suffer at the
foot of the cross, during the three hours of Jesus' agony:
deign to aid us all, children of thy sorrows, in our last
cigony, that, by thy prayers, we, from our bed of death,
may pass to heaven's holy joys, there to adorn thy crown.
Hail Marv, three times.
^y^ARIA mater gratiae,
Mater misericordiae,
Tu nos ab hoste protege.
Et mortis hora suscipe.
V. A subitanea et impro-
visa morte.
R. Libera nos, Domine.
V. Ab insidiis diaboli.
R. Libera nos, Domine.
V. A morte perpetua.
R. Libera nos, Domine.
Or emus.
^■pVEUS, qui ad humani
A^J generis salutem in dolo-
rosissima Filii tui morte exem-
plum et subsidium constitu-
isti: concede, quaesumus, ut
in extremo mortis nostras
periculo tantae charitatis ef-
fectum consequi, et ipsius
Redemptoris gloriae consoci-
ari mereamur. Per eumdum
Christum Dominum nostrum.
R. Ameti.
/Tv OTHER of mercy,
mother of grace,
Mary, help a fallen race,
Shield us when the foe is
nigh,
And receive us when we die.
V. From sudden and un-
prepared death.
R. Deliver us, O Lord!
V. From the snares of the
devil.
R. Deliver us, O Lord!
V. From everlasting death.
R. Deliver us, O Lord!
Let us pray.
©OD, Who for our salva-
tion hast, in the most
bitter death of Thy Son, made
for us both an example and
a refuge: grant, we beseech
Thee, that, in the last peril, at
the hour of our death, we may
be made worthy to experi-
ence the effect of His great
charity, and to be made par-
takers of the Redeemer's
glory. Through the same
Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
1
222
Methods of Hearing Mass.
End with the ejaculations:
J7ESUS, Mary, and Joseph! I give you my heart and
0 my soul.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph ! assist me in my last agony.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! may I breathe out my soul
in peace with you.
©ftertng of /flbaaa anD Communion on Satur&ag— Go
the meeeeb liMrgtn /Iftar^
•"p^OLY Mary, Queen of heaven, Mother of Our
r*-b Lord Jesus Christ, and Mistress of the World,
who forsakest no one, and despisest no one, look upon me,
O dear Mother of mercy, and my Mother, with an eye of
pity, and entreat for me, of thy beloved Son, conversion
to that perfection to which God has called me, the virtues
of purity and humility, and great confidence in thee.
Obtain, likewise, that this Mass and communion may
be acceptable to God for the conversion of sinners, espe-
cially . . . ; for the increased perfection of each dear
sister of this Community, and for our preservance.
f-\ MOST holy Virgin, Mother of the Word Incar-
nate, depositary of graces, and Refuge of sinners,
we have recourse to thy maternal love : with a lively faith
we ask the grace to do always the will of God and thine.
We resign ourselves into thy most sacred hands, and
beseech thee to obtain for us the virtues of our state and
the grace of a happy death. We confidently hope that
thou, O most loving Mother, wilt graciously hear us,
and therefore with a lively faith we say, "Hail Mary."
Repeat the Hail Mary three times.
Let us pray.
Vyj |'E beseech Thee, O Lord, protect Thy servants
from every frailty, through the intercession of
the Blessed Virgin Mary, and, as we kneel in humble
adoration before Thee and offer Thee our hearts, merci-
Methods of Hearing Mass,
223
fully guard us against the snares of our enemies, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
/Ifoetbofc of Ibearing /Ifcass on SaturDag*
AT THE BEGINNING.
Make acts of contrition, humility, and confidence.
Vide : " Mass in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.1'
INTROIT.
ALVE, Sancta Parens AIL, holy Mother, who
enixa puerpera Regem, r*-b didst bring forth the
qui coelum terramque regit in King Who reigns over heaven
saecula saeculorum. Ps. Eruc- and earth forevermore. Ps.
tayit cor meum verbum bo- My heart hath uttered a good
num: dico ego opera mea word: I speak my works to
Regi. the King.
V. Gloria. V. Glory.
Coll. Concede nos. Grant, O Lord, we beseech
Thee, that we, Thy servants, may enjoy constant health
of body and mind, and by the glorious intercession of
blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from all tem-
poral afflictions, and come to those joys that are eternal.
Through, etc.
Lesson. Ecclus. xxiv. 14, 16. From the begin-
ning, and before the world, was I created, and unto the
world to come I shall not cease to be, and in the holy
dwelling-place I have ministered before Him. And so
was I established in Sion, and in the holy city likewise I
rested, and my power was in Jerusalem. And I took
root in an honorable people, and in the portion of my
God His inheritance, and my abode is in the full assembly
of saints.
Grad. Thou art blessed, and worthy of our respects,
O Virgin Mary, who, without prejudice to thy virginity,
didst become the Mother of Our Saviour.
V. O Virgin Mother of God I He Whom the whole
224
Methods of Hearing Mass,
world can not contain, became man, and was enclosed in
tb7 womb. Alleluia, Alleluia.
V. After child-birth thou didst remain a pure Virgin.
O Mother of God, intercede fcr us!
Gospel. In Mo loquente Jesu. Luke xi. 27, 28.
At that time, as Jesus was speaking to the multitudes, a
certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said
to Him: Blessed is the womb that bore Thee, and the
paps that gave Thee suck. But He said: Yea, rather,
blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it.
Offertory. Happy art thou, O holy Virgin Mary,
and most worthy of all praise, because from thee arose
the Sun of justice, Christ our Lord.
Secret. May, O Lord, by Thy own mercy and
the intercession of blessed Mary, ever a Virgin, this
oblation procure us peace and happiness, both in this
life, and in that which is to come. Through Jesus
Christ, Thy Son.
prayer at the offertory.
O MERCIFUL God! Who, for the salvation of
sinners and the comfort of the afflicted, hast
infused into the immaculate heart of the Blessed Virgin
sentiments of the tenderest compassion for us, similar
to those which predominate in the Heart of Jesus, grant
that, by the intercession of our holy patroness, we may
imitate our divine Model, and thus becoming ever more
pleasing to Thee, may enjoy a foretaste of the joys of
heaven. O sweet Jesus! Who tenderly lovest the most
holy of virgins, and art most tenderly loved by her,
grant, through her intercession, and by the resemblance
her immaculate heart bore to Thine, that I may ever love
Thee, live but for Thee, and be united to Thee in a
happy eternity. Amen.
O holy Mother of Jesus! the most pure of all creatures,
in union with all the saints in heaven and all the just on
earth, I venerate thee: I consecrate my heart to thee.
Methods of Hearing Mass.
225
choosing thee for my Mother, my queen, my advocate,
and my guide; I wish to imitate zhee, and I desire to
serve thee with a tender, generous, and filial love. I.
beseech thee, august and merciful Queen of heaven,
to receive me this day as thy child, to assist me in all my
undertakings, to succor me all in my wants, to obtain*
for me purity, humility, charity, patience, obedience^
union with God, and perfect submission to His holy will.
Comfort and support me, dear Mother, in the hour of my
death.
THREE OFFERINGS, IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
MARY.
I. *"pi OLIEST Virgin, with all my heart I worship
c*-b thee above all the angels and saints in para-
dise as the daughter of the eternal Father, and to thee I
consecrate my soul and all its powers.
Hail Mary, etc.
II. OLIEST Virgin, with all my heart I worshiD
thee above all the angels and saints in
paradise as the Mother of the only-begotten Son, and to
thee I consecrate my oody with all its senses.
Hail Mary, etc.
III. *T=v OLIEST Virgin, with all my heart I wor~
«■■-£ ship thee above all the angels and saints
in paradise as the spouse of the Holy Ghost, and to thee
I consecrate my heart and all its affections, praying thee
to obtain for me from the ever-blessed Trinity all the
graces which I need for my salvation.
Hail Mary, etc.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time, to be gained by those who
shall say above prayers to obtain Our Lady's protection in the
practice of all holy virtues, and especially of chastity.
Plenary indulgence on usual conditions. — Leo XII., Oct= 21
1823; Pius IX., June 18, 1876.
226
Methods of Hearing Mass.
AT THE PREFACE.
DIVINE Jesus, grant me a share in Thy zeal for
Thy Father's glory, that in union with the dom-
inations, principalities, and the whole hierarchy of angels,
I may anticipate in my exile the ever new canticle, which
they incessantly sing in the abode of bliss: Holy, thrice
holy, infinitely holy is the Lord of hosts! the heavens
and the earth are full of His glory; but His mercies have
been exalted above all His works, since Thou, O divine
Jesus, hast descended from His bosom, and come in His
name to dwell in this valley of tears — nay, more, to dwell
in unworthy hearts.
AFTER THE ELEVATION.
r\ ETERNAL Father! behold Thy beloved Son, my
# blessed Saviour, Whom I humbly offer to Thy
divine Majesty in satisfaction for all my offences and
ingratitude.
I offer Thee His purity, His innocence, to atone for
my defilement ; His humility, for my pride ; His zeal, for
my tepidity ; and the holiness of His life, for all the imper-
fections of mine.
O merciful Father! look on the charity of Thy Son;
behold how He once offered Himself a bloody sacrifice
for my salvation, and how He now offers Himself in an
unbloody manner on this altar for the same end. O holy
Father! receive this His sacrifice in lieu of all the honor,
homage, and gratitude due to Thy goodness from me and
all Thy creatures.
O my sweet Saviour! I thank Thee for Thy love and
Thy mercy. I thank Thee, also, for all the wondrous
prerogatives and dignities which Thou hast conferred on
Mary, the Queen of heaven. I love Thee with my whole
heart. What pledge of my love can I give Thee?
Thou hast asked my heart: take it, Lord Jesus, take it
Methods of Hearing Mass.
227
Thou alone, take it all to Thee, take it as Thy due, and
my free offering; take it as the present of a child to her
father; take it as a holocaust, to be consumed entirely
in Thy service.
INVOCATION.
ANCTA Virgo Maria
Immaculata, Mater
Dei, Mater nostra, Tu pro
nobis loquere ad Cor Jesu,
qui tuus Filius est et Frater
noster.
OLY Virgin Mary Im=
culate, Mother of God
and our Mother, speak thou
for us to the Heart of Jesus>
Who is thy Son and oui
Brother.
JEk
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., Dec. 20, 1890.
EJACULATION OF ST. PHILIP NERI.
"VTlRGlN Mother of God, Mary, pray to Jesus for
* me.
Indulgence of 50 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., March 29, 1894.
PIOUS EXERCISE.
Pius VII. , on Dec. 4, 181 5, in order to increase, in all the
faithful, devotion toward the sorrows of the most holy Virgin
Mary, and to excite in them grateful recollection of the Passion
of her Son Jesus, granted to those who, with contrite heart, shall
say the Hail Mary seven times, and after each Hail Mary, the
stanza,
Sancta mater istud agas, Bid me bear, O Mother
blessed !
Crucifixi flge plagas On my heart the wounds
impressed
Cordi meo valide. Suffered by the Crucified.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day; plenary indulgence, on
any one day, in each month, on usual conditions.
AT THE AGNUS DEI AND COMMUNION.
f^i LAMB of God! have mercy on me, and may the
voice of Thy blood plead powerfully in my favor:
grant me a secure shelter in Thy sacred wounds ; impart
to me, in the adorable Sacrament which I am about to
228
Methods of Hearing Mass.
receive (if you do not communicate actually, make at least
a spiritual communion), that peace which the world can
not give, and which can alone be found in union with
Thee, O divine Victim! O Jesus, my life and my sal-
vation, when Thou enterest into my heart in holy com-
munion, impress on it the lessons of humility, meek-
ness, patience, charity, and sweetness, so strongly incul-
cated by Thy precepts and example. O Mary! show
thyself now my tender Mother and powerful advocate,
that I may receive with faith, purity, fervor, humility,
and confidence thy own beloved Son, and my sweet
Saviour and Master. O blessed spirits of heaven, and,
above all, my dear angel guardian, intercede for me. and
supply, by your ardent adorations, for my want of fervor
when I receive my Redeemer.
Make an act of contrition, a renewal of vows, and then
with fervent aspirations invite your Saviour into your
heart.
©racers ©rfcereD b£ pope Xeo xm., to be Sato after
TSvevy Xow dBase in ail tbe Gburcbee of tbe
*5XHorR>-
The priest with the people recites the Hail Mary thrice
then the Salve Regina:
AIL, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, oui
sweetness, and our hope I To thee do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up
our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears,
Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mer^v
towards us, and after this our exile show unto us the
blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving;
O sweet Virgin Mary ;
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of
Christ.
.Methods of Hearing Mass,
229
Let us pray.
f~\ GOD, our refuge and our strength, look down
with favor upon Thy people, who cry to Thee;
and through the intercession of the glorious and immacu-
late Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of her spouse, blessed
Joseph, of Thy holy apostles Peter and Paul, and of all
the saints, mercifully and graciously hear the prayers
which we pour forth to Thee, for the conversion of sin-
ners and the liberty and exaltation of holy mother Church.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Add the Invocation: St. Michael the archangel, defend
us in battle; be our protection against the malice and
snares of the devil. Rebuke him, O God, we humbly
pray; and do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the
divine power, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil
spirits who roam through the world seeking the ruin of
souls. Amen, (indulgence of 300 days.)
Invocation after Mass.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. (Three times.)
Indulgence of seven years and seven quarantines if recited three times
after Mass with the priest. — Pope Pius X. June 7, 1904.
©r&inatB /HbetboD of Serving a priest at /Iftass,
P. 'T'NTROIBO ad altare Dei.
C. *■*-» Ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam.
P. Judica me Deus; et discerne causam meam de gente non
sancta, ab homine iniquo et doloso erue me.
C. Quia tu es, Deus, fortitudo mea, quare me repulisti et
quare tristis incedo dum affligit me inimicus.
P. Emitte lucem tuam et veritatem tuam: ipsa me dedux-
erunt et adduxerunt in montem sanctum tuum, et in taberna-
cula tua.
C. Et introibo ad altare Dei, ad Deum qui laetificat juventu-
tem meam.
P. Confitebor tibi in cithara Deus, Deus meus: quare tri-
stis es anima mea, et quare conturbas me
C. Spera in Deo, quoniam adhuc confitebor illi, salutare
vultus mei et Deus meus.
P. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
2 30
Methods of Hearing Mass,
C. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula
saeculorum. Amen.
P. Introibo ad alt are Dei.
C. Ad Deum, qui laetincat juventutem meam.
P. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.
C. -Qui fecit ccelum et terram.
P. Confiteor Deo, etc.
C. Misereatur tui omnipotens Deus, et dimissis peccatis
tuis perducat te ad vitam aeternam.
P. Amen.
C. Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beatae Marian semper Vir-
gini, beato Michaeli Archangelo, beato Joanni Baptistae, Sanc-
tis Apostolis Petro et Paulo omnibus Sanctis, et tibi, Pater, quia
peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo et opere, mea culpa, mea
culpa, mea maxima culpa. Ideo precor beatam Mariam, sem-
per Virginem, beatum Michaelem Archangelum, beatum Joan-
nem Baptistam, sanctos Apostolos Petrum et Paulum, omnes
sanctos, et te Pater, orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum.
P. Misereatur vestri, etc.
C. Amen.
P. Indulgentiam, absolutionem, etc.
C. Amen.
P. Deus tu conversus vivificabis nos.
C. Et plebs tua laetatibur in te.
P. Ostende nobis Domine misericordiam tuam.
C. Et salutare tuum da nobis.
P. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.
C. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.
P. Dominus vobiscum.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo.
P. Kyrie eleison.
C Kyrie eleison.
P. Kyrie eleison.
C. Christe eleison.
P. Christe eleison.
C. Christe eleison.
P. Kyrie eleison.
C Kyrie eleison.
P. Kyrie eleison.
P. Dominus vobiscum, or flectamus genua
C Et cum spiritu tuo, or levate.
Methods of Hearing Mass.
P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
C. Amen.
At the end of the Epistle say, Deo gratias.
P. Sequentia sancti Evangelii, etc.
C. Gloria tibi Domine.
At the end of the Gospel say, Laus tibi Christe.
P. Dominus vobiscum.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo.
P. Orate Fratres.
C. Suscipiat Dominus sacrincium de manibus tuis; ad
laudem et gloriam nominis sui; ad utilitatem quoque nos*
tram totiusque Ecclesiae suae sanctae.
P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
C. Amen.
P. Dominus vobiscum.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo. ,
P. Sursum corda.
C. Habemus ad Dominum.
P. Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
C. Dignum et justem est.
P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
C. Amen.
P. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem.
C. Sed libera nos a malo.
P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
C. Amen.
P. Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo.
P. Dominus vobiscum.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo.
P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
C. Amen.
P. Ite missa est, or benedicamus Domino
C. Deo gratias.
P. Requiescant in pace.
C. Amen.
232
Methods of Hearing Mass.
DOMINICAN RITE OF SERVING MASS.
{Before beginning Mass the priest puts wine and water into
ike chalice^)
P. *T*N nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.
P. J-» Confitemini Domino quoniam bonus.
C. Quoniam in saeculum misericordia ejus.
P. Confiteor, etc.
C. Misereatur tui omnipotens Deus, et dimittat tibi omnia
peccata tua, liberet te ab omni malo, salvet et confirmet in
omni opere bono, et perducat te ad vitam aeternam.
P. Amen.
C. Confiteor Deo omnipotent^ et Beatae Mariae semper Vir-
gini, et Beato Dominico Patri nostro, et omnibus Sanctis, et
tibi Pater quia peccavi nimis cogitatione, locutione, opera et
omissione, mea culpa, .precor te orare pro me.
P. Misereatur vestri, etc.
C. Amen.
P. Absolutionem et remissionem omnium peccatorum ve-
strorum tribuat vobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus.
C. Amen.
P. Adjutorium nostram in nomine Domini.
C. Qui fecit ccelum et terram.
All the rest is as usual, except that there is not any "Deo
gratias" after the Epistle, nor any "Laus tibi Chrisie " after
the first Gospel, and no response is made at the " Orate Fra-
tres" The bell is rung at the "Agnus Dei" The "Domine
won sum dignus" is not said aloud. After the last Gospel the
uDeo gratias" is said as usual.
PRO FIDELIBUS DEFUNCTIS.
P. *T^\E profundis clamavi ad te Domine; Domine exaudi
,JLr vocem meam.
C. Fiant aures tuae intendentes in vocem deprecationis meae.
P. Si iniquitates observaveris Domine, Domine, quis su-
stinebit.
C. Quia apud te propitiatio est: et propter legem tuam
fustinui te Domine.
Methods of Hearing Mass.
P. Sustinuit anima mea in verbo ejus; speravit anima mea
in Domino.
C. A custodia mututina usque ad noctem speret Israel in
Domino.
P. Quia apud Dominum misericordia, et copiosa apud eum
Redemptio.
C. Et ipse redimet Israel ex omnibus iniquitatibus ejus.
P. Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine.
C. Et lux perpetua luceat eis.
P. A porta inferi,
C. Erue Domine animas eorum,
P. Requiescant in pace.
C. Amen.
P. Domine exaudi orationem meam.
C. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.
P. Dominus vobiscum.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo.
Or emus.
IDELIUM Deus omnium conditor et Redemptor arri~
mabus famulorum famularumque tuarum remissionem
cunctorum tribue peccatorum ut indulgentiam quam semper
optaverunt piis supplicationibus consequantur. Qui vivis et
rsgnas, etc.
B /Ifcetbofc of 'Resisting at Utaee for GbilDretu
When the Priest says the Confiteor^ the children say in
comm$n:
"T* CONFESS to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever
^ Virgin, to blessed Michael the archangel, to blessed
John the Baptist, to the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and
to all the saints, and to you, father, that I have sinned ex-
ceedingly, in thought, word, and deed, through my fault,
througn my fault, through my most grievous fault. There-
fore, I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed
Michael the archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the
holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, and you,
father, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
234
Methods of Hearing Mass.
May the almighty God have mercy on me, forgive me
my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant me pardon,
absolution, and remission of my sins. -Amen.
FOLLOWS A HYMN.
When the Priest says the Credo the children recite in
common the Apostles' Creed:
*T* BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, Creator of
*^ heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son,
Our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born
of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into
hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He
ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God
the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge
the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the
forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life
everlasting. Amen.
At the Offertory the children say in common:
CCEPT, O holy Father, almighty, everlasting
God, this stainless Host, which we, through the
hands of the priest, offer unto Thee, O God, living and
true, for our innumerable sins, offences, and negligences,
and for all here present; as also for all faithful Chris-
tians, both living and dead, that it may be profitable for
our own and for their salvation unto life eternal. Amen.
FOLLOWS ONE DECADE OF THE ROSARY.
At the Sanctns the children say in common:
OLY, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts. Heaven and
earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the
highest. Blessed is He Who cometh in the name of
the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Methods of Hearing Mass.
235
AT THE ELEVATING.
At the elevation of the sacred Host, after each signal all
say in common:
r\ MY God, I believe in Thee,
O my God, I hope in Thee,
O my God, I love Thee above all things.
O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine,
All praise and all thanksgiving, be every moment
Thine 1
At the elevation of the chalice, after each signal all say
in common:
/XV Y Jesus, for Thee I live,
My Jesus, for Thee I die,
My Jesus, I am Thine in life and in death!
fifTERNAL Father, I offer Thee the precious blood
^4 of Jesus, in satisfaction for my sins, and for the
wants of holy Church.
MEMENTO FOR THE DEAD.
Follows a hymn — or an approved Litany.
At the communion all say in common after the signai is
given:
f\ LORD, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter
into my heart; say only the word and my soul
shall be healed.
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION.
Y Jesus, I believe that Thou art truly present in the
Most Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above
all things, and I desire to possess Thee within my soul.
Since I am unable now to receive Thee sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace
236
Methods of Hearing Mass.
Thee as being already there, and unite myself wholly to
Thee; never permit me to be separated from Thee.
AFTER COMMUNION.
OUL of Chnst, sanctify me;
Body of Christ, save me;
Blood of Christ, inebriate me;
Water from the side of Christ, wash me;
O good Jesus, hear me;
Within Thy wounds, hide me;
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee;
From the malicious enemy, defend me;
In the hour cf death, call me and bid me to come to Thee;
That with Thy saints I may praise Thee for ever and ever-
Amen.
AFTER MASS.
Prayers ordered by his Holiness Pope Leo XIII., to be
said kneeling after every Low Mass:
Hail Mary, three times. Then the Salve Regina, as on
page 228.
Snotber Sbort anD Simple /IfcetboD of Resisting at
/Ifcass for Cbtl&ren.*
When the Priest begins Mass the children all say in
common:
I CONFESS to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever
virgin, to blessed Michael the archangel, to blessed
John the Baptist, to the holy apostles Peter and Paul, to
all the saints, and to you, father, that I have sinned exceed-
ingly, in thought, word, and deed, through my fault,
through my fault, through my most grievous fault. There-
fore,- I beseech the blessed Mary ever virgin, blessed
Michael the archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the
holy apostles Peter and Paul, all the saints, and you,
father, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
* Approved by Archbishop Elder.
Methods of Hearing Mass.
237
May the almighty God have mercy on me, forgive me
my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant me pardon,,
absolution, and remission of my sins. Amen.
One decade of the beads — or more.
AT THE OFFERTORY.
CCEPT, O holy Father, almighty, eternal God.
this stainless Host, which we offer unto Theer
our true and living God, by the hands of Thy priest, for
our innumerable sins, offences, and negligences, and for
all here present, and for all the Christian faithful, living
and dead; that it may be profitable to us and to them
unto life everlasting. Amen.
Continue the Rosary.
AFTER THE ELEVATION OF THE CHALICE:
C\ SACRAMENT most, holy, O Sacrament divine.
All praise and all thanksgiving be everv moment
Thine!
O eternal Father, I offer Thee the precious blood of
Jesus Christ in expiation of my sins, and for the wants of
holy Church.
AT THE DOMINE NON SUM DIGNUS:
EORD, I am not worthy that Thou enter under my
roof. But only say the word, and my soul shall
be healed. (Three times.)
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION.
3ESUS, I believe in Thee, because Thou art truth
itself.
Jesus, I hope in Thee, because Thou art almighty,
merciful, and faithful to Thy promises.
Jesus, I love Thee, because Thou art infinitely good,
and worthy of all my love.
238 Methods of Hearing Mass.
Jesus, I desire to receive Thee. I am sorry for having
offended Thee. Come to me, and never again let me be
separated from Thee by sin.
Jesus, my Lor,d, my God, and my all!
ANIMA CHRIST!.
^TOUL of Christ, be my sanctification!
Body of Christ, be my salvation!
Blood of Christ, fill all my veins!
Water of Christ's side, wash out my stains*.
Passion of Christ, my comfort be!
O good Jesus, listen to me!
In Thy wounds I wish to hide!
Ne'er to be parted from Thy side!
Guard me should the foe assail me.
Call me, when my life shall fail me,
. Bid me come to Thee above
With Thy saints to sing Thy love«
World without end. Amen.
Continue the Rosary.
XTbe ©roinarp of tbe Ifools /IDass.
THE ASPERGES.
»7T*SPERGES me,
An*.
Domine, hys-
sopo, et mundabor: lavabis
me, et super nivem dealba-
bor.
Ps. Miserere mei, Deus,
secundum magnam miseri-
cordiam tuam.
V. Gloria Patri, etc.
Ant, Asperges me.
Ant. J^HOU shalt sprin-
v£> kle me with
hyssop, O Lord, and I shall
be cleansed: Thou shalt wash
me, and I shall be made whiter
than snow.
Ps. Have mercy on me, O
God, according to Thy great
mercy.
V. Glory be, etc.
Ant. Thou shalt sprinkle
The Priest, having returned to the foot of the Altar, says ;
V. r\STENDE nobis,
Domine, miseri-
cordiam tuam.
R. Et salutare tuum da
nobis.
V. Domine, exaudi oratio-
nem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
V. ^HOW us, O Lord,
Thy mercy.
R. And grant us Thy sal-
vation.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with Thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Domine *Tp^ EAR us, O holy Lord,
sancte, Pater omnipo- *J-^ almighty Father, eter-
iens aeterne Deus* et mittere nal God; and vouchsafe tc
239
^fXAIJDI nos,
V3 sa
240
The Ordinary 0/ the Holy Mass.
digneris sanctum angelum send Thy holy angel from
tuum de ccelis, qui custodiat, heaven, to guard, cherish,
foveat, protegat, visitet, at- protect, visit, and defend all
que defendat omnes habitan- that are assembled in this
tes in hoc habitaculo. Per house. Through Christ our
Christum Dominum nostrum. Lord. Amen.
Amen.
From Easter to Whitsunday inclusively, instead of the foregoing
Anthem, the following is sung and Alleluia is added to the V.
(Ostende nobis) and also to its R. (Et salutare).
Ant. r'lD I aquam Ant. *T* SAW water flow-
V egredientem ing from the
de templo a latere dextro, right side of the temple, Al-
Alleluia: et omnes ad quos leluia; and all to whom that
pervenit aqua ista salvi facti water came were saved, and
sunt, et dicent: Alleluia. they shall say: Alleluia.
Ps. Confitemini Domino, Ps. Praise the Lord, for
quoniam bonus; quoniam in He is good: for His mercy
saeculum misericordia ejus. endureth for ever.
Gloria, etc. Glory, etc.
TLbe 1bol£ /Ifcass,
The Priest, standing at the foot of the Altar, and bowing down
before it, signs himself with the sign of the cross from the fore-
head to the breast, and says with a distinct voice:
IN Nomine Patris, *i* et ^N the name of the Fa-
Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. -«■*■» ther, and of the Son,
Amen. and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then, joining his hands before his breast, he begins the antiphon :
INTROIBO ad altare Dei. tT> WILL go unto the altar
4-, of God.
R. Ad Deum, qui laeti- R. To God, Who giveth
neat juventutem meam. joy to my youth.
In Masses for the Dead, and from Passion Sunday till Holy Satur-
day exclusively, the following Psalm is omitted:
Psalm XLIL Judica me, Deus.
S. T7UDICA me, Deus, P. TRUDGE me, O God,
fj et discerne causam tj and distinguish my
meam de gente non sancta: cause from the nation that is
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass,
241
ab homine iniquo et doioso
erne me.
M. Quia tu es, Deus, for-
titude) mea, quare me repu-
listi? et quare tristis incedo
dum affligit me inimicus?
S. Emitte lucem tuam et
veritatem tuam: ipsa me de-
duxerunt et adduxerunt in
montem sanctum tuum, et in
tabernacula tua.
M. Et introibo ad altare
Dei: ad Deum, qui laetificat
juventutem meam.
5. Confitebor tibi in cit-
hara, Deus, Deus meus: qu-
are tristis es, anima mea? et
quare conturbas me?
M. Spera in Deo, quoniam
adhuc confitebor illi: salu-
tare vultus mei, et Deus meus.
5. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et
Spiritui Sancto. • .
M. Sicut erat in principio,
et nunc, et semper, et in sae-
cula saeculorum. Amen.
V. Introibo ad altare Dei.
R. Ad Deum, qui laetificat
juventutem meam.
V. Adjutorium nostrum in
nomine Domini.
R. Qui fecit ccelum et ter-
rain.
not holy: deliver me from the
unjust and deceitful man.
R. For Thou, O God, art
my strength, why hast Thou
cast me off ? and why do I go
sorrowful whilst the enemy
afflicteth me?
P. Send forth Thy light
and Thy truth: they have
conducted me and brought
me unto Thy holy mount,
and into Thy tabernacles.
R. And I will go unto the
altar of God: to God, Who
giveth joy to my youth.
P. I will praise Thee on the
harp, O God, my God: why
art thou sorrowful, O my
soul ? and why dost thou dis-
quiet me?
R. Hope in God, for I will
still give praise to Him: Who
is the salvation of my coun-
tenance, and my God.
P. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
R. As it was in the begin-
ning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
V. I will go unto the altar
of God,
R. To God, Who giveth
joy to my youth.
V. Our help is in the name
of the Lord.
R. Who hath made heaven
and earth.
242
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass.
Then, joining his hands and humbly bowing down, he says the
Confession :
S. pjONFITEOR Deo
v^i omnipotent^ etc.
M. Misereatur tui omni-
potens Deus, et dimissis pec-
catis tuis, perducat te ad vi-
tam aeternam.
S. Amen.
M. Confiteor Deo omni-
potenti, be'atse Marias semper
Virgini, beato Michaeli Arch-
angelo, beato Joanni Baptistae,
Sanctis Apostolis Petro et
Paulo, omnibus Sanctis, et
tibi, pater, quia peccavi nimis
cogitatione, verbo, et opere,
mea culpa, mea culpa, mea
maxima culpa. Ideo pre-
cor beatam Mariam semper
Virginem, beatum Michaelem
Archangelum, beatum Joan-
nem Baptistam, sanctos Apo-
stolos Petrum et Paulurn om-
nes Sanctos, et te pater, o.rare
pro me ad Dominum Deum
nostrum.
P. Y CONFESS to al-
mighty God, etc.
R. May almighty God
have mercy upon thee, for-
give thee thy sins, and bring
thee to life everlasting.
P. Amen.
R. I confess to almighty
God, to blessed Mary ever
virgin, to blessed Michael
the archangel, to blessed
John Eaptist, to the holy
apostles Peter and Paul, to all
the saints, and to you, father,
that I have sinned exceed-
ingly in thought, word, and
deed (here strike the breast
thrice), through my fault,
through my fault, through my
most grievous fault. There-
fore I beseech the blessed
Mary ever virgin, blessed
Michael the archangel, bless-
ed John Baptist, the holy
apostles Peter and Paul, all
the saints, and you, father, to
pray to the Lord our God for
Then the Priest, with his liands joined, gives tJie absolution, saying:
S.
CD
ISEREATUR ve-
P.
Deus, et dimissis peccatis ve
stris, perducat vos ad vitam
aeternam. M. Amen.
|T|AY almighty God
have mercy up-
on you, forgive you your sins,
and bring you to life ever
lasting. R. Amen.
Signing himself with the sign of the cross, he says:
S. * YNDULGEN" P.* /T\ AY the almighty
rA, TIAM, absolu- V*-£ and merciful
tionem, et remissionem pec- Lord grant us pardon, absolu-
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass.
243
catorum nostrorum tribuat tion, and remission of our
nobis omnipotens et miseri- sins,
cors Dominus.
M. Amen. R. Amen.
Then, bowing down, he proceeds;
V.
*T~yEUS, tu conver-
A^J sus vivificabis
nos.
R. Et plebs tua laetabitur
in te.
V. Ostende nobis, Domi-
ne, misericordiam tuam.
R. Et salutare tuum da
nobis.
V. Domine, exaudi oratio-
nem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
f^HOU wilt
again, O
turn
God,
and quicken us.
R. And Thy people shall
rejoice in Thee.
V. Show us, O Lord, Thy
mercy.
R. And grant us Thy sal-
vation.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
First extending, and then joining his hands, he says audibly: Ore-
mus; and then ascending the Altar, he says secretly:
*TT*UFER a no', is quaesu-
cvf-^-i mus, Domine, iniqui-
tates nostras: ut ad Sancta
Sanctorum puris mereamur
mentibus introire. Per Chris-
tum Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
^£^AKE away from us our
iniquities, we beseech
Thee, O Lord; that we may
be worthy to enter with pure
minds into the Holy of holies,
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Bowing down over the Altar, he says :
'//] |"E beseech Thee, OLord,
by the merits of Thy
O RAMUS te, Domine, per
merita sanctorum tuo-
rum quorum reliquiae hie
sunt, et omnium sanctorum,
ut indulgere digneris omnia
peccata mea.
Amen.
^aints whose relics are here,
and of all the saints, that
Thou wouldst vouchsafe to
forgive me all my sins.
Amen.
244
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass.
Prayer during the reading of the Introit:
BLESSED be the Holy Trinity and Undivided Unity;
we will give praise to Him, because He hath shown
His mercy to us.
O Lord our Lord, how wonderful is Thy name in all
the earth!
Glory be to the Father, Who hath created us.
Glory be to the Son, Who hath redeemed us.
Glory be to the Holy Ghost, Who hath sanctified us.
Glory be to the Holy and Undivided Trinity, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The Kyrie eleison then is said by the Priest and Server alternately:
KYRIE eleison. *T"t ORD, have mercy upon
(ter.) rl—i us. (Three times.)
Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy upon
{ter.) us. (Three times.)
Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy upon us.
iter.) (Three times.)
Afterwards, standing at the middle of the Altar, extending, and
then joining his hands, and slightly bowing, he says {when it is
to be said) the Gloria in Excelsis- When he says the words, We
adore Thee, we give Thee thanks, Jesus Christ, and Receive
our prayer, he bows, and at the end he signs himself with the
sign of the cross.
^SLORIA in excelsis Deo; f£>fLORY be to God on
et in terra pax homini- high, and on earth
bus bonae voluntatis. Lau- peace to men of good will. We
damus te; benedicimus te; praise Thee; we bless Thee;
adoramus te; glorihcamus te. we adore Thee; we glorify
Gratias agimus tibi propter Thee. We give Thee thanks
magnam gloriam tuam. Do- for Thy great glory, O Lord
mine Deus, Rex coelestis, De- God, heavenly King, God the
us Pater omnipotens. Domi- Father almighty. O Lord
ne Fili unigenite Jesu Christe ; Jesus Christ, the only-begot-
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, ten Son: O Lord God, Lamb
Filius Patris, qui tollis peccata of God, Son of the Father,
mundi, miserere nobis: qui Who takest away the sins of
tollis peccata mundi, suscipe of the world, have mercy on
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass.
245
Iftprecationem nostram: qui
sedes ad dexteram Patris,
miserere nobis. Quoniam tu-
solus sanctus: tu solus Domi-
nus; tu solus altissimus, Jesu
Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu,
;n gloria Dei Patris. Amen.
us; Thou Who takest away
the sins of the world, receive
our prayers: Thou Who fit-
test at the right hand of the
Father, have mercy on us. For
Thou only art holy: Thou
only art the Lord: Thou only,
O Jesus Christ, with the Holy
Ghost, art most high in the
glory of God the Father.
Amen.
The Priest kisses the Altar, and, turning to the people, says:
7. ^OMINUS vo- V. |^HE Lord bp witr
biscum. you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo, R. And with thy spirit.
Then follow the Collects; which vary with the season:
^\ GOD, the protector of all that hope in Thee, with-
out Whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy,
multiply Thy mercy upon us; that, Thou being our
ruler and guide, we may so pass through temporal goods,
that we finally lose not those which are eternal. Through
Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, the pastor and governor of all the faithful;
took down, in Thy mercy, on Thy servant N., whom
Thou hast appointed to preside over Thy Church, and
grant, we beseech Thee, that both by word and example,
he may edify all those who are under his charge ; so that,
with the flock entrusted to him, he may arrive at length
at life everlasting. Through, etc. Amen.
Then the Epistle for the day is read, as found in the Missal; 0
the following may be read instead:
Lesson. Wisd. v. 1-5. The just shall stand
with great constancy against those that have afflicted
them, and taken away their labors. These seeing it
shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed
at the suddenness of their unexpected salvation, saying
246
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass,
within themselves, repenting and groaning for anguish
of spirit: These are they whom we had some time in
derision, and for a parable of reproach. We fools es-
teemed their life madness, and their end without honor.
Behold, how they are numbered among the children of
God, and their lot is among the saints.
After which is said:
Deo gratias. Thanks be to God.
Then the Gradual, Tract, Alleluia, or Sequence, according to
the time.
FOR THE GRADUAL.
BE Thou unto me a God, a protector, and a house of
refuge to save me. In Thee, O God, have
hoped; O Lord, let me never be confounded.
Deal not with us, O Lord, according to our sins which
we have committed, nor punish us according to our
iniquities.
V. Help us, O God our Saviour; and for the glory of
Thy name, O Lord, deliver us, and forgive us our sins for
Thy name's sake.
After this, at High Mass, the Deacon places the book of the Gos-
pels on the Altar, and the Celebrant blesses the incense. Then
the Deacon, kneeling before the Altar with joined hands, says:
©UNDA cor meum ac ✓"S'LEANSE my heart and
labia rnea, omnipo- my lips, O almighty
tens Deus, qui labia Isaiae God, Who didst cleanse the
prophetae calculo mundasti lips of the prophet Isaias with
ignito: ita me tua grata mi- a burning coal: and vouch-
seratione dignare mundare, ut safe, through Thy gracious
sanctum Evangelium tuum mercy, so to purify me, that
digne valeam nuntiare. Per I may worthily proclaim Thy
Christum Dominum nostrum, holy Gospel. Through Christ
Amen. our Lord. Amen.
Afterwards he takes the book from the Altar, and again kneeling
down before the Priest, asks his blessing, saying: Jube, Domine,
benedicere. The Priest says:
•|^OMINUS sit in corde ^£^HE Lord be in thy heart
tuo et m labiis tuis. and on thy lips, that
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass.
247
ut digne et competenter an- thou mayst worthily and in a
nunties Evangelium suum: in becoming manner announce
nomine Patris, et Filii, et 4* His holy Gospel: in the name
Spiritui Sancti. Amen. of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost.
Amen.
Having received, the blessing, he kisses the hand of the Priest,
and then, with incense and lighted candles, he goes to the place
where the Gospel is read, and standing with his hands joined,
says:
V. Dominus vobiscum. " V. The Lord be with you
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
Then, giving out:
V. Sequentia (vel initium) V. The continuation (or
sancti Evangelii secundum N. beginning) of the holy Gos-
pel according to N.
He makes the sign of the cross with the thumb of his right hand on
the Gospel which he is to read, and on his forehead, mouth, and
breast {the people doing the same); and while the Minister and
people answer:
R. Gloria tibi, Domine. R. Glory be to Thee, G
Lord.
He incenses the book three times, and then reads the Gospel.
FOR THE GOSPEL.
T that time: Peter said to Jesus: Behold we have
left all things, and have followed Thee: what
therefore shall we have ? And Jesus said to them : Amen,
I say to you, that you who have followed Me in the regen-
eration, when the Son of man shall sit on the seat of His
Majesty you also shall sit on twelve seats judging the twelve
tribes of Israel. And every one that hath left house, or
brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or chil-
dren, or lands for My name's sake, shall receive an hun-
dredfold, and shall possess life everlasting.
Then is said:
R. Laus tibi, Christe. R. Praise be to Thee, O
Christ.
248
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass,
The Subdeacon then carries the book to the Priest; he kisses the
Gospel, saying:
<T£) ER evangelica dicta de- Y the words of the Gos-
r-L leantur nostra delicta. pel may our sins b'
blotted out.
Here the Sermon is usually preached.
Then at the middle of the Altar, extending, elevating, and joining
his hands, the Priest says the Nicene Creed {when it is to be
said), keeping his hands joined. When he says the words:
God, Jesus Christ, and: is adored, he bows his head to the cross.
But at the words: and was incarnate, he kneels down, and con-
tinues kneeling to the words: was made man. At the words :
the life of the world to come, lie signs himself with the sign
of the cross from the forehead to the breast.
O REDO in unum Deum,
Patrem omnipotentem,
Factorem cceli et terrae, visi-
bilium omnium et invisibi-
lmm.
Et in unum Dominum
Jesum Christum, Filium Dei
unigenitum, et ex Patre na-
tum ante omnia saecula. De-
um de Deo; Lumen de Lu-
mine; Deum verum de Deo
vero; genitum non factum;
consubstantialem Patri, per
quern omnia facta sunt. Qui
propter nos homines, et prop-
ter nostram saluteim, descen-
dit de ccelis; et incarnatus est
de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria
Virgine: et homo factus est
{hie genuflectitur) . Cruci-
fixus etiam pro nobis: sub
Pontio Pilato passus et se-
pultus est. Et resurrexit tertia
die secundum Scripturas: et
ascendit in ccelum, sedet ad
dexteram Patris: et iterum
venturus est cum gloria judi-
I BELIEVE in one God,
the Father almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and
invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus
Christ, the only-begotten Son
of God, born of the Father
before all ages. God of God;
Light of Light; true God of
true God; begotten not made;
consubstantial with the Fa-
ther, by Whom all things were
made. Who for us men, and
and for our salvation, came
down from heaven; and was
incarnate by the Holy Ghost
of the Virgin Mar}': and was
made man {here kneel down).
He was crucified also for us,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
and was buried. The third
day He rose again according to
the Scriptures; and ascended
into heaven, and sitteth at the
right hand of the Father: and
He come a^ain with
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass. 249
care vivos et mortuos:
regni non erit finis.
CUjUS
Et in Spiritum Sanctum,
Dominum et viviflcantem,
qui ex Patre Filioque proce-
dit: qui cum Patre et Filio
simul adoratur et conglorifi-
catur; qui locutus est per pro-
phetas. Et unam sanctam
Catholicam et Apostolicam
Ecclesiam. Confiteor unum
baptisma in remissionem pec-
catorum. Et expecto resur-
rectionem mortuorum, et vi-
tam venturi saeculi. Amen.
glory to judge both the living
and the dead: of Whose king-
dom there shall be no end.
And I believe in the Holy
Ghost, the Lord and Life-
giver, Who proceedeth from
the Father and the Son : Who
together with the Father and
the Son is adored and glori-
fied; Who spake by the
prophets. And one Holy
Catholic and Apostolic
Church. I confess one bap-
tism for the remission of sins.
And I look for the resurrec-
tion of the dead, and the life
of the world to come. Amen.
Then he kisses the Altar } and turning to the people, says:
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
V. The Lord be with you,
R. And with thy spirit.
Then he says Oremus, and reads the Offertory. This being fin-
ished, the Priest takes the paten with the Host (if it is High
Mass, the Deacon hands ilie Priest the paten with the Host),
and offering it up, says:
t^USCIPE, sancte Pater
omnipotens, aeterne
Deus, hanc immaculatam
Hostiam, quam ego indignus
famulus tuus offero tibi Deo
meo vivo et vero, pro innu-
merabilibus peccatis, et offen-
sionibus, et negligentiis meis,
et pro omnibus circumstan-
tibus; sed et pro omnibus
fidelibus Christianis, vivis at-
que defunctis: ut mihi et
illis pronciat ad salutem in
vitam aeternam. Amen.
VTCCEPT, O holy Father,
tJr-*^ almighty, eternal God,
this immaculate Host, which I,
Thy unworthy servant, offer
unto Thee, my living and true
God, for my innumerable
sins, offences, and negli-
gences, and for ail here pres-
ent; as also for all faithful
Christians, both living and
dead, that it may be profitable
for my own and for their sal-
vation unto life eternal
Amen.
25°
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass.
Then, making the sign of the cross with the paten, he places the
Host upon the corporal. The Priest pours wine and water into
the chalice, blessing the water before it is mixed, saying:
o
VT^\EUS, Hh qui humanae
A^J substantias dignitatem
mirabiliter condidisti, et mi-
rabilius reformasti; da nobis
per hujus aquae et vini my-
sterium, ejus divinitatis esse
consortes, qui humanitatis
nostrae fieri dignatus est par-
ticeps. Jesus Christus, Fili-
us tuus, Dominus noster; qui
tecum vivjt et regnat in uni-
tate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per
omnia saecula saeculorum.
Amen.
In Masses for the Dead, the foregoing prayer is said, but the water
is not blessed. Then the Priest takes the chalice, and offers it,
saying:
GOD, Who, in cre-
ating human nature,
didst wonderfully dignify it;
and hast still more wonder-
fully renewed it; grant that,
by the mystery of this water
and wine, we may be made
partakers of His divinity, Who
vouchsafed to become par-
taker of our humanity, Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord;
Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee in the unity of, etc.
O'
fcFFERIMUS tibi, Do-
mine, calicem salu-
taris, tuam deprecantes cle-
mentiam, ut in conspectu di-
vinae Majestatis tuae, pro no-
stra et totius mundi salute cum
odore suavitatis ascendat.
Amen.
>/j i'E offer unto Thee, O
v3cA* Lord, the chalice of
salvation, beseeching Thy
clemency, that in the sight of
Thy divine Majesty it may
ascend with the odor of sweet-
ness, for our salvation, and
for that of the whole world.
Amen.
Then lie makes the sign of the cross with the chalice, places it upon
the corporal, and covers it with the pall. Then, with his hands
joined upon the Altar, and slightly bowing down, he says :
{At High Mass, the Subdeacon here receives the paten, which he
envelops in the extremities of the veil with which his shoulders
are mantled, and then goes and stands behind the Celebrant
until the conclusion of the Pater noster.)
*N spiritu humilitatis, et 'T'N the spirit of humility,
in animo contrito, su- r-*-» and with a contrite heart,
scipiamur a te, Domine, et sic let us be received by Thee, O
fiat sacrificium nostrum in con- Lord, and grant that the sac-
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass,
spectu tuo hodie, ut placeat rifice we offer in Thy sight
tibi, Domine Deus. this day may be pleasing to
Thee, O Lord God.
The Priest, elevating his eyes toward heaven, and stretching out
his hands, which he afterward joins, makes the sign of the
cross over the Host and chalice, while he says :
^y^ENI, sanctificator, om-
aOME, O Sanctifier, al-
mighty, eternal God,
nipotens, aeterneDeus;
et bene *fr die hoc sacrificium, and bless this sacrifice, pre-
tuo sancto nomini praepara- pared to Thy holy name,
turn.
At High Mass, he, in the following prayer, blesses the incense:
5T£)ER intercessionem beati
Michaelis Archangeli,
stantis a dextris Altaris In-
censi, et omnium electorum
suorum, incensum istud dig-
netur Dominus benedicere,
et in odorem suavitatis acci-
pere. Per Christum Domi-
num nostrum. Amen.
/T\AY the Lord, by the in-
r*'^ tercession of blessed
Michael the archangel, stand-
ing at the right hand of the
altar of incense, and of all His
elect, vouchsafe to bless this
incense, and receive it as an
odor of sweetness. Through,
etc. Amen.
INCENSUM istud a te
benedictum ascendat ad
te, Domine, et descendat su-
per nos misericordia tua.
Receiving the thurible from the Deacon, he incenses the bread and
wine, saying:
/T^AY this incense which
^'-> Thou hast blessed, O
Lord, ascend to Thee, and
may Thy mercy descend upon
us.
the Altar, saying:
*'| * ET my prayer, O Lord,
r* * ascend like incense in
Thy sight: and the lifting up
of my hands be as an eve-
ning sacrifice. Set a watch,
O Lord, before my mouth,
and a door round about my
lips that my heart may not
Then he incenses
YVRIGATUR, Domine,
r-LJ oratio mea sicut in-
censum in conspectu tuo:
elevatio manuum mearum sa-
crificium vespertinum. Pone,
Domine, custodiam ori meo,
et ostium circumstantiae labiis
meis, ut non declinet cor
meum in verba malitiae, ad
252
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass.
excusandas excusationes in incline to evil words, to make
peccatis. excuses in sins.
While he gives the censer to the Deacon, he says secretly these
words, and is afterwards incensed by the Deacon and then the
others in order:
/TV AY the Lord enkindle
in us the fire of His
love, and the flame of ever-
lasting charity. Amen.
VtTCCENDAT in nobis
ewMn Dominus ignem sui
amoris, et flammam aeternae
caritatis. Amen.
The Priest, with his hands joined, goes to the Epistle side of the
Altar, where he washes his fingers as he recites the following
verses of Ps. xxv.
I WILL wash my hands
among the- innocent:
and will encompass Thy alLar,
O Lord.
That I may hear the voice
of praise, and tell of all Thy
marvelous works.
I have loved, O Lord, the
beauty of Thy house, and the
place where Thy glory dwell-
eth.
Take not away my soul, O
God, with the wicked, nor
my life with bloody men.
In whose hands are iniqui-
ties: their right hand is filled
with gifts.
As for me, I have walked
in my innocence : redeem me,
and have mercy upon me.
My foou hath stood in the
right path: in the churches I
will bless Thee, O Lord.
Glory be, etc.
Returning, and bowing before the middle of the Altar, with joined
hands, he says:
^USCIPE, sancta Trini- «TK> ECEIVE, O holy Trin-
tas, hanc oblationem r*-\> ity, this oblation,
JAVABO inter innocentes
4 ■ * manus meas: et cir-
cumdabo altare tuum, Do-
mine.
Ut audiam vocem laudis:
et enarrem universa mira-
bilia tua.
Domine, dilexi decorem
domus tuae, et locum habita-
tionis gloriae tuae.
Ne perdas cum impiis,
Deus, animam meam; et cum
viris sanguinum vitam meam.
In quorum manibus iniqui-
tates sunt: dextera eorum
repleta est muneribus. i
Ego autem in innocentia
mea ingressus sum: redime
me, et miserere mei.
Pes meus stetit in directo:
in ecclesiis benedicam te,
Domine.
Gloria Patri, etc.
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass. 253
quam tibi offerimus ob me-
moriam Passionis, Resurrec-
tionis, et Ascensionis Jesu
Christ! Domini nostri: et in
honorem beatae Mariae sem-
per Virginis, et beati Joannis
Baptistae, et sanctorum Apos-
tolorum Petri et Pauli, et
istorum et omnium Sanc-
torum: ut illis proficiat ad
honorem, nobis autem ad
salutem: et illi pro nobis in-
tercedere dignentur in ccelis,
quorum memoriam agimus
in terris. Per eumdem Chris-
tum Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
which we make to Thee, in
memory of the Passion, Res-
urrection, and Ascension of
Our Lord Jesus Christ, and in
honor of the blessed Mary
ever virgin, of blessed John
Baptist, the holy apostles
Peter and Paul, of these and
of all the saints: that it may
be available to their honor
and our salvation: and may
they vouchsafe to intercede
for us in heaven, whose mem-
ory we celebrate on earth.
Through the same Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Then he passes the Altar, and having turned himself towards the
people, extending and joining his hands, he raises his voice a
little, and says:
o
RATE, fratres, ut meum
acceptabile fiat apud Deum
Patrem omnipotentem.
R. Suscipiat Dominus sa-
crificium de manibus tuis, ad
laudem et gloriam nominis
sui, ad utilitatem quoque no-
stram, totiusque Ecclesiae suae
sanctae.
BRETHREN, pray that
my sacrifice and yours
may be acceptable to God the
Father almighty.
R. May the Lord receive
the sacrifice from thy hands,
to the praise and glory of His
name, to our benefit, and to
that of all His holy Church.
The Priest answers in a low voice, Amen.
Then with outstretched hands, he recites the
Secret Prayers.
Which being finished, he says in an audible voice:
v.
|ER omnia saecula
saeculorum.
R. Amen.
y. Dominus vobiscum.
\R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
V.
XSx
ORLD
end.
without
R. Amen.
y. The Lord be with you
R. And with thy spirit.
2 54 The Ordinary of the Holy Mass.
up your
Here he uplijts his hands:
V. <^URSUM corda. V. "y-'IFT
r-" — * hearts.
R. Habemus ad Dominum. R. We have them lifted up
unto the Lord.
He joins his hands be fire his breast, and bows his head while he
says:
V.
RATIAS agamus
V. H— " ET us give thanks
( I A to the Lord our 1
God.
R It is meet and just.
The following Preface is said on all Ferias and on those Festivals
which have i
Domino Deo no-
stra.
R. Dignum et justum est.
VERE dignum et justum
est, aequum et salu-
tare, nos tibi semper et ubi-
que gratias agere, Domine
sancte, Pater omnipotens,
aeterne Deus. * Per Chris-
tum Dominum nostrum: per
quern Majestatem tuam lau-
dant angeli, adorant domina-
tiones,tremunt potestates, coeli
coelorumque virtutes, ac beata
seraphim, socia exultatione
concelebrant. Cum quibus et
nostras voces, ut admitti ju-
beas deprecamur, supplied
confessione dicentes:
Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus,
Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt cceli et terra
gloria tua.
Hosanna in excelsis.
no proper.
IT is truly meet and just,
right and salutary, that
we should always, and in all
places, give thanks to Thee, O
holy Lord, Father almighty,,
eternal God. * Through
Christ our Lord: through
Whom the angels praise Thy
Majesty, the dominations
adore, the powers do hold in
in awe, the heavens, and the
virtues of the heavens and
the blessed seraphim, do cele-
brate with united joy. In
union with whom, we be-
seech Thee that Thou wouldst
command our voices also to
be admitted, with suppliant
confession, saying,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God
of Sabaoth.
Heaven and earth are full
of Thy glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
* This mark refers to the variation of the proper Prefaces for
certain days.
The Ordinary of me Holy Mass.
255
Benedictus qui venit in no- Blessed is He that cometh
mine Domini. in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in excelsis. Hosanna in the highest.
On Trinity Sunday, and on every other Sunday in the year
that has no proper Preface.
VERE ... * Qui cum uni- * /TlTHO together with Thy
genito Filio tuo et VXA* onlv-be^otten Son.
only-begotten Son,
and the Holy Ghost, art one
God, and one Lord : not in a
singularity of one Person, but
in a Trinity of one substance.
For that which, by Thy reve-
lation, we believe of Thy
glory, the same we believe
of Thy Son, and the same of
the Holy Ghost, without any
difference or distinction.
That, in the confession of a
true and eternal Deity, dis-
tinctness in the Persons,
unity in the essence, and
equality in the Majesty may
be adored. Whom the an-
gels and archangels, the cher-
ubim also and seraphim do
praise, who cease not daily
to cry out with one voice, say-
ing: Holy, etc.
From Christmas day till the Epiphany {except in the Octave
of St. John), on the Purification, Corpus Christi and its
Octave, the Transfiguration, The Holy Name of Jesus, and
in Masses of the Blessed Sacrament.
N.B. Prefaces thus marked | are concluded in the same man-
ner as this.
Spiritu Sancto unus es Deus,
unus es Dominus: non in
unius singularitate Personam,
sed in unius Trinitate sub-
stantias. Quod enim de tua
gloria, revelante te, credimus,
hoc de Filio tuo, hoc de Spi-
ritu Sancto, sine differentia
discretionis sentimus. Ut in
confessione verae sempiternae-
que Deitatis, et in Personis
proprietas, et in essentia uni-
tas, et in Ma j estate adoretur
aequalitas Quern laudant
angeli atq^e archangeli, che-
rubim quoque ac seraphim,
qui non cessant clamare quo-
tidie, una voce dicentes : Sanc-
tus, etc.
VERE ... * Quia per
incarnati Verbi my-
sterium, nova mentis nostrae
oculis lux tuae claritatis in-
lulsit: ut dum visibiliter
Deum cognoscimus, per hunc
BECAUSE by the mystery
of the Word made
flesh, the new light of Thy
brightness hath shone upon
the eyes of our minds: that
while we behold God visibly
256
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass.
in invisibilium amorem ra-
piamur. t Et ideo cum an-
gelis et archangelis, cum
thromV et dominationibus,
cumque omni militia ccelestis
exercitus, hymnum gloriae tuae
canimus, sine fine dicentes:
Sanctus, etc.
we may by Him be carried
on to the love of things in-
visible, t And therefore with
angels and archangels, with
thrones and dominations, and
with all the army of heaven,
we sing a hymn to Thy glory,
saying without ceasing: Holy,
etc.
Within the Action, or more solemn part of the sacrifice:
aOMMUNICANTES, et r>f OMMUNI C ATING
diem sacratissimum ce- V>\ and celebrating the mosl
lebrantes, quo beatae Mariae sacred day on which the un-
intemerata virginitas huic violated virginity of Blessed
mundo edidit Salvatorem. Mary gave to this world a
Sed et memoriam venerantes, Saviour. As also venerating
in primis ejusdem gloriosae the memory, in the first
semper Virginis Mariae, geni- place, of the same glorious
tricis ejusdem Dei et Domini Mary, ever virgin, Mother
nostri Jesu Christi; sed et of the same Our God and
beatorum apostolorum ac Lord Jesus Christ; and like-
martyrum tuorum, etc. wise of Thy blessed apostles
and martyrs, etc.
In the Midnight Mass is said:
'l^OCTEM sacratissimam ^^HE most sacred night
celebrantes, qua. 0n which.
But in all Masses afterward it is said as above, to the
Octave of the Nativity, inclusively.
On the Epiphany, and during its Octave.
*^XUIA cum unigenitus * *Tr>ECAUSE when Thy
V£ tuus in substantia no- r*-^ ' only-begotten Son
strae mortalitatis apparuit, appeared in the substance of
nova nos immortalitatis suae our mortal flesh, He repaired
luce reparavit. f Et ideo, etc. us by the new light of His im-
mortality. | And therefore.
Within the Action.
aOMMUNICANTES, et f>f O M M U N I C ATING
diem sacratissimum ^{ and celebrating the
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass, 257
celebrantes, quo unigenitus
tuus in tua tecum gloria coae-
ternus, in veritate carnis no-
stras visibiliter corporalis ap-
paruit. Sed et memoriam
venerantes, in primis gloriosae
semper Virginis Mariae, geni-
tricis ejusdem Dei et Domini
nostri Jesu Christi: sed et
beatorum apostolorum, etc.
most sacred day, on which
Thy only-begotten Son, co-
eternal with Thee in Thy
glory, appeared visibly in
the truth of our bodily flesh.
As also venerating the mem-
ory, in the first place, of the
glorious Mary ever virgin,
Mother of the same Our God
and Lord Jesus Christ: and
likewise of Thy blessed apos-
tles, etc.
From Ash Wednesday to Passion Sunday, except in Feasts
which have a proper Preface.
Q'
*77TT^H0 by bodily fasting
vJcA/ dost repress vices, ele-
vate the mind, bestow virtue
and rewards. Through, etc.
i UI corporali jejunio
vitia comprimis, men-
tem elevas, virtutem largiris
et praemia. Per Christum,
etc.
From Passion Sunday till Maundy Thursday , and Feasts of the
Holy Cross j of the Passion, the Precious Blood and the
Sacred Heart of Jesus.
* S\ UI salutem humani * V VI f'HO didst effect the
O1
V£ generis m ligno cru-
cis constituisti: ut unde mors
oriebatur, inde vita resur-
geret : et qui in ligno vincebat,
in ligno quoque vinceretur.
Per Christum, etc.
VXAr salvation of mankind
on the wood of the cross : that
from whence death came,
thence life might arise; and
that he who overcame by the
tree, might also by the tree
be overcome. Through, etc.
From Holy Saturday till Ascension day, and on Festivals
occurring in this time, unless they have proper Prefaces of
their own. In the Mass of Holy Saturday is said, chiefly
on this night; on Easter day, until the Saturday following,
chiefly on this day; after that, chiefly at this time.
VERE dignum et justum
est, aequum et salu-
tare, te quidem Domine,
omni tempore, sed [in hac
potissimum nocte vel die, vel]
IT is truly meet, just, right,
and salutary to praise
Thee, O Lord, at all times,
but chiefly [on this night or
day, or] at this time, when
258
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass,
in hoc potissimum gloriosius
praedicare, cum Pascha no-
strum immolatus est Christus.
Ipse enim verus est Agnus,
qui abstulit peccata mundi.
Qui mortem nostram mori-
endo destruxit, et vitam resur-
gendo reparavit. f Et ideo,
etc.
Christ our Passover was sac-
rificed for us. For He is the
true Lamb, Who took away
the sins of the world. Who
by dying destroyed our death,
and by rising again restored
our life, f And therefore, etc.
0°i
Within the Action.
HMUNIC ANTES
et diem sacratissimum
celebrantes Resurrectionis
Domini nostri Jesu Christi
secundum carnem: sed et
memoriam, etc.
Then as
*~p^ANC igitur oblationem
*-L £ servitutis nostras, sed et
cunctae familiae tuae, quam
tibi offerimus pro his quoque
quos regenerare dignatus es
ex aqua et Spiritu Sancto,
tribuens eis remissionem om-
nium peccatorum, quaesumus
Domine ut placatus accipias,
etc.
OOMMUNICATING and
celebrating the most
sacred day of the Resurrection
of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
according to the flesh : as also
venerating, etc.
follows:
V A r*E beseech Thee, there-
vJlA* fore, O Lord, favor-
ably to receive this oblation
of our sendee and that of all
Thy family, which we offer
to Thee for these also whom
Thou hast been pleased to re-
generate of water and the
Holy Spirit, granting them
remission of all sins, etc.
This is said from Holy Saturday till the Saturday following
{inclusively), but in the Mass of Holy Saturday is said,
et noctem sacratissimam, this most sacred night.
From Ascension day till Whitsun-eve, except on Feasts which
have their proper Preface.
ER Christum Domi- * /THROUGH Christ our
r*— num nostrum. Qui
post Resurrectionem suam om-
nibus discipulis suis mani-
festus apparuit, et ipsis cer-
nentibus est elevatus in cce-
Lord. Who after His
Resurrection appeared openly
to all His disciples, and in
their sight ascended up into
heaven, to make us partakers
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass. 259
lum, ut nos divinitatis suae of His divinity,
tribuerit esse participes. f Et fore, etc.
ideo, etc.
Wilkin the Action.
t And there-
aOMMUNIC ANTES
et diem sacratissimum
celebrantes, quo Dominus no-
ster, unigenitus Filius tuus,
unitam sibi fragilitatis no-
stras substantiam, in gloriae
tuae dextera collocavit. Sed
et memoriam venerantes, in
primis gloriosae semper Virgi-
nis Mariae, genitricis ejusdem
Dei et Domini nostri, etc.
COMMUNICATING
and celebrating the most
sacred day on which Our
Lord, Thy only-begotten Son,
placed on the right hand of
Thy glory the substance of our
frailty united to Himself. As
also venerating the memory,
in the first place, of the glori-
ous Mary, ever virgin, Moth-
er of the same Our God and
Lord, etc.
And it is said during the Octave.
From Whitsun-eve till Trinity Sunday; and in Votive Masses
of the Holy Ghost, omitting the words, this day.
*"T£)ER Christum Domi-
r-L num nostrum. Qui
ascendens super omnes ccelos,
sedensque ad dexteram tuam,
promissum Spiritum Sanc-
tum [hodierna die] in filios
adoptionis effudit. Quaprop-
ter profusis gaudiis totus in
orbe terrarum mundus ex-
ultat: sed et supernae vir-
tutes atque angelicae potes-
tates hymnum gloriae tuae
concinunt, sine fine dicentes:
Sanctus, etc.
Within the Action.
QOMMUNIC ANTES pfOMMUNIC ATING
et diem sacratissimum ^<A> and celebrating the
Pentecostes celebrantes, quo most sacred day of Pentecost,
Spiritus Sanctus apostolis in on which the Holy Ghost ap-
* (f^HR0UGH Christ 0Ur
V£) Lord, Who, ascending
above all the heavens, and
sitting at Thy right hand, sent
down the promised Holy
Spirit [this day] upon the
children of adoption. Where •
fore all the whole world ex-
ults with overflowing joy;
also the heavenly virtues and
the angelic powers together
hymn Thy glory, saying ever=
lastingly: Holy, etc.
260
The Ordinary of the Holy Mass.
igneis Unguis apparuit. Sed
et memoriam, etc.
Hanc igitur, etc., as on
page 58.
peared to the apostles in
fiery tongues. As also ven-
erating, etc.
In all Masses of St. Joseph and in those {except of Our Lord)
in which he is commemorated , unless the Mass itself or a pre-
ceding commemoration requires another Preface .
* £^f T te in Festivitate (Ven-
V-4 eratione) beati Joseph
debitis magnificare praeconiis,
benedicere et praedicare. Qui
et vir justus, a te DeiparaeVir-
gini Sponsus est datus: et
fidelis servus ac prudens, su-
per Familiam tuam est con-
stitute: ut Unigenitum
tuum, Sancti Spiritus obum-
bratione conceptum, paterna
vice custodiret, Jesum Chris-
tum Dominum nostrum. *Per
quern, etc.
* VfND on the festivity
(v^l* (Veneration) of St.
Joseph to magnify Thee with
due praise, to bless and pro-
claim Thee. The just man who
was given by Thee as a spouse
to the Virgin Mother of God,
and was placed over Thy fam-
ily as a faithful and prudent
servant: so that taking the
place of the Eternal Father,
he might guard the only be-
gotten Son conceived by the
shadow of the Holy Ghost,*
Jesus Christ, Our Lord;
Through whom, etc.
On the feasts of the B. V. M. (except Purification , which has
the preface of the Nativity) , viz: Annunciation , Visitation,
Assumption, Nativity, Presentation, Immaculate Conception,
inserting title of feast. On the feast of the Seven Dolors insert
Transfixion, on Mt. Carmel Commemoration. On all other
feasts Festivity. In Votive Masses and on Saturdays Venera-
tion.
|T te in N. beatae
vJ Mariae semper Virgi-
nis collaudare, benedicere,
et praedicare. Quae et Uni-
genitum tuum Sancti Spiri-
tus obumbratione concepit,
et virginitatis gloria per-
manente, lumen aeternum
mundo efTudit, Jesum Chris-
tum Dominum nostrum; *
Per quern, etc.
HAT we should praise,
\zJ bless, and proclaim
Thee on the N. of the blessed
Mary ever virgin. Who by
the overshadowing of the
Holy Ghost conceived Thy
Only- begotten, and the glory
of her virginity remaining,
shed forth upon the world
the light eternal, Jesus Christ
Our Lord; * Through whom,
etci
Canon of the Holy Mass.
261
On the Festivals of the Apostles and Evangelists (except on
St. John the Evangelist's day), and throughout their Oc-
taves, except in Feasts which have proper Prefaces of their
own.
VERE dignum et justum
est, aequum et salu-
tare, te Domine suppliciter
exorare, ut gregem tuum,
Pastor aeterne, non deseras,
sed per beatos apostolos tuos
continua protectione custo-
dias; ut iisdem rectoribus
gubernetur, quos operis tui
vicarios eidem contulisti prse-
esse pastores. f Et ideo, etc.
IT is truly meet , j ust , right ,
and salutary humbly
to beseech Thee, that Thou,
O Lord, our eternal Shepherd,
wouldst not forsake Thy
flock, but keep it through
Thy blessed apostles with
continual protection; that it
may be governed by those
same rulers whom Thou didst
appoint to preside over it as
pastors in Thy stead. fAnd.
In all Masses for the dead a special Preface as on page 949 is said.
Canon of
E igitur, clementissi-
me Pater, per Jesum
Christum Filium tuum Do-
minum nostrum, supplices ro-
gamus ac petimus uti accepta
habeas et benedicas haec 4«
donna, haec 4* munera, haec 4*
sancta sacrificia illibata, in
primis quae tibi offerimus
pro Ecclesia tua sancta Ca-
tholica* quam pacincare, cu-
stodire, adunare, et regere
^ digneris toto orbe terrarum,
una cum famulo tuo Papa
nostro N., et Antistite nostro
N., et omnibus orthodoxis,
atque Catholicae et Apostoli-
cae Fidei cultoribus.
tbe /ilbaas.
(I) I ^ tnere^ore humbly pray
and beseech Thee,
most merciful Father, through
Jesus Christ Thy Son, Our
Lord (he kisses the altar)
that Thou wouldst vouchsafe
to accept and bless these 4*
gifts, these *fr presents, these
»i* holy unspotted sacrifices,
which, in the first place, we
offer Thee for Thy holy Catho-
Jic Church, to which vouch-
safe to grant peace ; as also to
protect, unite, and govern it
throughout the world, together
with Thy servant N. our Pope,
N. our Bishop, as also all or-
thodox believers and profess-
ors of the Catholic and
Apostolic faith.
262
Canon of the Holy Mass.
COMMEMORATION OF THE LIVING.
yX\EMENTO, Domine fa- *"|£> E mindful, O Lord, of
mulorum famularum- Thy servants, men and
que tuarum, N. et N. women, N. and N.
Prayer during the Canon.
O JESUS, dying on the cross for love of poor sinners,
through Thy sacred head crowned with thorns I beg
Thee to have mercy on the Pope, all bishops, priests, all Re-
ligious Orders, especially our own, and all those placed over
us.
Through the wound in Thy right hand I recommend to
Thee my father, mother, brothers, sisters, relatives, friends,
and benefactors.
And through the wound in Thy left hand my enemies, all
poor sinners, and those who have never been baptized. Help
Thy servants who are trying to convert them.
Through the wound in Thy right foot I pray for the poor,
the sick, and the dying, and for all who are in any kind of pain,
temptation, or trouble.
Through the wound in Thy left foot I beg of Thee merci-
fully to grant eternal rest to the souls of the faithful departed,
especially N. N.
Through Thy Sacred Heart, O Jesus, I offer myself to do
and suffer all things for Thy love. Give me all the graces I
stand in need of, and especially the grace which I am seeking
to obtain through this holy Mass. (Name it.)
He joins his hands, and prays silently for those he intends to pray
for; then, extending his hands, he proceeds:
f^(T omnium circumstan- 'TTfND of all here present,
tium, quorum tibi fides <%s<^ whose faith and devo-
cognita est, et nota devotio, pro tion are known unto Thee, for
quibus tibi offerimus, vel qui whom we offer, or who offer
tibi offerunt, hoc sacrificium up to Thee this sacrifice of
laudis, pro se, suisque omni- praise for themselves, their
bus: pro redemptione anima- families and friends, for the
rum suarum, pro spe salutis, redemption of their souls,
et incolumitatis suae: tibique for the hope of their safety
Canon of the Holy Mass.
263
reddunt vota sua, aeterno
Deo, vivo et vero,
Communicantes, et me-
moriam venerantes, in primis
gloriosae semper Virginis
Marias, Genitricis Dei et Do-
mini nostri Jesu Christi:
sed et beatorum apostolorum
ac martyrum tuorum, Petri
et Pauli, Andreas, Jacobi,
Joannis, Thomae, Jacobi, Phi-
lippi, Bartholomaei, Matthaei,
Simonis et Thaddaei, Lini,
Cleti, Clementis, Xysti, Cor-
nelii, Cypriani, Laurentii,
Chrysogoni, Joannis et Pauli,
Cosmae et Damiani, et omni-
um Sanctorum tuorum; quo-
rum meritis precibusque con-
cedas, ut in omnibus protec-
tions tuae muniamur auxilio.
Per eumdem Christum Do-
minum nostrum.
Amen.
and salvation, and who pay
their vows to Thee, the eter-
nal, living, and true God.
Communicating with, and
honoring, in the first place,
the memory of the glorious
and ever Virgin Mary, Moth-
er of Our Lord and God
Jesus Christ; as also of the
blessed apostles and martyrs,
Peter and Paul, Andrew,
James, John, Thomas, James,
Philip, Bartholomew, Mat-
thew, Simon and Thaddeusr
Linus, Cletus, Clement, Xys-
tus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Law-
rence, Chrysogonus, John and
Paul, Cosmas and Damian,
and of all Thy saints; by
whose merits and prayers-
grant that we may be always
defended by the help of Thy
protection. Through the
same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Spreading his hands over the oblation, he says the words of con-
secration secretly, distinctly, and attentively.
(Here the bell is rung.)
"T^ ANC igitur oblationem
r*-b servitutis nostrae, sed
et cunctae familiae tuae, quae-
sumus, Domine, ut placatus
accipias; diesque nostros in
tua pace disponas, atque ab
aeterna damnatione nos eripi,
et in electorum tuorum jubeas
grege numerari. Per Chris-
tum Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
Quam oblationem, tu Deus,
Vyj ■ "E therefore beseech
VJcA, Thee, O Lord, gra-
ciously to accept this oblation
of our service, as also of Thy
whole family; dispose our
days in Thy peace, command
us to be delivered from eter-
nal damnation, and to be
numbered in the flock of Thy
elect. Through Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Which oblation do Thou,
264
Canon of the Holy Mass.
in omnibus, quaesumus, bene-
dic »h tarn, adscrip ^ tarn,
ra^ tarn, rationabilem, ac-
ceptabilemque facere digne-
ris; ut nobis cor pus et san
4* guis flat dilectissimi Filii
tui Domini nostri Jesu Christi.
'Qui pridie quam pateretur,
accepit panem in sanctas ac
venerabiles manus suas, et
levatis oculis in ccelum, ad te
Deum Patrem suum omni-
potentem: tibi gratias agens,
benedixit, fregit, deditque di-
scipulis suis, dicens: Accipite,
et manducate ex hoc omnes;
HOC EST ENIM CORPUS MEUM.
O God, vouchsafe in ail
things to make blessed, ap-
proved, ratified, reasonable,
and acceptable, that it may
become to us the body -J* and
*h blood of Thy most be-
loved Son Jesus Christ our
Lord. Who the day before
He suffered, took bread (he
takes the Host) into His holy
and venerable hands (he
raises his- eyes to heaven)
and with His eyes lifted up
toward heaven, to God, His
almighty Father: giving
thanks to Thee, did bless,
break, and give to His dis-
ciples, saying: Take, and
eat ye all of this; for this is
MY BODY.
After pronouncing the words 0} consecration, the Priest, kneeling,
adores the sacred Host; rising he elevates it; and then placing it
on the corporal, again adores it. After this he never disjoins
his fingers and thumbs, except when he is to take the Host, until
after the washing of his fingers.
(At the elevation the bell is rung three times.)
^>fIMILI mo do postquam
ccenatum est accipiens
et hunc praeclarum calicem in
sanctas ac venerabiles manus
suas item tibi gratias agens
bene *i* dixit, deditque di-
scipulis suis dicens: Accipite
et bibite ex eo omnes; hic
EST ENIM CALIX SANGUINIS
MEI NOVT ET iETERNI TESTA-
MENTi; MYSTERIUM FIDEi;
QUI PRO VOBIS ET PRO MUL-
IN like manner, after He
had supped (he takes
the chalice in both his hands) ,
taking also this excellent
chalice into His holy and
venerable hands, and giving
Thee thanks, He bless ^ed,
and gave to His disciples,
saying: Take, and drink ye
all of this; for this is the
chalice of my blood of
the new and eternal
testament; the mystery
of faith; which shall bf
Canon of the Holy Mass.
265
TIS EFFUWETUR IN RE All S- SHED FOR YOU, AND FOR
SIONEM PECCATORUM. MANY, TO THE REMISSION OF
SINS.
Haec quotiescumque feceri- As often as ye do these
tis, in mei memoriam facietis. things, ye shall do them in
remembrance of Me.
Prayer. #
OMY v>od, I adore Thee through Jesus; I beg pardon
through Jesus; I thank Thee through Jesus; I humbly
ask every blessing and grace through Jesus. May I lead a
holy life and die a good death. My Jesus, mercy. My Jesus,
mercy. My Jesus, mercy.
Kneeling, he adores; rising, he elevates the chalice; then replacing
it on the corporal, he covers it, and again adores.
(The bell is rung as before.)
He tJien proceeds:
Q^HEREFORE, O Lord,
V I 'NDI et memores, Do-
VA> mme, nos servi tui, sed
et plebs tua sancta ejusdem
Christi Filii tui Domini no-
stri tarn beatae Passionis, nec-
aon et ab inferis Resurrec-
tionis sed et in ccelo gloriosae
Ascensionis: offerimus prae-
clarae Majestati tuae, de tuis
donis ac datis, Hostiam *i«
puranj, Hostiam 4* sanctam,
Hostiam ^ immaculatam, pa-
nem >fr sanctum vitae aeternae,
et calicem 4* salutis perpetuae.
we Thy servants, as
also Thy holy people, calling
to mind the blessed Passion
of the same Christ Thy Son
our Lord, His Resurrection
from the grave, and glorious
Ascension into heaven, offer
unto Thy most excellent
Majesty, of Thy gifts and
presents, a pure 4* Host, a
holy 4* Host, an immaculate
4* Host, the holy 4* bread of
eternal life, and the chalice 4*
of everlasting salvation.
Extending his hands, he proceeds:
^^UPRA quae propitio ac
^5 sereno vultu respicere
digneris, et accepta habere,
sicuti accepta habere digna-
tus es munera pueri tui justi
Abel, et sacrificium Patri-
archal nostri Abrahae ; etquod
a PON which vouchsafe to
look, with a propitious
and serene countenance, and
to accept them, as Thou wert
graciously pleased to accept
the gifts of Thy just servant
Abel, and the sacrifice of our
266
Canon of the Holy Mass.
tibi obtulit summus sacerdos
tuus Melchisedech, sanctum
sacrificium, immaculatam ho-
stiam.
Patriarch Abraham, and that
which Thy high -priest Mel-
chisedech offered to Thee, a
holy sacrifice, an immaculate
Host.
Bowing down profoundly, with his hands joined and placed upon
the Altar, he says:
^UPPLICES te rogamus,
omnipotens Deus, jube
haec perferri per manus sancti
angeli tui in sublime altare
tuum, in conspectu divinae
Majestatis tuae, ut quotquot
ex hac altaris participatione,
sacrosanctum Filii tui cor-
pus <h et «^ sanguinem sump-
serimus, omni benedictione
ccelesti et gratia repleamur.
Per eumdem Christum Domi-
num nostrum. Amen.
Memento etiam, Domme,
famulorum famularumque
tuarum N. et N., qui nos prae-
cesserunt cum signo fldei, et
dormiunt in somno pacis.
V A I *E most humbly beseech
V5lA» Thee, almighty God,
command these things to be
carried by the hands of Thy
holy angel to Thy altar on
high, in the sight of Thy
divine Majesty, that as many
of us (he kisses the altar) as,
by participation at this altar,
shall receive the most sacred
body 4* and *fr blood of Thy
Son may be filled with all
heavenly benediction and
grace. Through the same
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be mindful, O Lord, of
Thy servants men and women
N. and N., who are gone be-
fore us, with the sign of faith,
and slumber in the sleep of
peace.
He prays for such of tlte dead as he intends to pray for.
IPSIS, Domine, et omni-
bus in Christo quie-
scentibus, locum refrigerii,
lucis et pacis, ut indulgeas,
deprecamur. Per eumdem
Christum, etc. Amen.
y£^0 these, O Lord, and to
vzJ all that rest in Christ,
grant, we beseech Thee, a
place of refreshment, light,
and peace. Through the same
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Here, striking his breast and slightly raising his voice, he says:
|OBIS quoque peccatori- %j |'ND to us sinners, Thy
bus famulis tuis, de cJ^*-> servants, hoping in the
multitudine miserationum tu- multitude of Thy mercies.
Canon of the Holy Mass.
267
arum sperantibus partem ali-
quam et societatem donare
digneris, cum tuis Sanctis
apostolis et martyribus; cum
Joanne, Stephano, Matthia,
Barnaba, Ignatio, Alexandro,
Marcellino, Petro, Felicitate,
Perpetua, Agatha, Lucia,
Agnete, Caecilia, Anastasia,
et omnibus Sanctis tuis: intra
quorum nos consortium, non
^estimator meriti, sed veniae,
quaesumus, largitor admitte.
Per Christum Dominum no-
strum.
Per quern haec omnia, Do-
mine, semper bona creas,
sancti *i* ficas, vivi ncas,
bene »J- dicis, et praestas nobis.
vouchsafe to grant some part
and fellowship with Thy
holy apostles and martyrs;
with John, Stephen, Matthias,
Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexan-
der, Marcellinus, Peter, Feli-
citas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy,
Agnes, Cecily, Anastasia, and
with all Thy saints, into
whose company we beseech
Thee to admit us, not con-
sidering our merits, but freely
pardoning our offences.
Through Christ our Lord.
By Whom, O Lord, Thpu
dost always create, sanctify,
4* quicken, »£• bless, 4* and
give us all these good things.
He uncovers the chalice, and makes a genuflection; then taking
the Host in his right hand, and holding the chalice in his left,
he signs the sign 0} the cross three times across ilie chalice, saying;
^r^jER ip ^ sum, et cum ip
<J— so, et in ip so, est
tibi Deo Patri 4* omnipotent,
in unitate Spiritus Sancti, om-
nis honor et gloria.
^HROUGH Him, * and
with Him, ^ and in
Him, *h is to Thee, God the
Father *Z* almighty, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, all
honor and glory.
Covering the chalice, he kneels down; and rising again, he says:
V. Per omnia saecula saecu- V. For ever and ever,
lorum.
R. Amen. R. Amen,
Oremus.
^-J^RyECEPTIS salutaribus
*-L moniti, et divina insti-
tutione formati, audemus di-
cere:
Pater noster, qui es in coelis,
sanctificetur nomen tuum :
Let us pray.
INSTRUCTED by Thy
«-■■» saving precepts, and
following Thy divine institu-
tion, we presume to say:
Our Father, Who art in
heaven, hallowed be Thy
268
Canon of the Holy Mass,
adveniat regnum tuum; fiat
voluntas tua sicut in ccelo,
et in terra. Panem nostrum
quotidianum da nobis hodie;
et dimitte nobis debita nostra,
sicut et nos dimittimus de-
bitoribus nostris. Et ne nos
inducas in tentationem.
M. Sed libera nos a malo.
S. Amen.
name: Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done on earth as
it is in heaven. Give us this
day our daily bread: and
forgive us our trespasses, as
we forgive those who tres-
pass against us. And lead
us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from
evil.
P. Amen.
(At High Mass, the Deacon, toward the conclusion of the Pater
Noster, goes to the right hand of the Priest, where he awaits the
approach of the Sitbdeacon, from whom he receives the paten,
which he puts into the hands of the Priest?)
He takes the paten between his first and second finger, and says:
^y^vELIVER us, we beseech
A^J Thee, O Lord, from
all evils, past, present, and to
come : and by the intercession
of the blessed and glorious
Mary ever virgin, Mother of
God, together with Thy
blessed apostles Peter and
Paul, and Andrew, and all
the saints (making the sign
of the cross on himself with
the paten, he kisses it, and
says), mercifully grant peace
in our days: that by the
assistance of Thy mercy we
may be always free from sin,
and secure from all disturb-
ance.
He slides the paten under the Host, uncovers the chalice, and makes
a genuflection: then rising, he takes the Host, breaks it in the
middle over the chalice, saying:
&ER eumdem Dominum "^HROUGH the same
nostrum Jesum Chris- Jesus Christ Thy Son
turn Filium tuum, our Lord,
^ytlBERA nos, quassumus,
< I * Domine, ab omnibus
malis, praeteritis, praesentibus,
et futuris: et intercedente
beata et gloriosa semper Vir-
gine Dei Genitrice Maria,
cum beatis apostolis tuis
Petro et Paulo, atque Andrea,
et omnibus Sanctis, da pro-
pitius pacem in diebus no-
stris : ut ope misericordiae tuae
adjuti, et a peccato simus
semper liberi, et ab omni per-
turbatione securi.
B1
Canon of the Holy Mass-.
269
He puts the part which is in his right hand upon the paten, breaks
a particle from the other, part in his left hand, saying:
^UI tecum vivit et regnat ^JJ^HO with Thee in the
in imitate Spiritus V5cA» unity of the Holy
Sancti Deus. Ghost liveth and reigneth
God.
He places the half in his left hand on the paten, and holding the
particle which he broke off in his right hand, and the chalice in
his left, he says:
V. 'T^jER omnia saecula V. V s\ i'ORLD without
r-L saeculorum. %JlA* end.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
He then says:
V. ^) AX * Domini sit V. tfT\ AY the peace *h of
J— 4. semper vobis the Lord be *%*
^ cum. always with you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
He puts a particle of the Host into the chalice, saying:
*Tp^ iEC commixtio et con- fT)AY this mixture and
r*— G secratio corporis et consecration of the
sanguinis Domini nostri Jesu body and blood of Our Lord
Christi fiat accipientibus no- Jesus Christ be to us, that
bis in vitam aeternam. Amen, receive it, effectual to eternal
life. Amen.
He covers the chalice, makes a genuflection, and then bowing down
and striking his breast three times, he says:
Vt*GNUS Dei, qui tollis *T-*AMB of God, Who tak
e^^L, peccata mundi mise- — * est away the sins of the
rere nobis. world, have mercy upon us.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis pec- Lamb of God, Who takest
cata mundi, miserere nobis. away the sins of the world,
have mercy upon us.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis pec- Lamb of God, Who takest
cata mundi, dona nobis pa- away the sins of the world,
cem. grant us Thy peace.
In Masses for the Dead, he says thrice: Give them rest; and lastly:
Give them eternal rest. Standing in an inclined position,
270
Canon of the Holy Mass.
with his hands joined and resting on the Altar, and his eyes
reverently fixed upon the sacred Host, he says:
VT^V OMINE Jfesu Christe,
r-LJ qui dixisti apostolis
tuis: Pacem relinquo vobis,
pacem meam do vobis; ne re-
spicias peccata mea, sed fidem
Ecclesiae tuas: eamque secun-
dum voluntatem tuam pacifi-
care et coadunare digneris:
qui vivis et regnas Deus, per
omnia saecula saeculorum.
Amen.
XJORD Jesus Christ, Who
* saidst to Thy apostles :
Peace I leave with you, My
peace I give unto you; re-
gard not my sins, but the
faith of Thy Church; and
vouchsafe to it that peace
and unity which is agreeable
to Thy will: Who livest and
reignest God for ever and
ever. Amen.
The preceding prayer is omitted in Masses for the Dead.
At High Mass, the Deacon kisses the Altar, at the same time with
the celebrating Priest, by whom he is saluted with the kiss of
peace with these words:
V. Pax tecum. V. Peace be with thee.
To which the Deacon answers:
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
And then salutes in like manner the Subdeacon, who conveys the
kiss of peace to those amongst the Clergy who may be assisting
at Mass.
^p^OMINE Jesu Christe,
<-LJ Fili Dei vivi, qui ex
voluntate Patris, cooperante
Spiritu Sancto, per mortem
tuam mundum vivificasti; li-
bera me per hoc sacrosanc-
tum corpus et sanguinem
tuum ab omnibus iniquitati-
bus meis, et universis malis:
et fac me tuis semper inhaerere
mandatis, et a te nunquam
separari permittas: qui cum
eodem Deo Patre et Spiritu
*T~:ORD Jesus Christ, Son
t ' of the living God
Who, according to the will oi
the Father, through the co-
operation of the Holy Ghost,
hast by Thy death given life
to the world; deliver me by
this Thy most sacred body
and blood from all my iniqui-
ties and from all evils: and
make me always adhere to
Thy commandments, and
never suffer me to be sepa-
rated from Thee; Who with
the same God the Father and
Holy Ghost h'vest and reign-
Canon of the Holy Mass.
271
Sancto vivis et regnas Deus in
saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Perceptio corporis tui, Do-
mine Jesu Christe, quod ego
indignus sumere praesumo,
non mihi proveniat in judi-
cium et condemnationem; sed
pro tua pietate prosit mihi
ad tutamentum mentis et
corporis; et ad medelam per-
cipiendam. Qui vivis et reg-
nas cum Deo Patre, in unitate
Spiritus Sancti, Deus per
omnia saecula saeculorum.
Amen.
est God for ever and ever.
Amen.
Let not the participation of
Thy body, O Lord Jesus
Christ, which I, all unwor-
thy, presume to receive, turn
to my judgment and con-
demnation; but through Thy
goodness, may it be to me a
safeguard and remedy, both
of soul and body. Who
with God the Father, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost,
livest and reignest God for
ever and ever. Amen.
Making a genuflection, and taking the Host in his hands, the Priest
says:
ANEM ccelestem acci- *Tr* WILL take the bread of
piam, et nomen Do- r-i-» heaven, and call upon
mini invocabo. the name of the Lord.
Striking his breast in humility and devotion, he says thrice, the
Acolyte ringing the bell each time:
^T^vOMINE, non sum dig- *T-|ORD, I am not worthy
r-Lr nus ut intres sub tec- < * * that Thou shouldst en-
tum meum; sed tantum die ter under my roof; say but
verbo, et sanabitur anima the word, and my soul shall
mea. be healed.
Taking reverently both parts of the sacred Host in his right hand,
and making the sign of the cross with it upon himself, he says
the following prayers:
aORPUS Domini nostri (T\ AY the body of Our Lord
Jesu Christi custodiat M-s Jesus Christ preserve
animam meam in vitam aeter- my soul to life everlasting,
nam. Amen. Amen.
He then receives both halves of the Host, joins his hands, and re-
mains a short time in meditation on the Most Holy Sacrament.
Then he uncovers the chalice, gathers upon the paten the small-
272
Canon of the Holy Mass.
est atoms of the Host which may remain on ihe corporal, and
puts them into the chalice, saying:
QUID retribuam Domino
pro omnibus quae re-
tribuit mihi? Calicem salu-
taris accipiam, et nomen Do-
mini invocabo. Lairdans in-
vocabo Dominum, et ab ini-
micis meis salvus ero.
/7TT*HAT shall I render to
y*LA> the Lord for all He
hath rendered unto me? I
will take the chalice of salva-
tion, and call upon the name
of the Lord. Praising, I will
call upon the Lord, and I
shall be saved from my
enemies.
He takes the chalice in his right hand, and making the sign oj
the cross with it on himself, he says:
SANGUIS Domini nostri
JK-^ Jesu Christ: custodiat
animam meam in vitam aeter-
nam. Amen.
^T*HE blood of Our Lord
Jesus Christ preserve
my soul to everlasting life.
Amen.
Then he receives all the blood, together with the particles in it.
After which he communicates all who are to communicate
(if there be any).
Those who are to communicate go up to the Sanctuary at the Do-
mine, non sum dignus, when the bell rings : the Acolyte says
the Confiteor.
Then the Priest turns to the communicants, and pronounces a
general absolution in these words:
/T\ ISEREATUR vestri om-
nipotens Deus, et di-
missis peccatis vestris, perdu-
cat vos ad vitam aeternam.
M. Amen.
S. Indulgentiam, absolu-
tionem, et remissionem pec-
catorum vestrorum tribuat
vobis omnipotens et miseri-
cors Dominus.
M. Amen.
/T\AY almighty God have
r»F*» mercy on you, forgive
you your sins, and bring you
to life everlasting.
R. Amen.
P. May the almighty and
merciful Lord give you par-
don, absolution, and remis-
sion of your sins.
R. Amen.
Canon of the Holy Mass, 273
Those who are not to communicate may here make a
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION.
Slevating a particle of the Blessed Sacrament, and turning toward
the people, the Priest says:
CCE Agnus Dei, ecce *-f£>EHOLD the Lamb of
qui tollit peccata mup- God, behold Him Who
di. taketh away the sins of the
world.
And then repeats three times, Domine, non sum dignus.
"Descending the steps of the Altar to the communicants, he admin-
isters the Holy Communion, saying to each:
aORPUS Domini nostri /T\AY the body of Our Lord
Jesu Christi custGdiat Jesus Christ preserve
animam tuam in vitam aeter- thy soul to life everlasting,
nam. Amen. Amen.
Here the Acolyte pours a' little wine into the chalice, and the Priest
takes the first ablution.
QUOD ore sumpsimus, ^>f RANT, Lord, that what
Domine, pura mente ^& we have taken with
capiamus; et de munere tern- our mouth, we may receive
porali fiat nobis remedium with a pure mind; and of a
sempiternum. temporal gift may it become
to us an eternal remedy.
Here the Acolyte pours wine and water over his fingers; and he
takes the second ablution.
OORPUS tuum, Domine,
quod sumpsi, et san-
guis quern potavi, adhaereat
visceribus meis: et praesta, ut
in me non remaneat scelerum
macula, quern pura et sancta
refecerunt sacramenta. Qui
vivis et regnas in saecula saecu-
lorum. Amen.
AY Thy body, O Lord,
which I have received,
and Thy blood which I have
drunk, cleave to my bowels;
and grant that no stain of sin
may remain in me, who have
been refreshed with pure and
holy sacraments. Who livest,
etc. Amen.
Then he wipes his mouth and the chalice, which he covers; and
having folded the corporal, places it on the Altar, as at first; Ju
then goes to the book, and reads the Communion :
374
Canon of the Holy Mass,
FOR THE COMMUNION.
ONE thing I have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after;
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days
of my life.
Taste and see that the Lord is sweet: blessed is the man
that hopeth in Hirn.
(For a saint's day.) Blessed is that servant whom his Lord
when He cometh shall find watching.
If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross, and follow Me.
Then he turns to the people, and says:
v. vpi°MiNus v°bis- v- (fci™ L°rd be with
JLJ cum. you.
R, Et cum spiritu tuo, R. And with thy spirit.
Then he reads the Post-Communions; at the end of the first and
last of which the Acolyte answers, Amen.
A jterward he turns again toward the people, and says:
V. Dominus vobiscum. V. The Lord be with you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
Ite missa est; vel Benedi- Go, the Mass is ended; or
eamus Domino. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Deo gratias. R. Thanks be to God.
In Masses for the Dead.
V. *|a>EQUIESCANT V. (T)AY they rest in
r*-\, in pace. peace.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Bowing down before the Altar, the Priest says:
LACEAT tibi, sancta f\ HOLY Trinity, let the
Trinitas, obsequium performance of my
servitutis meae; et praesta, ut homage be pleasing to Thee;
sacrificium quod oculis tuae and grant that the sacrifice
Majestatis indignus obtuli, which I, unworthy, have
tibi sit acceptabile, mihique, offered up in the sight of Thy
et omnibus pro quibus illud Majesty, may be acceptable
obtuli, sit, te miserante, pro- to Thee, and through Thy
mercy be a propitiation fo*
Canard of the Holy Mass.<
275
pitiabile. Per Christum Do-
minum nostrum. Amen.
me, and all those for whom
I have offered it, Through
Christ our Lord, Amen.
Then he kisses the Altar, raising his eyes, — and extending, rais-
ing, and joining his hands, — he bows his head, and says:
CT)AY a^mi&ktv God, the
Father, Son, ^ and
Holy Ghost, bless you. Amen,
BENEDICAT vos omni-
potens Deus, Pater et
Filius, »r et Spiritus Sanc-
tus. Amen.
At the word Deus, he turns toward the people, and makes the sign
of the cross on them. Then turning to the Gospel side of the
Altar, he says:
V. 'T10MINUS vobis" V' <fc*HE Lord be with
JLJ cum. v-J you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
The Benediction is omitted in Masses for the Dead. *
He then traces the sign of the cross, first upon the Altar, and then
upon his forehead, lips, and heart, and begins the Gospel accord-
ing to St. John, saying:
s.
sancti
secun-
YNITIUM
Evangelii
dum Joamiem.
M . Gloria tibi, Domine.
In principio erat Verbum,
et Verbum erat apud Deum;
et Deus erat Verbum: hoc
erat in principio apud Deum .
Omnia per ipsum facta sunt,
et sine ipso lactum est nihil
quod factum est: in ipso vita
erat, et vita erat lux hominum :
et lux in tenebris lucet, et
tenebrae earn non compre-
nenderunt,
Fuit homo missus a Deo,
cui nomen erat Joannes. Hie
P. ^^HE beginning of
VSJ the holy Gospel
according to St. John.
R. Glory be to Thee, O
Lord.
In the beginning was the
Word, and the Word was with
God, and God w&s the Word:
the same was in the begin-
ning with God. All things
were made by Him, and with-
out Him was made nothing
that was made: in Him was
life and the life was the light
of men: and the light shineth
in darkness, and the dark-
ness did not comprehend it.
There was a man sent irorn
God, whose name was John.
276
Canon 0/ the Holy ilTass.
venit in testimonium, ut testi-
monium perhiberet de lumine,
ut omnes crederent per ilium.
Non erat ille lux: sed ut te-
stimonium perhiberet de lu-
mine. Erat lux vera quae
illuminat omnem hominem
venierr em in hunc mundum.
In mundo erat, et mundus
per ipsum factus est, et mun-
dus eum non cognovit. In
propria venit, et sui eum non
receperunt. Quotquot autem
receperunt eum, dedit eis po-
testatem rllios Dei fieri: his
aui credurft in nomine ejus,
qui non ex sanguinibus, neque
ex volunlate carnis, neque
ex voluntate viri, sed ex Deo
nati sunt. Et Verbum caro
factum est (hie genu flecti-
iur), et habitavit in nobis, et
vidimus gloriam ejus, gloriam
quasi Unigeniti a Patre, ple-
num gratiae et veritatis.
M. Deo gratias.
This man came for a witness
to give testimony of the light,
that all men might believe
through him. He was not
the light, but came to give
testimony of the light. He
was the true light which en-
lighteneth every man that
cometh into this world.
He was in the world, and
the world was made by Him,
and the world knew Him not.
He came unto His own, and
His own received Him *iot
But as many as received Him,
to them He gave power to
become the sons of God: to
those that believe in His
name, who are born not of
blood, nor of the will of the
flesh, nor of the w?U o* man,
but of God. And the Word
was made elesh (here the
people kneel down), and
dwelt among us; and we saw
His glory, as it were the glory
of the Only-begotten of the
Father, full of grace and truth.
R. Thanks be to God.
When a feast falls on a Sunday, or other day which has a proper
Gospel of its own, the Gospel of the day is read instead of the
Gospel of St. John.
AFTER MASS.
Hail Mar\7, to be said thrice by the Priest and People.
^ALVE Regina, Mater *-p^ AIL, holy Queen, Moth-
^5 misericordiae, vita, dul- er of mercy; hail, our
cedo, et spes nostra salve, life, our sweetness, and our
Ad te clamamus exsules, filii hope! To thee do we cry,
Hevae. Ad te suspiramus, poor banished children of
gementes. et flentes in hac E\v - to thee do we send up
Canon of the Holy Mass.
277
lacrymarum valle. Eia ergo,
advocata nostra, illos tuos
misericordes oculos ad nos
converte. Et Jesum bene-
dictum fructum ventris tui,
nobis post hoc exsilium osten-
de. O clemens, O pia, O
dulcis Virgo Maria.
V. Ora pro nobis, sancta
Dei Genitrix.
R. Ut digni efficiamur pro-
rnissionibus Christi.
Oremus.
"T^vEUS refugium nostrum
r-L' et virtus, populum ad
te clamantem propitius re-
spice; et intercedente gloriosa
et immaculata Virgine Dei
Genitrice Maria, cum beato
Josepho Ejus Sponso, ac
beatis apostolis tuis Petro
et Paulo, et omnibus Sanctis,
quas pro conversione pecca-
torum, pro libertate et exalta-
tione sanctae Matris Ecclesiae
preces effundimus, miseri-
cors et benignus exaudi. Per
Christum Dominum nogxum.
Amen.
Sancte Michael Archangele,
defende nos in praelio: con-
tra nequitiam et insidias di-
aboli esto praesidium. — Im-
feret illi Dens; supplices de-
precamur; tuque, Princeps
miiitiae ccelestis, Satanam ali-
osque spiritus malignos, qui
our sighs, mourning and
weeping in this vale of tears.
Turn, then, most gracious
advocate, thine eyes of mercy
toward us; and after this
our exile, show unto us the
blessed fruit of thy womb,
Jesus. O clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary!
V. Pray for us, O holy
Mother of God.
R. That we may be made
worthy of the promises of
Christ.
Let us pray.
OGOD, our refuge and
our strength, look
down in mercy on Thy people
who cry to Thee; and by
the intercession of the glori-
ous and immaculate Virgin
Mary, Mother of God, of St.
Joseph her spouse, of Thy
blessed apostles Peter and
Paul, and of all the saints, in
mercy and goodness hear our
prayers for the conversion of
sinners, and for the liberty
and exaltation of our holy
Mother the Church. Through
Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Holy Michael Archangel,
defend us in the day of battle ;
be our safeguard against the
wickedness and snares of the
devil. May God rebuke him,
we humbly pray: and do
thou, prince of the heavenly
host, by the power of God,
278 Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week
ad perditionem animarum thrust down to hell Satan and
pervagantur in mundo, di- all wicked spirits, who wander
vina virtute in infernum through the world for the
detrude. ruin of souls. Amen.
Amen. Indulgence of 300 days.
Ejaculation: most sacred heart of jesus, have mercy on
us ! (Three times) . Indulgence seven years and seven quarantines .
/IDass HJewtions for]£acbH>as mtbe Meeft,*
To be Used in Connection with the Preceding u Ordinary oj
the Mass"
SunDaE*— IDottve /Ilbaes of tbe JBleeseb Gvinitv.
Ordinary 0} the Mass.
PROPER PARTS.
Tntroit. E N E - ^|7>LESSED be the Holv
rt> DICTA AZ> Trinity and undivided
sil sancta Trinitas atque indi- Unity: we will give glory to
visa Unitas: conntebimur ei, Him, because He hath shown
quia fecit nobiscum miseri- His mercy to us. O Lord,
cordiam suam. (Tob. xii.) Our Lord, how wonderful ir
Ps. viii. Domine Dominus no- Thy name in all the earth!
ster, quam admirabile est no-
men tuum in universa terra!
Coll. Omnipotent. Almighty, everlasting God, Who
hast granted to Thy servants in the confession of the true faith,
to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and, in the
power of Thy Majesty, to adore thef Unity; grant that, by
steadfastness in the same faith, we may ever be defended
from all adversities.
Epistle. 2 Cor. xiii. 11. Brethren: Rejoice, be perfect,
take exhortation, be of one mind, have peace: and the God
of peace and of love shall be with you. The grace of Our
Lord Jesus Christ, and the charity of God, and the commu-
nication of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.
* From the Roman Missal.
Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week. 279
Grad. Benedictus es Do-
mine, qui intueris abyssos, et
sedes super Cherubim.
V. Benedictus es Domine, in
firmamento cceli, et laudabilis
in saecula. Alleluia. Alleluia.
V. Benedictus es Domine
Deus patrum nostrorum, et
laudabilis in saecula. Alle-
luia.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord,
Who beholdest the depths, and
sittest upon the cherubim.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in
the firmament of heaven, and
worthy of praise for ever.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Blessed art
Thou, O Lord God of our
fathers, and worthy of praise
for ever. Alleluia.
After Septuagesima, instead of the Alleluia and V. of the
Gradual, is said the
Tract. With our whole hearts we glorify, praise, and
bless Thee, O God the Father not begotten, Thee the only-
begotten Son, Thee the Holy Ghost the Paraclete, the holy
and undivided Trinity. V. For Thou art great and dost
wonderful things; Thou alone art God. V. To Thee be
praise, to Thee be glory, to Thee be thanksgiving for ever and
ever, O blessed Trinity.
In Paschal time, the Gradual is omitted, and the following is
said :
Alleluia, Alleluia. Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our
fathers, and worthy of praise for ever. Alleluia. Let us
bless the Father and the Son with the Holy Ghost. Alleluia.
Gospel. John xv. 26, xvi. 1, 4. At that time : Jesus said
to His disciples: When the Paraclete cometh, Whom I will
send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, Who proceedetb
from the Father, He shall give testimony of Me; and you shall
give testimony, because you are with IMe from the beginning.
These things have I spoken to you, that you may not be
scandalized. They will put you out of the synagogues; yea,
the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think that
he doth a sendee to God. And these things will they do to
you, because they have not known the Father nor Me. But
these things I have told you; that when the hour shall come,
you may remember that I told you of them.
Off. Benedictus sit Deus Blessed be God the Father,
Pater unigenitusque Dei Fili- and the only-begotten Son of
J
280 Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week.
us^ sanctus quoque Spiritus; God, and also the Holy Spirit*
quia fecit nobiscum miseri- because He has shown His
cordiam suam. mercy to us.
Sec. Sanctify, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, by
the invocation of Thy holy name, the victim of this oblation;
and through the same perfect us as an eternal offering to Thee.
Comm. We bless the God of heaven, and we will give
glory to Him in the sight of all that live: because He hath
shown His mercy to us.
P. Comm. May the receiving of this sacrament, O Lord
our God, avail us to the salvation of body and soul: together
with the confession of an everlasting Holy Trinity, and of the
undivided Unity thereof. Through, etc.
Mass of Thanksgiving.
N.B. On any occasion of Thanksgiving, either the Votive Mass
of the Blessed Trinity, or that of the Holy Ghost, or of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, is said, with the addition of the following Collect,
Secret, and Post-Communion.
Coll. Deus, cujus. O God, Whose mercies are without
number, and the treasure of Whose goodness is infinite, we
give Thee thanks for the blessings Thou hast bestowed on us:
always beseeching Thy divine Majesty, that as Thou grantest
what we ask, so Thou wouldst continue Thy favors to us in
such a manner that by them we may be prepared for receiving
the rewards of eternal happiness.
Secret. Receive, O Lord, this sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and grant that those, whom Thou hast heard, and hitherto
preserved, may hereafter be defended against all adversity,
and that they may serve Thee and love Thee more and more.
P. Comm. Deus, qui. O God, Who hast compassion on
those who hope in Thee, and sufferest not that they shall be
overwhelmed with afflictions; O Lord ever mercifully atten-
tive to the petitions of the faithful: we give Thee thanks for
having heard our prayers, and humbly beseech Thee that,
by Thy favor, we may be delivered from all adversity.
Mass Devotions for Ea^h Day in the Week. 281
d&onDaB.— Votive /Ifcass of tbe Ibolg ©bost
Dedicated to the Holy Ghost- and to the Holy Souls in Purga-
tory.
Ordinary 0) the Mass.
PROPER PARTS.
Introit. ^PIRITUS ^ HE Spirit of the Lord
Domini re- hath filled the whole
pl.evit orbem terrarum, Alle- earth, Alleluia; and that
luia; et hoc quod continet which containeth all things
omnia, scientiam habet vocis, hath knowledge of the voice?
Alleluia, Alleluia. Ps. Ex- Alleluia, Alleluia. Ps. Let
urgat Deus, et dissipentur God arise, and let His enemies
inimici ejus: et fugiant, qui be scattered: let them that
oderunt eum, a facie ejus. V. hate Him flee from before
Gloria. His face. V. Glory.
Coll. Deus, qui. O God, Who by the light of the Holy
Ghost, didst instruct the hearts of the faithful: grant, by the
direction of the same Holy Spirit, that we may relish what is
right, and always enjoy His consolation. Through, etc.
Lesson. Acts viii. 14, 17. In those days: When the apostles
who were in Jerusalem, had heard that Samaria had received
the word of God: they sent to them Peter and John. Who,
when they were come, prayed for them, that they might re-
ceive the Holy Ghost. For He was not as yet come upon any
of them: but they were only baptized in the name of the
Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands upon them, and
they received the Holy Ghost.
Grad. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord: the
people whom the Lord hath chosen for ^His inheritance.
By the word of the Lord the heavens were established t
and all the power of them by the spirit of His mouth .
Alleluia, Alleluia. V. (Here kneel.) Come, O Holy Ghost,
fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire oi
Thy love. Alleluia.
After Septuagesima, instead of the foregoing Alleluia and V.
is said the
Tract. Ps. ciii. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shak
be created; and Thou shalt renew tbe face of the earth.
282 Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week.
V. O Lord, how good and how sweet is Thy Spirit
within us. Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Th}
faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
In Paschal time, instead of the Gradual, is said:
Alleluia, Alleluia.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created; and
Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. Alleluia.
V. Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful;
and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
SEQUENCE (FOR PENTECOST).
VENI, Sancte Spiritus, *Tp^ OLY Spirit! Lord of
4-& light!
Et emitte ccelitus From Thy clear celestial height,
Lud* *uae radium. Thy pure beaming radiance
give.
Veni, Pater pauperum,
Veni, dator munerum,
Veni, lumen cordium.
Come, Thou Father of the
poor!
Come, with treasures which
endure:
Come, Thou fight of all that
live!
Consolator optime, Thou, of all consolers best,
Dulcis hospes animse, Visiting the troubled breast,
Dulce refrigerium. Dost refreshing peace be-
stow.
In labore requies,
In sestu temperies,
In fletu solatium.
Thou in toil art comfort
sweet,
Pleasant coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.
O Lux beatissima
Reple cordis intima
Tuorum fidelium.
Light immortal! Light divine!
Visit Thou these hearts of
Thine!
And our inmost being fill:
Sine tuo numine
If Thou take Thy grace away,
Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week.
Nihil est in homine,
Nihil est innoxium.
Lava quod est sordidum,
Riga quod est aridum,
Sana quod est saucium.
Flecte quod est rigidum,
Fove quod est frigidum,
Rege quod est devium.
Da tuis fidelibus
In te confidentibus
Sacrum septenarium.
Da virtutis meritum,
Da salutis exitum,
Da perenne gaudium.
. Amen. Alleluia.
Nothing pure in man will stay;
All his good is turn'd to ill.
Heal our wounds — our
strength renew
On our dryness pour Thy
dew;
Wash the stains of guilt
away.
Bend the stubborn heart and
will;
Melt the frozen, warm the
chill;
Guide the steps that jgo
astray.
Thou, on those who evermore
Thee confess and Thee adore,
In Thy sevenfold gifts de-
scend:
Give them comfort when they
die,
Give them life with Thee on
high,
Give them joys which never
end.
Amen. Alleluia.
Gospel. John xiv. 23, 31. At that time: Jesus said to Hia
disciples: If any one love Me, he will keep My word, and My
Father will love him, and We will come to him, and will make
Our abode with him: he that loveth Me not, keepeth not My
words. And the word which you have heard is not Mine:
but the Father's Who sent Me. These things have I spoken
to you, abiding with you. But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost,
Whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all
things, and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall
have said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give
to you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let
284 Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week.
not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. You have
heard that I have said to you : I go away, and I come again
to you. If you loved Me, you would indeed be glad, because
I go to the Father: for the Father is greater than I. And
no w I have told you before it come to pass : that when it shall
come to pass, you may believe. I will not now speak many
things with you. For the prince of this world cometh, and
in Me he hath not anything. But that the world may know
that I 10 ve the Father: and as the Father hath given Me
commandment, so do I.
Offert. Ps. lxvii. Confirm, O God, what Thou hast
wrought in us, from Thy holy temple which is in Jerusalem:
kings shall offer presents to Thee. Alleluia.
Secret. Sanctify, we beseech Thee, O Lord, these obla-
tions, and purify our hearts by the light of the Holy Ghost.
Through, etc.
Comm. Acts ii. Suddenly there came a sound from heaven,
as of a mighty wind coming where they were sitting, Alleluia:
and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and published
the wonderful works of God. Alleluia.
P. Comm. May the pouring forth of the Holy Ghost into
our hearts, cleanse them, O Lord, and render them fruitful
by the dew of His grace. Through, etc.
Mass for the Holy Souls in Purgatory on page 936, after the
Burial Service.
XZueebzy— /Iftass of tbe 1bolE Snsete.
Ordinary of the Mass.
PROPER PARTS.
Intro-it, ^> ENEDI-
43 CITE
Dominum omnes angeli ejus:
potentes virtute qui facitis
verbum ejus, ad audiendam
vocem sermonum ejus. Alle-
luia. Alleluia. Ps. cii. £>ene-
cjic anima mea Domino: et
omnia quae intra me sunt,
nomini sancto ejus.
BLESS the Lord all ye
His angels: you that
are mighty in strength, and
execute His word, hearken-
ing to the voice of His orders.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Bless the
Lord, O my soul: and let all
that is within me bless His
holv name.
Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week. 285
Coll. Deus qui miro. O God, Who disposest the ser-
vices of angels and men -in a wonderful order; mercifully
grant that those who ever stand before Thee, ministering to
Thee in heaven, may also protect our life here upon earth.
Less. Apoc. v. 11-14. Audivi vocem angelorum. — And I
beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about
the throne, and the living creatures and the ancients: and
the number of them was thousands of thousands, saying
with a loud voice: The Lamb that was slain is worthy to re-
ceive power, and divinity, and wisdom, and strength, and
honor, and glory, and benediction. And every creature,
which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth,
and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them: I heard
all saying: To Him that sitteth on the throne, and to the
Lamb, benediction and honor and glory and power for ever
and ever. And the four living creatures said: Amen. And
the four-and-twenty ancients fell down on their faces: and
adored Him that li\ eth for ever and ever.
Grad. Ps. cxlviii. Lau-
date Dominum de ccelis:
laudate eum in excelsis. V.
Laudate eum omnes angeli
ejus: laudate eum omnes
virtutes ejus. Alleluia. Alle-
luia. V. Ps. cxxxvii. In
conspectu angelorum psallam
tibi: adorabo ad templum
sanctum tuum, et confitebor
nomini tuo. Alleluia.
Praise ye the Lord from
the heavens: praise ye Him
from the high places. Praise
ye Him, all His angels:
praise ye Him, all His hosts.
Alleluia. Alleluia. I will
sing praise to Thee in the
sight of the angels: I will
worship toward Thy holy
temple, and I will give glory
to Thy name. Alleluia.
After Septuagesima, Alleluia and V. are omitted, and the fol-
lowing is said:
Tract. Ps. cii. Bene- Bless the Lord, all ye His
dicite Dominum omnes an- angels: ye that are mighty
geli ejus: potentes virtute, in strength, and execute His
qui facitis verbum ejus. ' V. word, hearkening to the voice
Benedicite Domino omnes of His orders. Bless the
virtutes ejus: ministri ejus, Lord, all ye His hosts: ye
qui facitis voluntatem ejus, ministers of His that do His
V. Benedicite Domino om- will. Bless the Lord, all His
286 Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week.
nia opera ejus: in omni loco works: in every place of His
dominationis ejus, benedic dominion, O my soul, bless
anima mea Domino. thou the Lord.
In Paschal time, instead
Alleluia, alleluia. V. In con-
spectu angelorum psallam
tibi: adorabo ad templum
sanctum tuum, et conritebor
nomini tuo. Alleluia. V.
Matt, xxviii. Angelus Do-
mini descendit de ccelo, et
accedens revolvit lapidem,
et sedebat super eum. Alle-
luia.
of the Gradual is said:
Alleluia, alleluia. I will
sing praise to Thee, in the
sight of the angels: I will
worship toward Thy holy
temple, and will give glory
to Thy name. Alleluia. An
angel of the Lord descended
from heaven: and coming,
rolled back the stone, and
sat upon it. Alleluia.
Gosp. John i. 47-51. Vidit Jesus Nathanael venientem. —
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and He saith of him:
Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile. Na-
thanael saith to Him: Whence knowest Thou me? Jesus
answered, and said to him: Before that Philip called thee,
when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee. Nathanael
answered Him, and said: Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God,
Thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered, and said to him:
Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig-tree,
thou believest: greater things than these shalt thou see.
And He saith to him. Amen, amen, I say to you, you shall
see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending
and descending upon the Son of man.
Off. Stetit angelus juxta
aram templi, habens thuri-
bulum aureum in manu sua;
et data sunt ei incensa multa:
et ascendit fumus aromatum
in conspectu Dei. Alleluia.
An angel stood near the
altar of the temple, having
a golden censer in his hand;
and there was given to him
much incense: and the smoke
of the perfume ascended be-
fore God. Alleluia.
Sec. We offer to Thee, O Lord, the sacrifices of praise,
humbly beseeching Thee that by the suffrages of angels in our
behalf, Thou wouldst graciously accept them, and grant
that they may conduce to our salvation.
Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week. 287
Comm. Angeli , archangeli , Angels, archangels,
throni et dominationes, thrones and dominations,
principatus et potestates, vir- principalities and powers,
tutes ccelorum, cherubim at- the virtues of the heavens,
que seraphim Dominum be- cherubim and seraphim,
nedicite in aeternum. bless ye the Lord for ever.
P. Comm. Being replenished, O Lord, with heavenly bene-
diction, we suppliantly beseech Thee, that, by the aid of the
holy angels and archangels, what we celebrate by our un-
worthy office may be conducive to our salvation.
ItfaeDnesDa^— Dotive /Ifoaes of St. 3-osepix
Ordinary 0} the Mass.
PROPER PARTS.
Introit= *TTDJUTOR /^HE Lord is our helper
cv£l-» et protec- and protector: in Him
tor nGSter est Dominus: in eo our heart shall rejoice, and
laetabitur cor nostrum, et in in His holy name we have
nomine sancto ejus speravi- trusted. Alleluia, alleluia,
mus. Alleluia, alleluia. (Ps. Give ear, O Thou that rulest
Ixxxii.) Ps. lxxix. Qui regis Israel: Thou that leadest
Israel intende: qui deducis Joseph like a sheep,
velut vem Joseph.
Coll. Deus qui. O God, Who by Thy unspeakable provi-
dence, didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the
spouse of Thy most holy Mother; grant that, as we venerate
him for our protector'on earth, we may deserve to be aided
by his intercession in heaven.
Epistle. Gen. xlix. Joseph is a growing son, and comely
to behold; the daughters run to and fro upon the wall. But
they that held darts provoked him, and quarrelled with him,
and envied him; his bow rested upon the strong, and the
bands of his arms and his hands were loosed by the hands
of the mighty One of Jacob: thence he came forth a pastor,
the stone of Israel. The God of thy father shall be thy
helper, and the Almighty shall bless thee with the blessings
of heaven above, with the blessings of the deep that lieth
beneath, with the blessings of the breasts and of the womb.
288 Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week.
The blessings of thy father are strengthened with the blessings
of his fathers until the desire of the everlasting hills shall
come. May they be upon the head of Joseph, and upon
the crown of the Nazarite among His brethren.
Grad. Domine praevenisti
eum in benedictionibus dulce-
dinis: posuisti in capite ejus
coronam de lapide pretioso.
V. Vitam petiit a te, et tri-
buisti ei longitudinem ^.ierum
in saeculum saeculi. Alleluia.
Alleluia. V. Fac nos innocu-
am, Joseph, decurrere vitam :
sitque tuo semper tuta patroci-
nio. Alleluia.
O Lord, Thou hast pre-
vented him with blessings of
sweetness; Thou hast set on
his head a crown of pre-
cious stones. V. He asked life
of Thee, and Thou hast given
him length of days for ever and
ever. Alleluia. Alleluia. V.
Obtain for us, O Joseph, that
we may lead an innocent life ;
and may it ever be safe through
thy patronage. Alleluia.
After Septuagesima.
Tract. Beatus vir qui ti-
met Dominum: in mandatis
ejus cupit nimis. Potens in
terra erit semen ejus, ge-
neratio rectorum benedicetur.
Gloria, et divitise in domo
ejus, et justitia ejus manet in
saeculum saeculi.
Blessed is the man that
feareth the Lord; he delights
exceedingly in His command-
ments. His seed shall be
mighty upon the earth; the
generation of the righteous
shall be blessed. Glory and
wealth shall be in his house;
and his justice remaineth for
ever and ever.
Gospel. Luke hi. At that time : It came to pass, when
all the people were baptized, that Jesus, also being baptized
and praying, heaven was opened: and the Holy Ghost de-
scended in a bodily shape as a dove upon Him; and a voice
came from heaven: Thou art My beloved Son, in Thee I am
well pleased. And Jesus Himself was beginning about the
age of thirty years, being, as it was supposed, the son of Joseph.
Offert. Ps. cxlvii. Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem, be-
cause He hath strengthened the bolts of thy gates: He hath
blessed thy children within thee.
Sec. Supported bv the patronage of the spouse of Thy
Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week. 289
most holy Mother, we beseech Thy clemency, O Lord, that
Thou wouldst make our -hearts despise air earthly things,
and love Thee, the true God, with perfect charity.
Comm. Matt. 1. Jacob au- But Jacob begat Joseph,
tern genuit Joseph virum the husband of Mary, of
IMarise, de qua natus est whom was born Jesus, Who is
Jesus, qui vocatur Christus. called Christ.
P. Comm. Divini. Refreshed at the fountain of divine
blessing, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that as Thou
makest us rejoice in the protection of blessed Joseph, so by
his merits and intercession Thou wouldst make us partakers
of celestial glory.
Spiritual Communion,
/~\ JESUS, my divine Saviour, like a meek and gentle
lamb Thou didst offer Thyself upon the cross as
a sacrifice for the whole world, and in Thine own most
precious blood didst wash away our sins. On our altars
Thou dost renew the sacrifice of the cross, and givest
Thyself, moreover, to us as the food of our souls. I
may not now receive Thee really in the Blessed Sac-
rament, but my soul sighs and longs for Thee, and
therefore I beseech Thee in Thy love and mercy to
unite Thyself to me, at least in a spiritual manner.
Thou didst condescend to heal so many, when they but
touched the hem of Thy garment. Permit me now,
good Master, gentle Saviour, to touch Thee in spirit
and with confidence that my poor soul may be freed
from all its ills. Come to me, Jesus, come, and re-
main with me always; let me nevermore be separated
from Thee by sinl I thank Thee for all Thy graces
and blessings. I love Thee above all things and 'with
my whole heart. Bless me, that I may persevere in Thy
service to the end of my life.
Dear St. Joseph! how great, how innumerable were
the graces which thou didst receive, when the divine
Child dwelt under thy roof I Howt inexpressible was the
happiness of thy heart, wThen thou didst carry Him in
290 Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week,
thy arms! Pray for me, holy foster-father of Jesus, my
Saviour, that this spiritual communion may be most
salutary to me, that the strength of the Most Holy Sac-
rament may be my support in all the trials and tempta-
tions of life, that it may strengthen me jn all good, and
help me to win the crown of eternal glory.
abursDag,— /Ifcaes of tbe ^SleaeeD Sacrament*
Ordinary of the Mass.
PROPER PARTS.
Introit. r^TIBAVIT eos . *~p^ E fed them with the fat of
V>1 ex adipe r*-* wheat, Alleluia; and
frumenti, Alleluia; et de petra filled them with honey out of
melle saturavit eos. Alleluia, the rock. Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia. Ps. lxxx. Exultate Alleluia. Rejoice to God our
Deo adjutori nostro; jubilate Helper; sing aloud to the God
Deo Jacob. of Jacob.
Coll. Deus qui. O God, Who under a wonderful Sacra-
ment hast left us a memorial of Thy Passion; grant us the
grace, we beseech Thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of
Thy body and blood, that we may ever feel within us the fruit
of Thy redemption.
Epist. 1 Cor. xi. 23-29. Fr. ego enim. — Brethren, I have
received of the Lord, that which also I have delivered to you,
that the Lord Jesus, the same night in wrhich He was betrayed,
took bread, and giving thanks, broke, and said, Take ye, and
eat; this is My body wrhich shall be delivered for you; this
do for the commemoration of Me. In like manner also the
chalice, after He had supped, saying, This chalice is the new
testament in My blood; this do ye, as often as you shall
drink, for the commemoration of Me. For as often as you
shall eat this bread, and drink this chalice, you shall show
the death of the Lord until He come. Therefore, whosoever
shall eat this bread, or drink of the chalice of the Lord un-
worthily, shall be guilty of the body and of the blood of the
Lord. But let a man prove himself; and so let him eat of
that bread, and drink of the chalice. For he that eateth
* For Mass of the Sacred Heart, see " Mass in Union with the
Sacred Heart of Jesus^ page 331.
Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week. 291
and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to
himself, not discerning the body of the Lord.
Grad. Ps. cxliv. Oculi
omnium in te sperant Domine,
et tu das illis escam in tem-
pore opportuno. V. Aperis
tu manum tuam, et imples
omne animal benedictione.
Alleluia, Alleluia. V. Carp
mea vere est cibus, et sanguis
meus vere est potus: qui
manducat meam carnem et
bibit meum sanguinem, in
me manet, et ego in eo.
The eyes of all hope in
Thee, O Lord, and Thou
givest them meat in due sea-
son. V. Thou openest Thy
hand, and rillest every living
creature with Thy blessing.
Alleluia, Alleluia. V. My flesh
is meat indeed, and My blood
is drink indeed: he that
eateth My flesh and drinketh
My blood, abideth in Me,
and I in him.
After Septuagesima Alleluia and V. in the Grad. are omitted,
and the following Tract is said :
Tract. Mai. 1. Ab ortu
solis usque ad occasum, mag-
num est nomen meum in
Gentibus. V. Et in omni
loco sacrincatur, et offertur
nomini meo oblatio munda:
quia magnum est nomen me-
um in Gentibus. V. Prov.
IX. Venite, comedite panem
meum: et bibite vinum, quod
miscui vobis.
In Paschal time, instead
Alleluia, Alleluia. V. Luc.
xxiv. Cognoverunt discipuli
Dominum Jesum fractione
panis. Alleluia. V. Caro mea
vere est cibus, et sanguis meus
vere est potus: qui manducat
meum carnem, et bibit meum
sanguinem, in me manet et
ego in eo. Alleluia.
From the rising of the sun,
even to the going down, My
name is great among the
Gentiles. And in every place
there is sacrifice, and there is
offered to My name a clean
offering: for My name is
great among the Gentiles.
Come, eat My bread, and
drink the wine which I have
mingled for you.
of the Grad. is said •
^ Alleluia, Alleluia. The dis-
ciples knew the Lord Jesus in
the breaking of bread. Alle-
luia. My flesh is meat indeed,
and My blood is drink indeed:
he that eateth My flesh, and
drinketh My blood, abideth
in Me and I in him Alleluia.
292 Mass Devotions fo? Each Day in the Week.
* Gosp. John vi. 56-59. In Mo Caro mea. — At that time,
Jesus said to the multitudes of the Jews: My flesh is meat
indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My
flesh, and drinketh My blood, abideth in Me, and I in him.
As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father,
so he that eateth Me, the same also shall live by Me: This
is the bread that came down from heaven. Not as your
fathers did eat manna and are dead. He that eateth this
bread shall live for ever.
Off. Lev. xxi. Sacerdotes The priests of the Lord
Domini incensum et panes offer incense and loaves to
offerunt Deo, et ideo sancti God, and therefore they shall
erunt Deo suo, et non pollu- be holy to their God, and shall
ent nomen ejus. Alleluia. not defile His name. Alleluia.
Sec. We beseech Thee, O Lord, mercifully to grant to Thy
Church the gifts of unity and peace, which are mystically
designated under the gifts we offer.
Preface. Quia per incarnati, as in Ordinary.
Comm. i Cor. xi. Quo-
tiescumque manducabitis pa-
nem hunc, et calicem bibetis,
mortem Domini annuntiabi-
tis donee veniat: itaque qui-
cumque manducaverit panem,
vel biberit calicem Domini
indigne, reus erit corporis et
sanguinis Domini. Alleluia.
As often as ye shall eat
this bread, and drink the
chalice, ye shall show forth
the death of the Lord, until
He come: therefore whoso-
ever shall eat this bread or
drink the chalice of the Lord
unworthily, shall be guilty of
the body and blood of the
Lord. Alleluia.
P. Comm. Fac nos. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord,
that we may be rilled with the everlasting fruition of Thy
divinity, which is prefigured by the temporal reception of Thy
precious body and blood.
* On the Feast of "Corpus Christi" is recited, before the
Gospel, the Sequence: "Lauda Sion." It is appended at the end
Of *his Mass.
Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week. 293
SEQUENCE.
•j-^AUDA Sion Salvatorem, jQI0^> lift thy voice and
Lauda Ducem et Pastorem, Praise thy Saviour and thy
King;
In hymnis et canticis. Praise with hymns thy Shep-
herd true:
Quantum potes, tantum aude: Strive thy best to praise Him
well,
Quia major omni laude, Yet doth He all praise excel:
Nec laudare sufficis. ; None can ever reach His
due.
Laudis thema specialis, See to-day before us laid
Panis vivus et vitalis The living and life-giving
bread!
Hodie proponitur . Theme for praise and joy
profound!
Quern in sacrae mensa ccenae The same which at the sacred
board
Turbae fratrum duodenae Was, by our incarnate Lord,
Datum non ambigitur. Giv'n to His apostles round.
Sit laus plena, sit senora,
Sit jucunda, sit decora
Mentis jubilatio.
Dies enim solemnis agitur,
In qua mensse prima recolitur
Hujus institutio.
In hac mensa novi Regis
Novum pascha novas legis
Phase vetus terminat.
Vetustatem novitas,
CJmbram fugat Veritas,
Noctem lux eliminat.
Let the praise be loud and
high:
Sweet and tranquil be the joy
Felt to-day in every breast,
On this festival divine,
Which records the origin
Of the glorious Eucharist.
On this table of the King,
Our new paschal offering
Brings to end the olden rite.
Here, for empty shadows
fled,
Is Reality instead;
Here, instead of darkness,
light.
294 Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week.
Quod in ccena Christus gessit,
Faciendum hoc expressit
In sui memoriam.
Docti sacris institutis,
Panem, vinum in salutis
Consecramus hostium.
Dogma datur Christianis
Quod in carnem transit panis
Et vinum in sanguinem.
Quod non capis, quod non
vides,
Animosa fiimat fides,
Praster re rum ordinem.
Sub diversis speciebus,
Signis tantum et non rebus,
Latent res eximiae.
Caro cibus, sanguis potusi.
Manet tamen Christus totur
Sub utraque specie.
A sumente non concisus,
Non confractus, non divisus,
Integer accipitur.
Sumit unus, sumunt mille!
Quantum iste, tantum ille:
Nec sumptus consumitur.
His own act, at supper seated,
Christ ordain' d to be repeated,
In His memory divine;
Wherefore now, with adora-
tion,
We the Host of our salvation
Consecrate from bread and
wine.
Hear what holy Church main-
taineth,
That the bread its substance
changeth
Into flesh, the wine to
blood.
Doth it pass thy comprehend-
. ins?
Faith, the law of sight tran-
scending
Leaps to things not under-
stood.
Here beneath these signs are
hidden
Priceless things, to sense for-
bidden.
Signs, not things, are all we
see:
Flesh from bread, and blood
from wine.
Yet is Christ in either sign,
All entire, confessed to be.
They too, who of Him partake
Sever not, nor rend, nor break ;
But, entire, their Lord re-
ceive.
Whether one or thousands eat,
All receive the self-same meat,
Nor the less for others
leave.
Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week, 295
Sumunt boni, sumunt mali:
Sorte tamen inaequali,
Vitae, vel interitus.
Mors est malis, vita bonis:
Vide paris sumptionis
Quam sit dispar exitus.
Both the wicked and the good
Eat of this celestial food;
But with ends how opposite!
Here 'tis life; and there 'tis
death;
The same, yet issuing to each
In a difference infinite.
Fracto demum Sacramento,
Ne vacilles, sed memento,
Tantum esse sub fragmento,
Quantum toto tegitur.
Nulla rei fit scissura,
Signi tantum fit fractura,
Qua nec status, nec statura
Signati minuitur.
Nor a single doubt retain,
When they break the Host in
twain,
But that in each part remains
What was in the whole
before;
Since the simple sign alone
Suffers change in state or
form,
The signified remaining one
And the same for evermore.
Ecce panis angelorum,
Factus cibus viatorum:
Vere panis filiorum,
Non mittendus canibus,
In figuris praesignatur,
Cum Isaac immolatur:
Agnus paschae deputatur
Datur manna patribus.
Lo! upon the altar lies,
Hidden deep from human
eyes,
Bread of angels from the skies,
Made the food of mortal
man:
Children's meat to dogs de-
nied;
In old types resignified;
In the manna heaven-supplied
Isaac, and the paschal lamb.
Bono pastor, panis vere,
Jesu nostri miserere:
Tu nos pasce, nos tuere:
Tu nos bona fac videre
In terra viventium.
Tu, qui cuncta scis et vales,
Qui nos pascis hie mortales
Jesu! Shepherd of the sheep!
Thou Thy flock in safety keep.
Living bread! Thy life sup-
pty;
Strengthen us, or else we die;
Fill us with celestial grace:
Thou, Who feedest us below!
Source of all we have or know!
296 Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week,
Tuos ibi commensales, Grant that with Thy saints
above,
Coheredes, et sodales, Sitting at the feast of love,
Fac sanctorum civium. We may see Thee face to
Amen. face. Amen.
Mass of the Sacred Heart. See p. 331.
ffrtDa^— Dottve /ifcasa of the ipasatom
Ordinary of the Mass.
PROPER PARTS.
Introit. ^p^UMILIAVIT i^THE Lord Jesus Christ
semetipsum humbled Himself unto
Dominus Jesus Christus us- death, even the death of the
que ad mortem, mortem au- cross; wherefore God also
tern crucis; propter quod et hath exalted Him, and hath
Deus exaltavit ilium, et dona- given Him a name which is
vit illi nomen, quod est super above every name. The mer-
omne nomen. (Phil, ii.) Ps. cies of the Lord I will sing
lxxxviii. Misericordias Do- for ever: to generation and
mini in aeternum cantabo: generation,
in generationem et genera-
tionem.
Coll. O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst descend from
heaven, from the bosom of the Father, and didst shed Thy
precious blood for the remission , of our sins, we humbly be-
seech Thee that, placed at Thy right hand in the day of judg-
ment, we may be found worthy to hear these words: Come, ye
blessed. Amen.
Less. Zach. xii. 10, xiii. 6-7. Hcec dicit Bom. Effundam —
Thus saith the Lord: I will pour out upon the house of
David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of
grace, and of prayers: and they shall look upon Me, Whom
they have pierced: and they shall mourn for Him as one
mourneth for an only son, and they shall grieve over Him as
the manner is to grieve for the death of the first-born. In
chat day there shall be a great lamentation in Jerusalem, and
it shall be said: What are these wounds in the midst of Thy
hands? And He shall say: With these I was wounded in
the house of them that loved Me. Awake, O sword, against
Mass Devotions /or Each Day in the Week.
297
My shepherd, and against the man that cleaveth to Me, saith
the Lord of hosts : strike the shepherd, and the sheep shall be
scattered, saith the Lord almighty.
Grad. Ps. lxviii. Impro-
perium expectavit cor meum
et miseriam: et sustinui, qui
simul mecum contristaretur.
et non fuit: consolantem
me quaesivi, et non inveni.
V. Dederunt in escam me-
am fel, et in siti mea potave-
runt me aceto. Alleluia, Alle-
luia. V. Ave Rex noster: tu
solus nostros es miseratus
errores: Patri obediens, duc-
tus es ad crucifigendurn ut
agnus mansuetus ad occi-
sionem. Alleluia.
Tract. Is. liii. Vere lan-
guores nostros ipse tulit, et
dolores nostros ipse portavit.
V. Et nos putavimus eum
quasi leprosum, et percus-
sum a Deo et humiliatum.
V. Ipse autem vulneratus est
propter iniquitates nostras,
attritus est propter scelera
nostra. V. Disciplina pacis
nostrae super eum: et livore
ejus sanati sumus.
My heart hath expected re-
proach and misery: and I
looked for one that would
grieve together with Me, and
there was none: I sought one
that would comfort Me, and I
found none. V. They gave
Me gall for My food, and in
My thirst theygave Me vinegar
to drink. Alleluia, Alleluia.
V. Hail, Thou, our King:
Thou alone hast had compas-
sion on our errors : obedient to
the Father, Thou wert led
to be crucified, like a meek
lamb to the slaughter. Alle-
luia.
Surely He hath borne our
infirmities, and carried our
sorrows. V. And we have
thought Him as it were a
leper, and as one struck by
God and afflicted. V. But
He was wounded for our
iniquities, He was bruised
for our sins. V. The chas-
tisement of our peace was
upon Him: and by His
bruises we are healed.
In Paschal time instead of the Gradual is said:
Alleluia, Alleluia. V. Ave
Rex noster: tu solus nostros es
miseratus errores: Patri obe-
diens, ductus es ad crucifigen-
durn, ut agnus mansuetus
ad occisionem. Alleluia. V.
Alleluia, Alleluia. V. Hail,
Thou, our King: Thou alone
hast compassion on our errors:
obedient to the Father, Thou
wert led to be crucified, like
a meek lamb to the slaughter.
298 Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week.
Tibi gloria, hosanna: tibi Alleluia. V. To Thee be
triumphus et victoria: tibi glory, hosanna: to Thee be
summae laudis et honoris triumph and victory : to Thee
corona. Alleluia. a crown of highest praise
and honor. Alleluia.
Gosp. John xix. 28-35. In illo, — sciens Jesus. — At thai
time: Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished
that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said: I thirst. Now
there was a vessel set there full of vinegar. And they put-
ting a sponge full of vinegar about hyssop, put it to His
mouth. Jesus therefore when He had taken the vinegar,
said: It is consummated. And bowing His head, He gave
up the ghost. Then the Jews (because it was the parasceve),
that the bodies might not remain upon the cross on the Sab-
bath-day (for that was a great Sabbath-day), besought Pilate
that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken
away. The soldiers, therefore, came: and they broke the
legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with him.
But after they were come to Jesus, when they saw that He
was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of
the soldiers with a spear opened His side, and immediately
there came out blood and water. And he that saw it hath
given testimony, and his testimony is true.
Off. Insurrexerunt in me Wicked men rose up
viri iniqui: absque miseri- against Me: without mercy
cordia quaesierunt me inter- they sought to kill Me: and
ficere: et non pepercerunt in they did not spare to spit in
faciem meam spuere: lanceis My face: they wounded Me
suis vulneraverunt me, et con- with their spears, and all My
cussa sunt omnia ossa mea. bones were shaken.
Sec. May the sacrifice offered to Thee, O Lord, through
the Passion of Thy only-begotten Son interceding for us,
ever enliven and defend us.
Preface. Qui salutem, as in Ordinary.
Comm. Ps. xxi. Foderunt They have pierced My
manus meas et pedes meos: hands and My feet ; they have
dinumeraverunt omnia ossa numbered all My bones,
mea.
Mass .Devotions for Each Day in the Week. 299
P. Co:mm. Domine Jesu. O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the
living God, Who at the sixth hour didst ascend the tree of the
cross for the redemption of the world, and didst shed Thy
precious blood for the remission of our sins; we humbly be-
seech Thee, grant that after our death we may joyfully enter
the gates of paradise.
Saturday— Motive /iftaaa of tbe immaculate Concep-
tion of tbe ^leesefc Virgin /lfcar£.
Ordinary of the Mass.
PROPER PARTS.
INTROIT. f-SAUDENS
Vi^ gaudebo in
Domino, et exultabit anima
mea in Deo meo: quia in-
duit me vestimentis salu-
tis; et indumento justitiae
circumdedit me, quasi spon-
sam ornatam monilibus
suis. (Is. lxi.) Ps. xxix. Ex-
altabo te, Domine, quo-
niam suscepisti me: nec
delectasti inimicos meos
super me.
I WILL greatly rejoice
in the Lord, and my
soul shall be joyful in my
God; for He hath clothed me
with the garments of salva-
tion, and with the robe of
justice hath He covered me,
as a bride adorned with her
jewels. I will exalt Thee, O
Lord; for Thou hast upheld
me, and hath not made my
enemies to rejoice over me.
Coll. Deus qui. O God, who, by the Immaculate Con
ception of the Virgin, didst prepare a worthy habitation
for Thy Son; we beseech Thee that, as by the foreseen
death of this Thy Son, Thou didst preserve her from all
stain of sin, so Thou wouldst enable us, being made pure
by her intercession, to come unto Thee.
Less. Prov. viii. 22-35. Dominus possedit. — The Lord
possessed me in the beginning of His ways, before He made
anything, from the beginning. I was set up from eternity,
and of old, before the earth was made. The depths were
not as yet, and I was already conceived; neither had the
fountains of waters as yet sprung out; the mountains with
their huge bulk had not as yet been established: before the
300 Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week,
hills I was brought forth; He had not yet made the earth,
nor the rivers, nor the poles of the world. When He pre-
pared the heavens, I was present: when, with a certain law
and compass, He enclosed the depths; when He established
the sky above, and poised the fountains of waters; when He
compassed the sea with its bounds, and set a law to the
waters thai; they should not pass their limits; when He bal-
anced the foundations of the earth; I was with Him, form-
ing all things, and was delighted every day, playing before
Him at all times, playing in the world: and my delights
were to be with the children of men. Now, therefore, ye
children, hear me: blessed are they that keep my ways.
Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed
is the man that heareth me, and that watcheth daily at my
gates, and waiteth at the posts of my doors. He that shall
find me shall find life, and shall have salvation from the
Lord.
Grad. Benedicta es tu
Virgo Maria a Domino Deo
excelso prae omnibus mulieri-
bus super terram. V. Tu
gloria Jerusalem tu laetitia
Israel, tu honorificentia popu-
li nostri. Alleluia, Alleluia.
V. Tota pulchra es, Maria,
et macula originalis non est
in te. Alleluia.
O Virgin Man7, blessed art
thou of the Lord most high;,
above all the women of the
earth. V. Thou art the glory
of Jerusalem, thou art the
joy of Israel, thou art the
honor of our people. Alle-
luia, Alleluia. V. Thou art
all fair, O Mary, and the
original stain of sin is not in
thee. Alleluia.
After Septuagesima the Alleluia and V. are omitted, and the
following is said :
Tract. Fundamenta ejus
in montibus Sanctis: diligit
Dominus portas Sion super
omnia tabernacula Jacob. V.
Gloriosa dicta sunt de te,
CivitasDei. V. Homo natus
est in ea, et ipse fundavit earn
Altissimus.
Her foundations are on the
holy mountains: the Lord
loveth the gates of Sion more
than all the dwellings of Jacob.
V. Glorious things are said of
thee, thou City of God. V.
A man shall be born in her.
and the Most High Himself
hath established her.
Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week. 301
In Paschal time, instead oj the Gradual the following is said:
Alleluia. Alleluia. V. Tu Alleluia. Alleluia. Thou
gloria Jerusalem, tu laetitia art the glory of Jerusalem.
Israel, tu honorincentia po- thou art the joy of Israel,
puli nostri. Alleluia. V. thou art the honor of our
Tota pulchra es, Maria, et people. Alleluia. Alleluia.,
macula originalis non est in Thou art all fair, O Mary,
te. Alleluia and the original stain of sin
is not in thee. Alleluia.
Gosp. Luke i. 26-28. In Mo tempore missus est angelus
—At that time j the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city
of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man.
whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the vir-
gin's name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said
unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed
art thou among women.
Off. Ave Maria, gratia Hail, Mary, full of grace;
plena; Dominus tecum: be- the Lord is with thee: blessed
nedicta tu in mulieribus. art thou among women.
Alleluia. Alleluia.
Sec. Receive, O Lord, the saving Host which we offer to
Thee in the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary; and grant that as we profit by that pre-
venting grace which freed her from all stain of sin, so by her
intercession we may be delivered from all our sins.
Pi^EFACE. Et te in Conceptione Immaculata. Ordinary.
Comm. Gloriosa dicta sunt Glorious things are said of
de te, Maria, quia fecit tibi thee, O Mary; for He that is
magna qui potens est. mighty hath done for thee
great things.
P.-Comm. Sacramenta. May the sacramenis we have re-
ceived, O Lord our God, repair in us the wounds of that
sin, from which thou didst singularly preserve the Im-
maculate Conception of blessed Mary.
jo 2 Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week.
/Ifoass of tbe Seven Dolors of tbe JSleaseD XDivgin
'For Passion Week and for Days of Special Devotion to Our
Lady of Sorrows.)
Ordinary of the Mass.
PROPER PARTS.
Introit. TAB ANT |^HERE stood by the cross
juxta cru- V-' of Jesus, His Mother,
cem Jesu, mater ejus, et soror and His Mother's sister, Mary
matris ejus Maria Cleophae, of Cleophas, and Salome, and
et Salome, et Maria Mag- Mary Magdalen. Woman,
dalene (John xix.j. V. Mu- behold thy son, said Jesus;
lier, ecce filius tuus, dixit and to the disciple, Behold
Jesus; ad discipulum autem, thy Mother.
Ecce mater tus.
Coll. Dens in cujus. O God, at Whose Passion, accord-
ing to the prophecy of Simeon, a sword of sorrow did pierce
through the most sweet soul of the glorious Virgin and
Mother Mary; mercifully grant, that we, who devoutly cele
brate her transfixion and suffering, may, through the media^
tion of the glorious merits and prayers of all the saints who
faithfully stand beneath Thy cross, obtain the blessed fruit of
Thy Passion.
Lesson. Judith xiii. 22-25. The Lord hath blessed thee
by His power, because by thee He hath brought our enemies
to naught. Blessed art thou, O daughter, by the Lord, the
most high God, above all women upon the earth. Blessed
be the Lord Who made heaven and earth: because He hath
so magnified thy name this day, that thy praise shall not
depart out of the mouth of men, who shall be mindful of the
power of the Lord for ever; for that thou hast not spared thy
life, by reason of the distress and tribulation of thy people,
but hast prevented our ruin in the presence of our God.
Grad. Dolorosa et lacry-
mabilis es virgo Maria, stans
juxta cru cem Domini Jesu
Filii tui Redemptoris.
Sorrowful and sad art thou.
O Virgin Mary, standing by
the cross of the Lord Jesus,
thy Son, Our Redeemer.
Mass Devoiions for Each Day in the Week. 303
Tract. Stabat sancta Holy Mary, the Queen of
Maria, coeli Regina, et mundi heaven, and Mistress of the
domina, juxta crucem Do- world, stood by the cross
mini nostri Jesu Christi do- of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
lorosa. V. Lam. 1. O vos full of sadness. V. O all
omnes, qui transitis per viam, you that pass by the way,
attendite et videte si est dolor, attend and see if there be
sicut dolor meus. sorrow like to my sorrow.
SEQUENCE.
BTABAT Mater dolorosa, VtTT the cross her station
cJ^K keeping,
Juxta crucem lacrymosa, Stood the mournful Mother
weeping,
Bum pendebat Filius. Close to Jesus to the last:
Cujus animam gementem, Through her heart, His sor-
row sharing,
Contristatam, et dolentem, All His bitter anguish bearing,
Pertransivit gladius. Now at length the sword
had passed.
O quam tristis et afflicta
Fuit ilia benedicta
Mater Unigeniti!
Quae mcerebat, et dolebat,
Pia Mater dum videbat
Nati pcenas inclytl
Oh, how sad and sore dis-
tressed
Was that Mother highly blest
Of the sole-begotten Onel
Christ above in torment hangs,
She beneath beholds the
pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son,
Quis est homo, qui non fleret
Matrem Christi si videret
In tanto supplicio ?
Quis non posset contristari,
Christi Matrem contemplari
Dolentem cum Filio?
Is there one who would not
weep
Whelmed in miseries so deep
Christ's dear Mother to
behold?
Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain,
In that Mother's pain un-
told?
304 Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week.
Pro peccatis suae gentis,
Vidit Jesum in tormentis,
Et flagellis subditum.
Vidit suum dulcem natum
Moriendo, desolatum,
Dum emisit spirit um.
Eia Mater, fons amoris,
Me sentire vim doloris.
Fac, ut tecum lugeam
Fac ut ardeat cor meum
In amando Christum Deum,
Ut sibi complaceam.
Sancta Mater istud agas,
Crucifixi fige plagas
Cordi meo valide.
Tui JSTati vulnerati,
Tarn dignati pro me pati
Pcenas me cum divide.
Fac me tecum pie fiere,
Crucifixo condolere,
Donee ego vixero.
Juxta crucem tecum, stare,
Et me tibi sociare,
In planctu desidero.
Bruised, derided, cursed, de-
filed,
She beheld her tender Child,
All with bloody scourges
rent:
For the sins of His own nation
Saw Him hang in desolation,
Till His spirit forth He sent.
O thou Mother ! fount of
love,
Touch my spirit from above.
Make my heart with thine
accord:
Make me feel as thou hast
felt:
Make my soul to glow and
melt
With the love of Christ, my
Lord.
Holy Mother ! pierce me
through.
In my heart each wound
renew
Of my Saviour crucified:
Let me share with thee Hi
pain,
Who for all my sins was slain,
Who for me in torments
died.
Let me mingle tears with thee,
Mourning Him Who mourned
for me,
All the days that I may live.
By the cross with thee to
stay,
There with thee to weep and
pray,
Is all I ask of thee to give
Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week. 305
Virgo virginum praeclara,
Mihi jam non sis amara,
Fac me tecum plangere.
Fac ut portem Christi mortem,
Passionis fac consortem,
Et pkgas recolere.
Fac me plagis vulnerari,
Fac me cruce inebrlari,
Et cruore Filii.
Flammis ne urar succensus
Per te, Virgo, sim defensus
In die judicii.
Christe, cum sit hinc exire,
Da per Matrem me venire
Ad palmam victoriae.
Quando corpus morietur,
Fac ut animae donetur
Paradisi gloria.
Amen.
Virgin of all virgins best I
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share thy grief
divine;
Let me, to my latest breath,
In my body bear the death
Of that dying Son of thine.
Wounded with His every
wound,
Steep my soul till it hath
swooned
In His very blood away;
Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
Lest in flames I burn and die,
In His awful judgment-day.
Christ, when Thou shalt call
me hence,
Be Thy Mother my defence,
Be Thy cross my victory;
While my body here decays,
May my soul Thy goodness
praise,
Safe in paradise with thee.
Amen.
Gospel. John xix. 25, 27. At that time: There stood by
the cross of Jesus, His Mother and His Mother's sister, Mary
of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore
had seen His Mother and the disciple standing, whom He
loved, He saith to His Mother: Woman, behold thy son;
after that, He saith to the disciple : Behold thy Mother. And
from that hour the disciple took her to his own.
Off. Recordare virgo Ma- Be mindful, O Virgin
ter Dei, dum steteris in con- Mother of God, when thou
spectu Domini, ut loquaris standest in the sight of the
pro nobis bona, et ut avertas Lord, to speak good things
indignation em suam a nobis, for us, and to turn away His
anger from us.
306 Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week.
Sec. We offer to Thee prayers and sacrifices, 0 Lord
Jesus Christ, humbly beseeching Thee, that we who cele-
brate in our prayers the transfixion of the most sweet soul of
blessed Mary Thy Mother, by the multiplied and most loving
intercession of her and her holy companions under the cross,
may have our reward with the blessed, through the merits of
Thy death.
II. of Fer. Grant that we may, O merciful God, ever
deserve to minister worthily at Thy altars; and to be saved
by a constant participation thereof.
Preface oj B. V. M . Et te in transfixione, Ordinary.
Comm. Felices sensus be- Happy senses of the blessed
atae Mariae virginis, qui sine Virgin Mary, which, without
morte meruerunt martyrii pal- dying, deserved the palm of
mam sub cruce Domini. martyrdom beneath the cross
of Our Lord.
P. Comm. Sacrificia. O Lord Jesus Christ, may the sacri-
fices of which we have partaken, in the devout celebration of
the transfixion of Thy Virgin Mother, obtain for us of Thy
clemency every salutary blessing.
Spiritual Communion at fHass*
PIRITUAL communion, a practice earnestly recom-
mended at every visit to the Blessed Sacrament,
consists, according to St. Thomas, in an ardent desire of
receiving Jesus Christ, and in welcoming Him with
loving embrace, as though we received Him sacra-
mentally. This exercise, devoutly practised, has an
especial efficacy for inflaming us more and more with
the fire of divine love and uniting us ever more closely
with Christ our Lord.
The fittest time for making spiritual communion is
during the holy Mass, and when we visit Our Lord Jesus
in the Blessed Sacrament. " Whenever you hear Mass,"
says St. Teresa, " endeavor also to make a spiritual
communion, and from this you will gain the greatest
Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week, 307
spiritual profit. " The faithful who assist at the holy
sacrifice offer, along with the priest, before the throne
of grace, not only prayers and praises, but the sacred
Victim also; and holy Church desires that all the faith-
ful assisting at the sacrifice should partake together
with the priest of the most holy body of Jesus Christ.
We find the holy Fathers most bitterly regretting the
time when, the piety of Christians waxing cold, they
began to give up the saintly custom of communicating
daily at the Mass. The prayers recited by the priest in
preparation and thanksgiving after holy communion
are equally adapted to the use of the faithful assisting
at Mass. These and similar reasons show most clearly
that if the faithful who are present at Mass can not
communicate sacramentally, they ought at least to
endeavor to communicate spiritually, that is, in heart
and will.
Christians should also make a spiritual communion
when they visit the Most Holy Sacrament. The prin-
cipal motive for. which Jesus vouchsafes to remain
amongst us in the Blessed Sacrament is to communicate
Himself to our souls. So great a condescension on the
part of Our Lord requires our cooperation. But how
can we respond to such an admirable invention of love,
except by an ardent longing to be united to Him, and
to receive Him into our heart at least when we find our-
selves in His sacred presence?
In order, then, that you, O devout soul, may be well
disposed for this holy exercise, begin by making an act
of sincere contrition for all your sins, thus, as it were, to
remove the dust from that chamber into which you desire
your Lord to enter. Having done this, next excite
yourself to a lively faith in the presence of Jesus Christ
in this Divine Sacrament.
Consider briefly the majesty and grandeur of that God
Whom you behold hidden beneath the eucharistic veil;
ponder on the strength of that love and that infinite
308 Mass Devotions for Each Day in the Week.
goodness which leads Him to desire earnestly to be-
united with so unworthy a creature; break forth into
accents of humility and longing desire; of humility
when you look upon your own unworthiness ; of desire
when you behold the infinite bounty of your Lord.
Seeing, then, that you can not now unite yourself to Him
really by sacramental communion, join yourself to Him
at least in heart and affection, and say to Him in words
of burning love: "Come, my dearest Jesus, come into
this poor heart of mine; come and satiate my desires, come
and sanctify my soul ; come, my sweetest Jesus, come to
my bosom; come and remain with me always."
Imagine, then, that Mary, our most holy Mother, or
some other of your patron saints or your good angels,
presents to you the sacred particle; receive Him from
their hands, clasp Him to your bosom, press Him to
your heart; after which, breaking forth in accents of
thanksgiving, praise, and adoration, as also of reparation,
beseech Him to bestow upon you those graces of which
you find yourself most in need; ask Him that you may
always do His holy will and become a saint.
You will thus, besides the present advantage which
you draw from the spiritual communion, be most hap-
pily disposed to receive with increased devotion the
real body of your adorable Redeemer, when you ap-
proach the eucharistic table. For, as wood which is
kept warm and near the fire is the better prepared for
"burning, so a heart which is constantly kept warm with
love towards Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is easily
caught by the sacred flame of love when it approaches
to that furnace of charity, ever burning in these divine
mysteries.
Example*
WHAT THE SAINTS THOUGHT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION.
HE Council of Trent recommends spiritual communion to
the faithful, and St. Thomas says they are considered
Mass Devotions Jor Each Day in the Week. 309
co be communicated spiritually, and not sacramentally, who
desire to receive this Sacrament; so that, as Scaramelh* says,
ihey do not only receive Jesus spiritually, but this very Sac-
rament spiritual1 y. . St. Alphonsus, in his sweet little treatise
on visiting the Blessed Sacrament, says that Our Lord showed
tc Sister Paula Maresca two precious vessels, one of gold and
the other of silver, in the former of which He preserved her
sacramental communions, and in the latter her spiritual com-
munions. Joanna of the Cross affirmed that she was often
visited in spiritual communion with the same graces she
received in sacramental, and, with a sigh, she exclaimed:
icO rare method of ccmmunicating, where neither leave of con-
fessor nor of superior is needed, but only Thine, O my God! "
The blessed Agatha of the Cross so pined with love of the
Blessed Sacrament that it is said that she would have died
if her confessor had not taught her the practice of spiritual
communion, and then she used to make two hundred spiritual
communions every day. Surin and Scaramelli both assert
that some souls receive sometimes greater graces in a spiritual
than in a sacramental communion; this is, of course, rare,
and when it happens it is not through defect of the Sacrament,
but defect of fervor in themselves.
St. Teresa, addressing her spiritual children, says: "When-
ever, my daughters, you hear Mass and do not communicate,
you can make a spiritual communion, which is a practice of
exceeding profit, and you can immediately afterwards recol-
lect yourselves, just as I advised you when you communicate
sacramentally; for great is the love of Our Lord which is in
this way infused into the soul. For when we prepare our-
selves to receive Him, He never fails to give Himself to us
in many modes which we comprehend not."
We read in the life of St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi that it
was the custom in her monastery that when daily communion
was hindered by the illness of the priest or any other cause,
the nuns should communicate spiritually. The usual signal
for communion was given in the morning, and all being
assembled, they prayed for half an hour, and then made a
spiritual communion. It was on one of these days that the
saint was communicated by St. Albert the Carmelite, saying
the "Confiteor" and the "Dwnine, non sum dignns" and
doing all that she was accustomed to do when receiving com
310 A Method of Hearing Mass for Religious.
snunion: and she afterwards declared that she had seer the
same saint with the pyx in his hand, going to communicate
the other nuns. Her enlarged charity ardently desired that
others also, and especially those of her own monaster}7, should
have a great hunger for that Most Holy Sacrament.
It is said of St. Angela Merici that when she was forbidden
daily communion, she supplied it by fervent spiritual com-
munions in the Mass, and often felt her heart as completely
inundated by grace as if she had made a sacramental com-
munion, and she left as one of her legacies to her Order an
earnest recommendation of this devotion.
Father Squillante, of the Naples Oratory, in the life of
Sister Mary of Santiago, of the Third Order of St. Dominic,
which rivals Carmel as a mystical garden of delights to the
heavenly Spouse, tells us that her love of the Blessed Sac-
rament was such that she had at last come to make a spiritual
communion at almost every breath she drew, so that in her
were fulfilled the words of Jeremias that in the desire of her
heart she snuffed up the wind of her love, and that none
turned her away.
Nothing can show the power of spiritual communion with
Jesus more wonderfully than the innumerable times in
which the desire of communion has enabled the soul to
receive the real communion by some stupendous miracle,
as is related of St. Catharine of Sienna and other saints, and
eminently in the case of St. Juliana of Falconieri, commu-
nicated through her breast without manducation; that is,
her communion was real, without being either spiritual orv
strictly speaking, sacramental, as theologians make man>
ducation necessary to sacramental communion. — (Fr. Faber.)
H /Ibetbofc of Ibearfno jflDass for IReiigtous**
AN OFFERING OF THE MASS.
TERNAL Father, I offer Thee this most holy and
sublime sacrifice of the Mass, in union with Jesus
Christ, Thy beloved Son, Who is both Priest and Vic-
* Adapted exclusively for Religious.
A Method of Hearing Mass for Religious. 31*
tim; in union with all the merits of His Passion; in
union with His blessed. Mother Mary, that my soul
may be animated with the sentiments of her immaculate
heart, wThen she stood at the foot of the cross; in union
with the Church triumphant in heaven, militant on
earth, and suffering in purgatory: 1. In honor of Thy
supreme majesty; 2. In thanksgiving for all Thy
graces and blessings, especially for the favor of having
called me to the religious life; 3. In satisfaction for my
own sins, and in reparation for all the offences ever
committed against Thee; 4. To obtain of Thy good-
ness and mercy all the graces necessary for my eternal
salvation.
I rejoice exceedingly that by means of this august
sacrifice Thou shalt receive a worthy tribute of adora-
tion, thanksgiving, reparation, and prayer. And as, in
this sacrifice, the great mystery of the cross is renewed
for Thy glory and my sanctification, deign, O Lord, to
apply its merits to my soul. Holy Spirit! sanctify me,
purify my mind and inflame my heart with divine charity,
so that I may live holily and die happily as a true Re-
ligious.
AT THE INTROIBO.
Introibo ad altar e Dei; Ad Deum, qui l&tificat juven-
lutem meant.
I AM already admitted into the house of the Lord:
the religious state is that house: God, by a love
of predilection, has called me to it. I dwell in it. Ah!
if I but knew my happiness! And, O my God! what
will it avail me to be a Religious, if I be not a holy Re-
ligious? Make me worthy, O my God! of being ad-
mitted into Thy eternal tabernacles, that I may bless
Thee and glorify Thee for evermore with the angels
and saints.
312 A Method of Hearing Mass for Religious.
AT THE COXFITEOR AND KYRIE ELEISON .
TERNAL Father, look at the face of Thy Christ
(Ps. lxxxiii. 10) ; look at the wounds of Thy Son,
which cry to Thee for pity. Have mercy upon me; for
their sake pardon me the outrages that I have com-
mitted against Thee! I do not deserve to be called a
Religious. I am a sinner, a great sinner, but I am
sorry for all my offences. Thou art good, O my God,
and Thy mercy is above all Thy works.
O God, most worthy of love, and true lover of my
soul, for the love of this, Thy Son, so beloved by Thee,
have mercy on me. I ask Thee to give me but Thy
love and Thy grace. Help me to do Thy holy will.
Draw me wholly to Thyself. Burn up, O Thou con-
suming fire, all that Thou seest impure in my soul, and
that hinders me from belonging to Thee alone.
AT THE GLORIA.
Gloria in excelsis Deo. Ad majorem Dei gloriam.
LORY be to God! Yes, O my God! I desire to
glorify Thee by the purest intentions in all my
actions. Oh! that I could make Thee known to every
creature and loved by eve'ry heart. I shall endeavor
especially to make Thee loved by the Religious with
whom I have the happiness of living, by zealously pray-
ing for them, by ever giving them a good example in
obedience and detachment, and by showing in my con-
versation great meekness, humility, and charity. I
praise Thee, I thank Thee, I bless Thee, I adore Thee.
I love Thee, O my God, for Thou art good and worthy
of ail love. "What shall I render to the Lord for all
the things that He hath rendered to me? I will take
the chalice of salvation. I will pay my vows to the Lord
before all His people. Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of His sainK " (Ps. cxv. 3, 4, 5.)
A Method of Hearing Mass for Religious. 3 1 3,
AT THE COLLECTS.
Or emus.
I IMPLORE of Thee, O Lord, all that Thy minister
prays for; I beseech Thee to bless our holy Father,
the. Pope, our bishops, our priests, our Community, all
Religious, that they may do Thy will and glorify Thee;
convert all sinners and heretics; pity those who are in
their last agony, and have mercy on the holy souls in
purgatory. Bless all my relatives and benefactors,
and all those for whom I have promised to pray. Grant
me the grace to become a holy Religious. I offer all
these prayers to Thee, eternal Father, through Our
Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
AT THE EPISTLE.
I AM much in need of being instructed. If I thor-
oughly knew my God, the obligations of my state,
the grandeur and the holiness of the religious life, how
could I sin, how could I ever be lukewarm? The saints
in heaven can not offend God. They know Him per-
fectly. Instruct me, then, O my Lord! Grant that I
may know Thee in order that I may love Thee. Let
me know and realize how amiable Thou art, because
of Thy infinite perfections and Thy innumerable bene-
fits; and how ungrateful I have been in not loving Thee
better, after having chosen Thee for my portion, in
embracing the religious life. Honor, wealth, pleasure,
the goods of this earth — what are they, in view of death,
and in view of the everlasting joys and rewards of heaven ?
But I love Thee, O my God, for Thy own sak^ alone:
" Not with the hope of gaining aught,
Not seeking a reward;
But, as Thyself hast loved me
O ever-loving Lord."
314 d Method of Hearing Mass for Religious.
With St. Francis of Assisi, I pray: "May I die tc
myself, O Lord, for love of Thee Who hast vouchsafed
to die for love of me!"
AT THE GOSPEL.
OMY Jesus! Thou art my Master, Thou art the
sovereign truth, Thou art the true light that has
come down from heaven to enlighten those who sit in
darkness. Speak: I am Thy servant, and I listen for
the purpose of knowing and obeying Thy will. WThat
wilt Thou have me to do ? I am ready to do all things.
But, alas! I know what I have to do. Thou com-
mandest me to renounce my will, to carry my cross
every day of my life, to follow Thee by endeavoring to
imitate Thee. Thou requirest me to love Thee, and to
love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. Thou
wishest me to testify my love to Thee, in combating my
inclinations, in observing Thy holy commandments
with fidelity, and in fulfilling the counsels of Thy Gos-
pel. How can I hesitate? I have already promised
it, I have bound myself to it. I renew my vows. Alas!
I regret that I have not been faithful to them! With
the powerful aid of Thy grace, I shall be faithful, most
faithful, to the Holy Rule.
AT THE CREDO.
I BELIEVE in Thee, O my God! I believe all Thou
hast taught by Thy holy Church, because Thou
hast promised to preserve it from all error. I believe
in it most firmly, because Thou art Truth itself, Who
neither canst deceive nor be deceived. Gladly would
I shed my blood for this faith!
I believe in Thee, O adorable Trinity, Father, Son,
and Holy Ghost ! I believe in Thee, O only-begotten
Son of the Father! I believe that Thou becamest man;
that Thou didst suffer and die for my salvation. I
A Method of Hearing Mass for Religious. 315
believe that Thou art in heaven, and in the Most Holy
Sacrament of the Altar, where Thou intercedest for me.
Increase my faith, and deign to enlighten those who
are in the darkness of error.
And do Thou, O Holy Ghost, Whom I adore as my
true God, receive my heartfelt thanks for the consola-
tion and the strength which come to my soul through
the Bread of life and the holy sacrifice. I offer Thee
my whole heart, O Holy Spirit, divine Consoler, and
thank Thee most heartily for all the benefits that Thou
dost unceasingly bestow upon the world. I beseech
Thee to, bless me with a lively faith in the Holy Eucha-
rist. Keep my soul ever bright for the coming of the
Bridegroom. Grant me Thy sevenfold gift, in ordei
that I may with ardent love follow Christ, and with
perseverance walk in the way of salvation.
AT THE OFFERTORY AND LAVABO.
f\ MY God! would that I were able to offer Thee
something worthy of Thy divine majesty and of
Thy innumerable benefits. Of myself I have nothing
and yet what I shall offer Thee is a treasure of infinite
value; it is Thy only Son Jesus Christ, the object of
Thy complacency. I offer Him, then, to Thee, O
great God! I offer to Thee all His virtues, all Hig
sentiments, all His words, all His actions, all His
prayers, all His fasts, all His tears, all His sufferings,
all the drops of His blood, all His adorable mysteries.
I offer all the merits of the august Virgin, of the
saints of heaven, of the souls in purgatory, and of the
just on earth. In union with Jesus, I offer Thee all
that I am, and all that I have: my soul, my body, my
senses, my thoughts, my desires, my words, my actions,
my sufferings, my labors, my life, and my death. I
desire no longer to belong to myself. I am Thine and
Thine forever. What an anomaly is a Religious who
is not Thine, O Lord' As this bread is about to be
31 6 A Method of Hearing Mass for Religious.
changed into the body of Jesus Christ, so change me, O
Lord! convert me, and cause me to become a holy Re-
ligious.
O Lord, Thou art sanctity itself, and I belong to
Thee; there should be no stain in me. Purify me,
wash me in the blood of Jesus Christ, my Saviour; let
grief and anguish wound my heart; let me never again
be separated from Thee by sin.
AT THE ORATE FRATRES AND SECRETA.
/*\ LORD, we join our prayers to those of the priest
at the altar. God of infinite sanctity, grant that
he may be invested with that holiness which Thou dost
look for in Thy ministers. Bless him, that he may be
a man according to Thine own Heart. May this clean
oblation, which he is offering, be acceptable to Thee;
may it be for the glory of Thy name, for the sanctifica-
tion of my soul, and for the welfare of Thy Church.
Give me, O Lord, the innocence and simplicity of a child,
so that I may merit Thy fatherly favors and blessings.
AT THE PREFACE.
I LONG to praise and .thank Thee, my God, for ever
and ever. What an ingrate I should be were I
insensible of God's love for me! In His goodness He
has chosen me, unworthy as I am, to be His spouse,
and to serve Him apart from the world in His " enclosed
garden," as His favored handmaid. And I have ren-
dered myself so unworthy of His favors by my negli-
gences and offences! It is but meet and just that I
testify my gratitude and my devotedness in every place
and at every instant. May my whole life in future be
a song of praise, and all my actions continual thanks-
givings. O angels and saints, let me unite my praise
with yours! Ah! when shall I sing with you in glory
an everlasting canticle of thanksgiving and love, in honor
of the endless mercy and goodness of my God ?
A Method of Hearing Mass for Religious. 317
JEbe Canon of .tbe /Ilbase.
AT THE COMMEMORATION OE THE LIVING,
HE sacrifice of Jesus Christ is offered up for the
whole Church: I pray, then, O my God! for all
those who compose it. BJess our chief Pastor, N. N.,
our bishops, and our priests. Bless in particular our
Superior. May all ecclesiastics be holy; grant that the
members of all Religious Orders may live conformably
to their holy profession; and that all Christians may
live and die as true disciples of Jesus Christ. Convert
all sinners, and may the just obtain the grace of per-
severance. I particularly recommend to Thee all my
relations and those who have authority over me, my
benefactors and those who have asked my prayers, those
who have offended me and whom I have offended.
May the Community to which I have the honor of be-
longing, be always dear to Thee, and cease not to re-
ceive from Thee abundant blessings. Thou canst do
all things, O Lord! Make, then, of us as many saints
as we are Religious.
At this moment I have need of being profoundly
recollected. Jesus is about to descend on the altar;
there He will perform the office of Mediator for me.
He will pay for me the heavy debt I have contracted to
divine justice. Come, O Lord Jesus! come, O Spouse
of my soul! Let me taste the sweetness of Thy presence.
O my soul, behold thy King! Behold, He comes to thee
full of tenderness and compassion! He veils the splen-
dor of His majesty, that thou mayest approach Him
with more confidence. Adoring angels surround His
altar-throne. Wonderful condescension! Miracle of
God's love!
AT THE ELEVATION OF THE HOST.
*7ESUS, my Lord, my Saviour, is here. I adore
«J Thee, true God and true man. "Thou, O
318 A Method of Hearing Mass for Religious,
Christ, art the King of glory; Thou art the everlasting
Son of the Father!" For love of me Thou hast hum-
bled Thyself. O my divine Spouse! I thank Thee,
I love Thee.
AT THE ELEVATION OF THE CHALICE.
f\ PRECIOUS blood of my Redeemer, shed for my
salvation, I adore thee! Cleanse me from every
stain of sin. " Eternal Father! I offer Thee the pre-
cious blood of Jesus, in satisfaction for my sins, and for
the wants of holy Church."
Indulgence of 100 days, each time. — Pius VII., Sept. 22, 181 7.
AFTER THE ELEVATION AND AT THE MEMENTO FOR
THE DEAD.
HE heavens are opened; the Holy of holies has
come down to us. This altar is now the throne
of Jesus, the King of glory, the joy of the angels and the
crown of the saints! How meekly, how humbly hast
Thou come to us, good Lord!
Profoundly I adore Thee, and bless Thee, and praise
Thee!
And what dost Thou ask of me, my Lord, in Thy
great condescension?
Only my heart. Praise and honor are pleasing to
Thee only when they spring from pure hearts; there-
fore I beseech Thee, O Jesus, by Thy infinite purity
and holiness, to cleanse my heart more and more from
every stain of sin and every evil inclination. Give me
the heart of a perfect Religious, pure, unselfish, and
entirely devoted to Thy interests. Take my heart into
Thy Sacred Heart, that it may ther.e be purified, like gold
in the furnace, from the dross of worldly attachments
and sensual desires. Thou hast said: "I am come to
cast fire on the earth, and what do I desire but that it
be enkindled?" Mav my heart, O Lord, respond to
A Method of. Hearing Mass for Religious.
3X9
the intensity of Thy love. I love Thee, and I desire to
love Thee daily more and more. O Sacred Heart of
Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, sanctify my heart,
make it like to Thine, that it may be pleasing to Thee,
and that I may remain united with Thee for ever. Have
mercy, also, on the poor, holy souls in purgatory; wash
them, cleanse them in that precious blood which Thou
didst shed upon the cross and which is now here present
on the altar.
Be to them a merciful and kind Samaritan, and heal
with Thy sacred blood, which is indeed a heavenly oil,
their burning wounds. O adorable Jesus, look down
with pity upon these poor, suffering souls. They loved
Thee whilst they lived on earth ; they repent and lament
that they were guilty of grieving and offending Thee,
and they ardently long to love Thee more perfectly and
to praise Thee unceasingly in heaven.
Oh, do Thou satisfy their longing desires to behold
Thee face to face, and in Thine infinite mercy deliver
them from their terrible sufferings and receive them
into Thine eternal kingdom.
Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord I And let per-
petual light shine upon them.
AT THE PATER NOSTER.
C\ MY God! Thou art my Father, and Father of all;
from the summit of heaven where Thou reignest
and art the supreme happiness of the blessed, look down
on the prayer of Thy daughter and spouse. May Thy
name be sanctified. I desire to become a saint, and to
lead my Sisters to sanctity. May Thy kingdom come.
Reign in me now by Thy grace, that I may one day
reign with Thee in heaven. May Thy will be done. I
desire what Thou desirest; I desire only what Thou
desirest; I desire it only because Thou desirest it. I
desire to do Thy will with the same love and perfection
320 A Method of Hearing Mass for Religious.
as the angels and saints do it in heaven. Give us this
day our daily bread; take this religious house under Thy
special protection, O Lord. Forgive us our trespasses,
as tve forgive those who trespass against us.
I love without exception, for the love of Thee, all my
enemies, and all for whom I have had any antipathy.
Remember, O Lord!^ that Thou hast said, " Pardon,
and you shall be pardoned. " Lead us not into tempta-
tion. O my God! do not allow me to be tempted, or.
if I shaU be tempted, let m^ not yield to the temptation.
Remove from me the occasions of sin, and come to my
assistance, in order that I may not expose myself to it.
Deliver us from evil. Sin is the greatest of all evils;
purify me from those I have committed, and suffer me
not to commit any more. After life, preserve me from
hell, so often deserved by me for my sins; and even from
purgatory, where the souls therein detained, undergo
most cruel torments in seeing themselves separated
from Thee. Amen. May it be so. I implore all these
things with fervor, through the merits of Jesus Christ,
for myself, for all Religious, for all the faithful.
AT THE AGNUS DEI.
f \ Lamb of God! Who hast condescended to be im-
molated in order to expiate our crimes, to reconcile
us with Thy Father, to merit heaven for us, have pity
on all merf, for whom Thou hast shed Thy blood; and
particularly have compassion on Thy servants conse-
crated to Thee in the religious state; have mercy on
me.
AT THE DOMIXE, NON SUM DIGNUS AND AT HOLY
COMMUNION.
"Tr^-ORD Jesus, I am not worthy to take my place at
* the table of angels; nevertheless I desire most
ardently to receive Thee. O divine Spouse of my soul,
A Method of Hearing Mass for Religious. 321
bless me with those dispositions which the reception of
the Most Adorable Sacrament requires, so that when I
shall approach the holy table, I may do so in a manner
most agreeable to Thee, and most salutary to myself.
I conjure Thee to. purify my heart, to come and dwell
therein, until the day that I shall have the happiness to
receive Thy sacred body in the Blessed Sacrament.
Come, Lord Jesus; come to me at least spiritually; I
love Thee with my wrhole heart. Come, give me, if not
Thy sacred flesh, at least Thy love, Thy grace, Thy
spirit, Thy heart; grant that I may be transformed into
Thee; and that I may live Thy life.
Imagine that the Blessed Virgin or your guardian angel
is presenting to you the sacred Host. Keep closely united
to Jesus Christ, as if you had really received Him, and say
in thanksgiving:
I ADORE and love Thee, O my Jesus, Who art
truly the Life of my soul. I entreat Thee to
remain in my heart and to sanctify my whole life, so
that I may have the happiness to possess Thee eternally.
0 infinite Charity! I have immolated myself entirely to
Thee: grant that I may never forget that I no longer
belong to myself, but to Thee, my God! Yes, I am dead;
my life shall be hidden with Jesus Christ in God. May
1 ever be a living victim in Thine eyes; always agreeable
to Thee. Yes, O my God! I will unceasingly sacrifice
myself in union with Jesus Christ, to honor Thy Majesty,
to thank Thee for Thy benefits, to appease Thy justice,
to draw down on myself, and all this Community, and
on Thy Church, those graces which Thou seest are
necessary for us. Oh! how happy am I in being con-
secrated to Thee, and separated from the world where
so many dangers present themselves! In religion, I have
only to please Thee, the God of my heart. Keep me,
Lord, keep me in Thy Heart! O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
most obedient to Thy Father's will, turn our hearts tg
A
322 A Method of Hearing Mass for Religious.
Thyself, that we may ever do those things which are
pleasing to Thee. O heart of Mary, Mother of Jesus,
and my Mother, keep me, guard me as thine own, help
me, that I may imitate thy virtues, and thus become
ever more pleasing to thy divine Son.
AT THE BLESSING.
OMOST august Trinity! now that Thy minister
is about to bless me in Thy name, pour out on
me Thy most abundant benedictions. Bless me now;
bless me every day of my life, and at the moment of my
death; bless all those with whom I have the happiness
of living, in order that we may never cease to sing, one
day, canticles of praise and love to Thy mercy and Thy
glory, in that kingdom which Thou hast prepared for
us in Thy boundless love.
IN CONCLUSION.
I CANNOT leave Thy temple, O Lord, without
expressing to Thee my gratitude fcr the great
blessings and holy inspirations that have come to me
through this Mass. My God, I thank Thee with all
my heart. Love for love, eternal love for Thy bound-
less love to me. Pardon, O Lord, the coldness and dis-
tractions of which I have been guilty during the holy
sacrifice. I am sorry for these offences, and for all the
sins of my whole life, because Thou art infinitely good
and sin displeases Thee; henceforth I shall endeavor
more earnestly to please Thee in all things.
I leave for a time, dear Jesus, this place of benedic-
tions which Thou hast chosen for Thy dwelling; yet,
though I can riot be always bodily present in this holy
place, to commune with Thee in the Sacrament of Thy
love, I shall ever be there in thought and desire, and I
shall return with joy as soon as possible, for my delight
's to be before Thy altars. Let me not forget Thee
Mass by Way of Meditation on the Passion. 32 ^
during my occupations. I consecrate all my work to
Thee; I wish by it to please Thee alone. My watch-
word shall be: "Ad major em Dei gloriam et in honor em
Beatce Marice Virginisf " Give me Thy grace, that I
may do Thy will and love Thee daily more and more.
O my Well-Beloved! O Sacred Heart of Jesus 1 O ten-
der Spouse of my soul! have mercy on me. Keep me
near Thee; draw me ever closer to Thee. O Mary, my
good Mother, I implore thy protection. Angels and
saints of heaven, intercede for this poor unworthy hand-
maid of the Lord, who hopes one day to be associated
with you in glory.
Ejaculations.
BIAT, laudetur atque in |T\AY the most just, most
aeternum superexaltetur high, and most ami-
justissima, altissima et amab- able will of God be done in
ilissima voluntas Dei in om- all things, be praised and
nibus. magnified for ever.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius VII., May 19, 18 18.
Y God, grant that I may love Thee, and may the
only reward of my love be to love Thee always
more and more.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., March 15,
1890.
/IDetbofc of Ibeadng /IDass bp Map of
flDe&ttatton on tbe passion*
^^HIS method is intended for those who prefer meditation
to the recital of vocal prayers.
The Mass is divided into four parts: the first, from the
beginning to the Gospel; the second, to the Elevation; the
chird, to the Communion of the priest; and the fourth to
the end.
324 Method of Hearing Mass by
In the first part we may consider and honor the Heart of
Jesus, praying in His agony at the approach of His Passion,
especially in the Garden of Olives.
In the second we honor the Heart of Jesus humbled and
suffering in the various tribunals of Jerusalem, until the
time of the scourging at the pillar.
In the third we honor the Heart of Jesus suffering in the
scourging and crowning with thorns, and follow Him in the
path of suffering until His last sigh on the cross.
In the fourth we honor the Heart of Jesus hidden and
buried in the sepulcher.
This manner of hearing has four very precious advan-
tages: The priest is followed throughout the sacrifice, which is
a very holy and meritorious way of assisting at Mass. The
Heart of Jesus is honored in every stage of His Passion. We
enter into the interior sentiments of His adorable Heart and
endeavor to' make them our own.
The Mass thus becomes a prayer, and at the same time a
very useful and salutary meditation.
FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF MASS TO THE GOSPEL.
►|« YN the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
The Heart of Jesus Praying and Suffering.
HOU prayest, Thou dost suffer, O my sweet Saviour,
Thy Heart experiencing a mortal sadness ; suffer me
to unite myself to Thy sorrows, and give me a share in
Thy deep affliction. Everything that presented itself
to Thy mind plunged Thy Heart in a sea of bitterness;
for Thou didst behold the deplorable state of the world,
the crimes and excesses of mankind, the torrent of iniqui-
ties which deluged the earth, the multitude of souls which
would perish and be cast into hell, the glory of Thy
heavenly Father, outraged, the reproach of Thy Passion
and sufferings, and their uselessness wTith regard to so
many sinners, who, notwithstanding the shedding of
Thy blood for them, wrould be lost for ever.
Way of Meditation on tke Passion, 325
0 my Saviour, am I not also a cause of sorrow to
Thee? Thou lamentest over me, Thou seest the sad
state of my soul, my tepidity and negligence, my unfaith-
fulness and resistance to Thy grace, the little sorrow I
have conceived, my little care for amendment, the dan-
ger to which I am exposed of dying in so sad a state.
Thou lamentest all this, and I am not touched; Thou
art afflicted, and I am insensible. Heart of my God,
Thou prayest and I know not how to pray; if I pray,
it is with so little attention, fervor, or devotion, that my
prayers deserve not to ascend to the throne of Thy
mercy. My God, teach me how to pray, that at least,,
in virtue of Thy sacrifice which I offer Thee, my prayer
may be pleasing in Thy sight. Yes, my God, in this*
holy confidence I offer Thee the homage of prayer for
the salvation of my soul, whose misery and extreme
necessity Thou knowest.
1 beseech Thee also to remember all those for whom
I ought to pray — my relations, that we may be united
much more strongly by the bonds of grace than by those
of blood ; my friends, that Thou mayest be the bond and
center of our friendship; my benefactors, beseeching
Thee to render them a hundredfold the goods which I
have received ; and the vengeance which I desire for my
enemies is, that Thou wouldst visit them with Thy
graces. I pray to Thee also, in a particular manner,
0 my God, for the Church, my tender mother, for the
Sovereign Pontiff, and all Religious. Shed over all Thy
abundant benedictions; give to all of us hearts accord-
ing to Thy Heart, uniting us all in the same holy fellow-
ship. Bless in particular our own Religious Community.
Heart of Jesus, praying and suffering, I adore thee,
and beseech thee to unite my prayers with thine.
Heart of Jesus, lamenting and agonizing, I adore
thee, and beseech thee to inspire my heart with the
same sentiments.
Heart of Jesus, offering thyself in sacrifice to the
326 Method of Hearing Mass by
eternal Father, I adore thee, and beseech thee to offer
me in sacrifice with thyself.
FROM THE GOSPEL TO THE ELEVATION.
The Heart 0} Jesus Humbled and Annihilated.
f~\ MY sweet Saviour! with what floods of bitterness
is not Thy Sacred Heart deluged! With what
torrents of humiliation is it not overwhelmed! Led, or
rather dragged from tribunal to tribunal, from one indig-
nity to another, before judges who are Thy enemies,
tied and bound as a slave, accused as a criminal, Thou
art judged and condemned as a malefactor, a seducer, a
disturber of the public peace.
At the house of Caiphas Thou art given up to insults,
and the injuries and affronts of a troop of soldiers, who
make Thee undergo the most infamous treatment.
Before Annas Thy face is dishonored by a shameful
blow, the most audacious outrage that can be perpe-
trated amongst men.
By Herod Thou art covered with a white robe in sign
Df mockery. Thou art treated as a fool before his whole
court, who turn into contempt and insult the esteem and
admiration of which Thou hast been the object.
By Pilate Thou art placed on a level with a robber and
a malefactor, and Thou hast the sorrow to see this infa-
mous wretch preferred before Thee.
" Dragged through the streets of Jerusalem, Thou wast
obliged to undergo the yells, the cries, and imprecations
of the immense populace there assembled, who load
Thee with curses and maledictions. O King of glory,
what a flood of humiliations overwhelmed Thy Heart!
but what marvellous virtue Thou dost display! what
meekness, what patience, and charity! Thou dost pray
for those who outrage Thee. Thou offerest Thy suffer-
ings for those who persecute and afflict Thee.
O adorable Saviour, this sacrifice of Thy Heart was
Way of Meditation on the Passion. 327
necessary in order to repair the glory of Thy outraged
Father, to humble the proud exaltation of our minds,
to confound the detestable pride with which our hearts
are swelled, to make us know the inestimable value of
humiliations, to give us in Thy Passion a touching ex-
ample to which we can have nothing to oppose. Even
on our very altars, to what a condition dost Thou reduce
"Thyself for the love of us! And yet, O my God, how
astonishing and deplorable it is, that notwithstanding
so striking an example, pride should still hold dominion
over us; for, alas! how much of vanity, self-love, and
sensitiveness do we not possess!
My divine Saviour, how much have I not to reproach
myself with on this point! I seek only the applause and
esteem of men, as if Thine were not sufficient. I can
suffer and endure nothing for Thee, Who hast under-
gone so much for me; the least humiliation afflicts and
dejects me; my spirit is rebellious, my heart swells, my
whole soul is disturbed and agitated; a cowardly and
worthless human respect makes me betray my duty and
Thy interests. Oh, how can I call myself Thy disciple,
and acknowledge Thee for my Master and my God?
Was it necessary, then, O my Saviour and my Lord,
that Thou alone shouldst drink of the chalice of
humiliations? No, my adorable Master, I will share
it with Thee, I will receive it from Thy hands, I will
have a part in Thy abasements; and if I have not the
courage to meet humiliations, I will at least accept with
submission those which Thou shalt send me. From
henceforth I offer Thee the sacrifice of my pride and my
vanity, in order to unite myself to Thee in Thy annihila-
tions.
If nature rebels, or self-love complains, I will follow
Thy example and implore Thy grace. This divine ex-
ample, drawn from Thy Heart and passing into mine,
will render the chalice of Thy humiliations precious,
even consoling to me, and one drop of its bitterness will
328 Me /hod of Hearing Mass by
be sweeter to me than all the deceitful and guilty pleas-
ures of this blind and perverse world.
0 Heart of Jesus, saturated with indignities, make
me share in thy chalice.
O Heart of Jesus, steeped in an ocean of sorrows,
steep my heart in thy tears,
O Heart of Jesus, plunged in an abyss of humiliations
and suffering, destroy my self-love and pride.
PROM THE ELEVATION TO THE COMMUNION OF THE
PRIEST.
The Heart of Jesus Suffering and Expiring on the Cross*
AS it necessary, O my Jesus, that, after having
given up Thy Sacred Heart to the greatest humili-
ations, Thy body should be delivered to excessive tor-
ments? To what a condition art Thou reduced by the
terrible scourging! Thy body is bruised, torn, and covered
with wounds. Thou art bathed in the streams of Thy
adorable blood, and yet they cease not to strike Thee,
and to exercise over Thee all the fury, cruelty, and hatred
of which they are capable.
But, O my God, in the midst of these excessive suffer-
ings of Thy body, what are the emotions of Thy Heart ?
Thou dost suffer with patience, O sweet Saviour,
submitting Thyself to Thy heavenly Father, offering to
Him Thy torments, begging of Him the forgiveness of
our sins, regarding Thyself as a victim sacrificed for our
salvation, beholding those streams of blood with resig-
nation, and even with joy, in order that our sins might
be washed away, and that the voice of this adorable
blood, rising even to heaven, might obtain grace and
mercy for us.
Tbou sufferest everything for me, O adorable Heart
of my Saviour, and yet the least suffering is a torment
to me; I fear even the very name of suffering and pain.
I care so much for mv body, seeking its ease and guard-
Way of Meditation on the Passion, 329
ing it so carefully, without remembering that it is a body
of sin, which I ought to subject to the rigors of penance.
Ah I my Saviour, do I not see that by my care in avoid-
ing suffering I increase Thine, rendering those suffer-
ings useless for my salvation?
All Thy sufferings in this cruel scourging, O my
Saviour, nevertheless are little else than the commence-
ment of Thy torments. Thy sacrifice must be consum-
mated. I behold Thee loaded with Thy cross, taking
the way to Calvary. Suffer me, O my God and Saviour,
to follow Thee in spirit, and step in Thy bleeding foot-
steps. What do I see, great God, what marvelous
spectacle does faith present to me ? A suffering God ! a
dying God ! a God dying in excess of pain ! a God dying
for the love of those who cause His death! At such a
sight what can I say ; how can my heart express the sen-
timents with which it is filled?
Ah I my Saviour, how eloquently dost Thou preach
upon Thy cross the great truths of faith which Thou hast
announced to us! How dost Thou make known the
greatness of the inexorable justice of God, the excellence
and the price of our souls, but, above all, the malice
and enormity- of sin, the severity and horror of the punish-
ments which are reserved for it in eternity. And they
are my sins, O Heart of my God, which Thou bewailest,
which Thou dost lament upon the cross. They are my
sins which led Thee there, wThich fastened Thee to its
wood, which have shed Thy sacred blood, and caused
Thy death; and I, my Saviour, am not filled with sor-
row at the foot of Thy cross. Should I not weep with
sorrow for having offended my God, caused the suffer-
ings of Jesus, rendered myself responsible for His blood,
and guilty of His death ? Thy Heart is still open for me
upon Thy cross, O Jesus. Thy arms are extended ten-
derly to receive me, and I return to Thee with sincerity
and sorrow.
Every day Thou renewest on our altars, in an mi-
330 Mass by Way of Meditation on the Passion.
bloody manner, the bloody sacrifice which Thou didst
once offer upon Calvary. It is this sacrifice that I offer
Thee, as Thou didst offer it to Thy heavenly Father.
Suffer me to unite to Thy sacrifice the sacrifice of myself,
and especially that of a contrite and humble heart. I
beg of Thee to give me a heart broken with sorrow to
offer to Thee, and thus render the victim worthy of
Thee, worthy to be sacrificed to Thee.
FROM THE COMMUNION OF THE PRIEST TO THE END OF
MASS.'
The Heart of Jesus Concealed and Buried in the Sepulcher.
BELOVED Saviour, Thy body is placed in the
sepulcher, the last of the humiliations which
Thou hadst to undergo in this world, for humiliation was
to accompany Thee even to the tomb. O my soul, what
a state of abasement for God made man is this, to be in
the world as not there, hidden in the bosom of the earth,
surrounded by the shades of death, given up to obscurity
in the region of darkness, absolutely destitute of every-
thing, for even the tomb in which Jesus reposes is not His,
thus verifying the words He had said of Himself: "The
birds of the air have their nests; but the Son of man
hath not where upon to lay His head." Yet in this
state of humiliation Thou, my Jesus, dost preserve all
Thy power.
Behold, my soul, the great example given us for our
imitation. St. Paul tells us that we are dead, that our
life must be " hidden with Jesus Christ in God." Yes,
my divine Saviour, in Thy tomb I will learn detachment
from the world, forgetfulness of the world, death to the
world and to myself, the nothingness of earthly things,
the love of retirement, and strict union with God; for
Thou shalt take the place of all, O Jesus, when for Thee
I have quitted all with heart and mind.
O my God, vouchsafe to accept these resolutions; I
Holy Mass in Union with the S acre a Ibeart. 331
renew them in this holy sacrifice, and I offer them to
Thee in union with Thine own. I beg of Thee to give
me the grace to preserve them in my soul as long as I
live, and grant that I may persevere in them until death.
O adorable Heart of my Saviour, Thou wast not always
in humiliation, suffering, and sorrow. After so many
trials and conflicts, Thou didst ascend into heaven, the
conqueror of Thy enemies; triumphing over the world,
death, and all the powers of hell, Thou art exalted in
glory, and seated at the right hand of the heavenly
Father.
Heart of my God, I rejoice in Thy glory and Thy
triumph. Shall I one day share Thy glory and Thy
happiness? It is only through Thee and Thy merits
that I can hope for and merit this grace. I beseech
Thee to give it me in virtue of the sacrifice which I offer
Thee. Thou hast offered Thyself for me upon our
altars; receive me one day in Thy sacred tabernacle, in
order that I may praise Thee for ever with Thy elect;
and as a pledge of this happiness, vouchsafe to ratify
in heaven the blessing which Thy priest gives us on
earth, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Zbc 1bols /IDass in Ulnton wltb tbe SacreD
Ibeart of Jesus*
3for tbe jfeast of tbe SacreD Ibeart of Jesus an& for
tbe ffirst ffrtfcaga of JEacb dftontb.
Special parts, i.e., Introit, Collect, Epistle, Gradual, Gos-
pel, Offertory, Secret, Communion, and Post-Communion
from the proper Mass:
Miser ebitur of the Roman Missal.
PREPARATORY PRAYER.
£f TERN AL Father, I offer Thee the sacrifice which
Thy divine Son made of Himself on the cross,
332
The Holy Mass in Union with
and which He now renews on our altars. I offer it in
the name of all mankind, with the Masses which are now
being celebrated, and which will be celebrated through-
out the world, in order to adore Thee and render Thee
all possible honor and glory; to thank Thee for Thy
innumerable benefits, to appease Thy justice provoked
by our sins; to give Thee the satisfaction Thou dost
expect; also to obtain grace for myself, for Thy Church,
for my friends and relations, for the whole world, in
particular for Religious and for the souls in purgatory.
I wish to assist at this holy Mass with the disposi-
tions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, wThen she stood on
Mount Calvary, in the shadow of the cross, offering the
sufferings of her Son for the redemption of the world.
0 Lord Jesus Christ! I desire to offer myself, in union
with Thy Sacred Heart, for all the intentions for which
Thou now offerest Thyself to God, Thy Father.
AT THE CONFITEOR.
/^v DIVINE Jesus, Thou art the Victim, laden with
all the iniquities of the wTorld; Thou hast wept
for our sins, and expiated them by Thy Passion and
death. I come to mingle my tears with Thine; I con-
fess to Thee, O Lord, in the presence of Mary, ever
virgin, and of all the angels and saints, that I have sinned
exceedingly in thought, word, and deed; that it is my
ingratitude which pierced Thy Heart, and put Thee to a
cruel death. O God, my Saviour, through Thy tears,
through Thy agony in the Garden of Olives, through
Thy precious blood and the wound Li Thy Sacred Heart,
1 beseech Thee to pardon me, and to grant me the remis-
sion of all my sins,
at the introit (Miserebitur) .
E shall be merciful, according to the multitude of
His mercies; for He hath not from His H^rt
the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
333
laid low nor cast off the children of men; the Lord is
good unto them that hope in Him, to the soul that seeketh
Him. Alleluia, Alleluia. The mercies of the Lord I
will sing for ever, unto generation and generation.
AT THE KYRIE.
KYRIE eleison; ORD, have mercy;
Christe eleison; « ■ * Christ, have mercy;
(vyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy.
BATHER in heaven, have mercy on us, the work
of Thy hands!
Heart of Jesus, have pity on us, for whom thou hast
shed thy most precious blood!
Holy Spirit, have compassion on us, and sanctify us.
AT THE GLORIA IN EXCELSIS.
LORY be to God on high, and on earth peace to:
men of good will. We praise Thee; we bless
Thee; we adore Thee; we glorify Thee; we give Thee
thanks for Thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King,.
God the Father almighty. O Lord, the only-begotten
Son, Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of
the Father, Who tat est away the sins of the world, have
mercy on us; Thou Who takest away the sins of the
world, receive our prayers; Thou Who sittest at the
right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For Thou
only art holy: Thou only art the Lord: Thou only, O
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the
glory of God the Father. Amen.
AT THE COLLECT.
^>fRANT, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we,
who, glorying in the Most Sacred Heart of Thy
beloved Son, commemorate the singular benefits of His
love towards us, may rejoice alike in their action and in
their fruit.
334
The Holy Mass in Union with
r\ GOD, the protector of those that hope in Thee,
without Whom nothing is sure, nothing is holy
multiply upon us Thy mercy, that, Thou being our
Ruler and Guide, we may so pass through temporal gifts
that we lose not those which are eternaL Through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
AT THE EPISTLE.
(Lesson of the Feast of the Sacred Heart.)
I WILL give thanks to Thee, O Lord, for Thou wast
angry with me: Thy wrath is turned away, and
Thou hast comforted me. Behold, God is my Saviour,
I will deal confidently, and will not fear: because the
Lord is my strength and my praise, and He is become my
salvation. You shall draw waters with joy out of the
Saviour's fountains: and you shall say in that day:
Praise ye the Lord, and call upon His name : make His
inventions known among the people: remember that
His name is high. Sing ye to the Lord, for He hath
done great things: show this forth in all the earth. Re-
joice and praise, O thou habitation of Sion, for great is
He that is in the midst of thee, the Holy One of Israel.
(Isaias xii. 1-6.)
Grad. O all ye that pass by the way, attend and see
if there be any sorrow like to my sorrow. V. Having
loved His own who were in the world, He loved them unto
the end. Alleluia, Alleluia. Learn of Me, because I am
meek and humble of Heart: and ye shall find rest to
your souls. Alleluia.
AT THE GOSPEL.
T that time, Jesus, knowing that all things were
now accomplished that the Scripture might be
fulfilled, said: I thirst. Now there was a vessel set
there full of vinegar. And they putting a sponge full
of vinegar about hyssop, put it to His mouth. Jesus-
the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
335
therefore, when He had taken the vinegar, said: It is
consummated. And bowing His head, He gave up the
ghost. Then the Jews (because it was the parasceve)*
that the bodies might not remain upon the cross on the
Sabbath-day (for that was a great Sabbath-day) besought
Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they
might be taken away. The soldiers therefore came : and
they broke the legs of the first, and of the other that was
crucified with him. But after they were come to Jesus,
when they saw that He was already dead, they did not
break His legs. But one of the soldiers with a spear
opened His side, and immediately there came out blood
and water. And he that saw it hath given testimony;
and his testimony is true. (John xix. 28-35.)
AT THE CREDO.
I BELIEVE, O my God, the truths which Thou hast
revealed to Thy Church. I desire to live and die
in this faith. Grant, O Lord, that my life may be con-
formable to my faith; that my faith may be animated
by good works; and that, in particular, I may live in
imitation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, according to the
spirit of my vows. Sweet Heart of Jesus, Thy kingdom
come! Mayest Thou reign in all hearts. Put into
my heart Thy spirit — the spirit of meekness, humility,
obedience, poverty, and chastity. Jesus, meek and
humble of Heart, make my heart like unto Thine.
AT THE OFFERTORY.
BLESS the Lord, O my soul; and never forget all
He hath done for thee ; Who satisfieth thy desire
with good things. Alleluia. (Psalm cii. 2-$.)
AT THE SECRET.
Y^EFEND us, O Lord, who offer to Thee Thy holo-
caust; and that our hearts may be more fer-
336 The Holy Mass in Union witn
vently prepared for it, enkindle within them the flames
of Thy divine charity.
"T^OOK down graciously, O Lord, upon the offer-
* ings of Thy suppliant Church, and grant that
they may sanctify and save Thy people.
AT THE PREFACE.
IT is truly meet andjust, right and available to sal-
vation, that we should always and in all places give
thanks to Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal
God, Who hast appointed the salvation of mankind to
be wrought on the wood of the cross ; that from whence
death came, thence life might arise, and that he who
•overcame by the tree might also by the tree be overcome.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, through Whom the
angels praise Thy majesty, the dominations adore it,
the powers tremble before it; the heavens, the heavenly
virtues, and blessed seraphim, with common jubilee,
glorify it. Together with whom we beseech Thee that
we may be admitted to join our humble voices, saying:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts. Heaven and
earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Elessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord,
Hosanna in the highest.
AT THE CANON.
OGOD, infinitely holy, if my sins provoke Thee,
and make me hateful in Thy sight, look upon
the Lamb without spot, that taketh away the sins of
the world, and, beholding His merits, remember not
my ingratitude. Behold the Sacred Heart of Thy
divine Son! This Heart, infinitely merciful, prayed for
me on Calvary, and will soon renew the sacrifice of
itself for me upon the altar. Eternal Father, I offer Thee
the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, in satis-
the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
337
faction for my sins and for the wants of the holy Catho-
lic Church.
Remember, O good and gentle Jesus, that none who
had recourse to Thy Sacred Heart, implored its assistance,
or cried for pardon, were ever abandoned. Animated
with this confidence in Thy goodness and mercy, O
Divine Heart, and groaning beneath the weight of my
iniquities, I prostrate myself before Thee. Have pity
on me, and listen to my prayers. Our Father in heaven
Who has deigned to give Thee to us for our salvation, will,
through Thee , and united with Thee, receive our prayers.
Through Thy merits we hope to obtain the pardon of
our sins, the special graces that we ask for now, and,
above all, the grace of perseverance, that with the angels
and saints we may praise Thee now on earth, and bless
Thee for ever in heaven.
O sweetest Heart of Jesus, I implore,
That I may ever love Thee more and more.
AT THE MEMENTO OE THE LIVING.
{T\OST merciful Father! in the name of Jesus, in
^*^> memory of His Passion and death, and of His
Heart, wounded for love of us, we beseech Thee to pro-
tect Thy holy Church. Sanctify and exalt it as the
spouse of Thy divine Son. Bless His Holiness, our chief
Pastor, our bishops, and our priests.
Remember also, O Lord, my parents, my relatives,
my friends, my benefactors, and all those who have
asked me to pray for them, and for whom I have prom-
ised to pray. Bless them, and by Thy grace advance
them in the way of salvation.
O good and loving Jesus, take to Thy Sacred Heart all
who belong to the Apostleship of Prayer, all who are de-
voted to Thy interests. Thy kingdom come! Strengthen
Thy faithful servants, that by their fidelity and zeal they
may compensate Thee for the outrages which are inflicted
338
The Holy Mass in Union with.
upon Thee in the Sacrament of Thy love by those whc
unfortunately do not love Thee.
AT THE ELEVATION.
Cast a look of adoration and love upon the sacred Host
when it is elevated by the priest; then incline your head
devoutly and say:
SEE upon the altar placed
The Victim of the greatest love;
Let all the earth below adore,
And join the heavenly choirs above:
Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore.
Oh! make us love Thee more and more.
Jesus! dear Pastor of the flock,
That crowds in love about Thy feet,
Our voices yearn to praise Thee, Lord,
And joyfully Thy presence greet:
Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore.
Oh! make us love Thee more and more.
Ejaculations.
AY the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacra-
ment be praised, adored, and loved with grate-
ful affection, at every moment and in all the world, to
the end of time.
UCHARISTIC Heart of my Jesus, whose blood
is the life of my soul, I will no longer live, but
live thou alone in me!
AT THE MEMENTO OF THE DEAD.
O FATHER of mercies, in the name of Thy beloved
Son, in memory and in virtue of the wound of
His Sacred Heart, His bitter Passion, and His cruel
death, in consideration also of the dolors of the immacu-
late heart of Mary, of all the loving transports of the
the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
339
saints, and of all the torments of the martyrs, I beseech
Thee to have pity on the. souls of the faithful departed;;
particularly on the souls of our friends, relatives, bene-
factors, and the associates of the League of the Sacred
Heart. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord, and may
perpetual light shine upon them. O Jesus, mercy I
Blessed be Thy Sacred Heart, and may Thy precious
blood, shed for us in Thy Passion, obtain for us that
heavenly inheritance, where we shall dwell with Thee
in honor and glory, and bless Thee for ever.
AT THE PATER NOSTER.
Recite slowly and devoutly the sublime prayer which
Jesus Himself taught His disciples. Surely nothing better can
be substituted here.
/^VUR Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy
name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily
bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those
who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
AT THE COMMUNION.
Y heart hath expected reproach and misery; and
I looked for one that would grieve together with
me, but there was none ; and for one that would comfort
me, and I found none; Alleluia. (Psalm lxviii. 21.)
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION.*
Y good Lord, my dear Jesus! I am sorry for hav-
ing wounded Thy loving Heart by my sins,
because Thou art infinitely good, and sin displeases
* This Mass in honor of the Sacred Heart may be used profit-
ably, whenever we assist at the holy sacrifice; hence an act of
spiritual communion is here inserted for those days on which
tve do not approach the holy table
340 The Holy Mass in Union with
Thee. Like the beloved disciple, let me rest upon Thy
Heart, and let me grieve, together with Thee, for the
outrages that are committed against Thee in the Sacra-
ment of Thy love. I give Thee my heart and my love,
if my poor love can comfort Thee. I love Thee above
all things, and I desire to possess Thee within my soul.
Since I am unable now to receive Thee sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart, and nourish my
soul unto life everlasting. Let my soul, O Lord, feel
Thy sweetness. Let me taste how sweet Thou art, O
Lord, that, being allured by Thy love, I may never sin
by running passionately after worldly pleasures. "Thou
art the God of my heart, and the God that is my por-
tion for ever." Oh, Thou Lamb of God, Who takest
away the sins of the world, take away from me what-
ever may hurt me and displease Thee. Give me but
Thy love and Thy grace! May the sweet flame of Thy
love consume my soul, that so I may die to the world
for the love of Thee, as Thou hast vouchsafed to die
upon the cross for the love of me.
PRAYERS AFTER COMMUNION.
BEING fed with peaceful delights and life-giving
sacraments, we suppliantly beseech Thee, O
Lord our God, that Thou, Who art meek and humble
of heart, wouldst make us clean from the stain of every
vice, and cause us to abhor more steadfastly the vanities
of the world.
AY we be renewed, O Lord, by the sacred mysteries
we have received; and may they expiate our
sins, and prepare us for Thy eternal mercies. Amen.
AT THE BLESSING.
BLESSED be the Sacred Heart of Jesus! Bless us;
O Lord, as Thou didst bless the little children,
the Sacred Heart of fesus.
34i
and again Thy disciples at Thy glorious ascension into
heaven, so that we may persevere in Thy grace, and be
numbered on the last day among the elect, whom Thou
wilt call the blessed of Thy Father, and invite into Thy
eternal kingdom.
AT THE LAST GOSPEL.
V. The beginning of the holy Gospel, according to St. John,
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
IN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God, and the Word was God: the same was
in the beginning with God. All things were made by
Him, and without Him was made nothing that was
made : in Him was life and the life was the light of men :
and the light shine th in darkness, and the darkness did
not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God,
whose name was John. This man came for a witness
to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe
through him. He was not the light, but was to give
testimony of the light. That was the true light which
enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. He
was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and
the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and
His own received Him not. But as many as received
Him, He gave them power to be made the sons of God:
to them that believe- in His name, who are born, not of
blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,
but of God. And the Word was made flesh (here
the people kneel), and dwelt among us: and we saw His
glory, the glory as it were of the Only-begotten of the
Father, full of grace and truth.
R. Thanks be to God.
AFTER MASS.
The Anima Christi, as on page 213; prayers ordered
by Pope Leo XIII. to be said after every Low Mass, as
on page 228.
34*
A Mode of Hearing Mass
H /IDofce of Ibeanng /iDass for tbe jfaitbful
H)epartet>*
MAKE YOUR INTENTION.
f*\ GOD of all mercy, I come to offer Thee the blood
of the Lamb without spot, for the souls which
Thou lovest, and which long and sigh for the blessed-
ness of seeing Thee and glorifying Thee in heaven.
Just, indeed, are Thy punishments; yet, we beseech
Thee, open to them this day the boundless treasure of
the satisfaction of Thy divine Son; and bestow- upon
them in this holy sacrifice wherewithal to discharge
the debt which they still owe to Thy sovereign justice.
If you intend to communicate, and wish to offer your
communion for particular souls, say:
I beseech Thee, O Lord, to apply to the souls of N.N.
the indulgences which I hope to be able to obtain by
the communion I am about to receive.
A PRAYER BEFORE MASS.
r\ ETERNAL God, Who, besides the general pre-
cepts of charity, hast commanded a particular
respect to be shown to parents, priests, kindred, and
benefactors, and by the institution of the sacrifice of
the Mass hast left us the means of testifying our love
and gratitude toward them even after death, vouchsafe
that the Mass I this day offer in union with Thy minister,
for the souls of N.N. may shorten their sufferings, if
they be still detained in the purifying flames of purgatory.
As there may be many of my friends, relatives, bene-
factors, spiritual or temporal, or ancestors, tormented in
these intense flames, w-ho wTere the instruments of Thy
providence in bestowing on me existence, education, and
innumerable other blessings, grant that I may be the
For the Faithful Departed. 343
means of obtaining for them a speedy release from their
excessive sufferings, and a free admittance to Thy eter-
nal joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
AT THE BEGINNING OF MASS.
ALMIGHTY God, with Whom the spirits of the
just live, and in Whose holy custody are deposited
the souls of all that depart hence in an inferior degree of
grace, and are therefore detained in a state of suffering;
as we bless Thee for. the saints already admitted into
Thy glory, so we humbly offer up our prayers for the
afflicted souls who continually sigh after the days of
their deliverance.
If among them be the souls of those for whom we this
day petition, vouchsafe to pardon their sins, that they
may behold Thee, and in Thy glorious light eternally
rejoice. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
INTROIT.
RANT them, O Lord, eternal rest, and let per-
petual light .shine upon them. Ps. A hymn
becometh Thee, O Lord, in Sion, and a vow shall be
paid to Thee in Jerusalem; hear my prayer; all flesh
shall come to Thee. Grant them, etc.
Lord, have mercy on them.
Christ, have mercy on them.
Lord, have mercy on them.
COLLECTS.
f~\ GOD, Whose property is always to have mercy
and to spare, we humbly beseech Thee for the
soul of Thy servant N., that Thou wouldst not deliver
it up into the hands of the enemy, nor forget it unto the
end, but command it to be received by Thy holy angels,
and to be carried to paradise, its true country, that, as
344
A Mode of Hearing Mass
in Thee it hoped and trusted, it may not have to endure
the pains of hell, but come to the possession of eternal
joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OGOD, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faith-
ful, grant unto the souls of Thy servants de-
parted the remission of all their sins, that by pious sup-
plications they may obtain the pardon which they have
always desired. Grant this, O God, Who livest and
reignest for ever and ever. Amen.
EPISTLE.
(i. Thess. iv. 12-16.)
BRETHREN: And we will not have you ignorant
concerning them that are asleep, that you be
not sorrowful, even as others who have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even
so them who have slept through Jesus, will God bring
with Him.
For this we say unto you in the word of the Lord, that
we who are alive, who remain unto the coming of the
Lord, shall not prevent them who have slept.
For the Lord Himself shall come down from heaven
with commandment and with the voice of an archangel,
and with the trumpet of God: and the dead who are in
Christ shall rise first.
Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be taken
up together with them in the clouds to meet Christ, inta
the air, and so shall we be always with the Lord,
GRADUAL.
TERNAL rest grant to them, and may perpetual
light shine upon them. V. (Ps. cxi. 7.) The
just shall be in everlasting remembrance ; he shall not
fear the evil hearing.
For the Faithful Departed. 345
TRACT.
ELEASE, O Lord, the souls of all the faithful
departed from the bonds of their sins. V. And
by the assistance of Thy mercy, may they escape the
sentence of Thy justice. V. And enjoy the bliss
eternal light.
THE SEQUENCE.
(Dies Ira, See page 940.)
THE GOSPEL.
T that time Jesus said to the multitude of the
Jews: Amen, amen, I say unto you that the
hour cometh, and now is, when the dead shall hear the
voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live.
For as the Father hath life in Himself, so hath He given
to the Son also to have life in Himself; and He hath
given Him power to do judgment, because He is the
Son of man. Wonder not at this, for the hour cometh
wherein all that are in the graves shall hear the voice of
the Son of God; and they that have done good shall
come forth unto the resurrection of life; but they that
have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.
THE OFFERTORY.
OLORD Jesus Christ, King of glory! deliver the
souls of all the faithful departed from the pain=
ful prison of purgatory. We offer Thee, eternal Father,
a sacrifice of praise and of prayer : accept it on behalf of
the souls we commemorate this day, and let them pass
from death to life.
Here make an offering also of your own death and suffer
ings in union with the holy sacrifice, thus:
O my God, I offer Thee also the hour of my death
and all the pains I am destined to suffer from this moment
346 A Mode of Hearing Mass
until my last breath, for Thy glory, and in union with
the bitter pains of Jesus' Passion and death.
AY the most just, most high, and most adorable
will of God be done in all things, be praised and
magnified for ever.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius VII., May 19, 18 18.
/^VMNIPOTENT Lord! Who dost permit evil that
good may spring from it, listen to the humble
prayers, by which we ask of Thee the grace of remain-
ing faithful to Thee, even unto death. Grant us also,
through the intercession of Mary ever blessed, that we
may always conform ourselves to Thy most holy will.
SECRET.
AVE mercy, we beseech Thee, O Lord, on the
souls of Thy servants (name them), for whom
we offer this Victim of praise, humbly beseeching Thy
majesty that by this sacrifice they may arrive at rest
eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PREFACE.
IT is truly just and salutary, to return Thee thanks
at all times, and in all places, O almighty Father,
eternal God. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, and
through His merits, we hope for a glorious resurrection;
so that if the sentence of^ death alarm and deject, the
promise of immortality consoles and animates us; for
to Thy faithful servants death is only a passage from
this life to a better one. Therefore we unite with all
the blessed citizens of the heavenly country in singing
a hymn to Thy glory, and saying without ceasing: Holy,
holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth: heaven and earth
are full of Thy glory. Blessed is He that cometh in the
name of the Lord; His blood pleads for pardon, and
His voice rises ever to the throne of mercy in behali
of the faithful. Amen.
For the Faithful Departed.
347
THE CANON.
E therefore suppliantly beseech Thee, C Father
of mercies, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our
Lord, graciously to accept and bless this holy sacrifice
which we offer Thee for the peace and prosperity of
the holy Catholic Church, for Thy servant, our father,
Pope N., for our bishop and clergy, and for all Thy
iaithful Catholic people: for the living, that they may
prepare for death; and for the dead, that they may
obtain eternal rest.
£ recommend to Thee, O Lord, the souls of Thy
servants N.N., and as, in mercy to them, Thou
didst become man, so now vouchsafe to admit them into
the number of the blessed. Remember, O Lord, that
the souls for whom we pray are Thy creatures, not made
by strange gods, but by Thee, the only true and living
God, for there is no other' God but Thee ; none that can
work wonders like unto Thine.
Let their souls find comfort and mercy in Thy sight,
and remember not their former sins, nor any of those
faults they may have fallen into through human frailty,
or the violence of temptation; for though they sinned,
they still retained a true faith in Thee, O Holy Trinity,
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and a lively zeal for Thy
honor; they faithfully adored Thee and died in favor
with Thee, O divine Lord, as well as in peace and
charity with all mankind.
Remember not, O Lord, we beseech Thee, the sins
and ignorance of their youth, but according to Thy
great mercy, be mindful of them in Th}^ glory. May
the heavens be now opened to receive them. May the
archangel St. Michael, chief of the heavenly host, con-
duct them. May the holy angels of God meet and
accompany them into the city of the heavenly Jerusalem.
May blessed Peter, the apostle to whom were given the
348
A Mode of Hearing Mass
keys of heaven, receive them. May holy Paul, the
apostle who was a vessel of election, help them. May
St. John, the beloved disciple to whom God revealed
the secrets of heaven, intercede for them. May all the
holy apostles, to whom was given the power of binding
and loosing, pray for them. May all the blessed and
chosen servants of God intercede for them, that being
delivered from present confinement and suffering, they
may be admitted into the kingdom of heaven, through
the assistance and merits of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, Who livest, etc.
Aj&d now, all-powerful God, at this awful moment,
when, by the words of consecration, Thy divine Son is
actually present, I offer up to Thee this same beloved
Son, Who died for mankind. I humbly entreat Thee,
through the infinite merits of His death, to show com-
passion and mercy to the souls for whose repose the holy
sacrifice is this day offered.
AT THE ELEVATION.
AIL! most blessed Jesus, eternal Son of the most
high God! Oh, deign to be merciful to those for
wrhom we pray; Thou Who didst expire on the cross for
their sake, give rest to their souls.
*~p^ AIL! sacred blood, that flowed for the sins of the
world; wash away whatever stains may render
Thy servants unfit to be admitted into heaven. O
good and merciful God, look on the face of Thy Christ,
in Whom Thou art always well pleased, and permit the
souls for which He suffered to rest eternally in Thy
divine presence.
AFTER THE ELEVATION.
^Tf'ORD Jesus Christ, we earnestly entreat Thee by
* Thy bitter agony and prayer in the garden to
For the Faithful Departed.
349
become an advocate with Thy eternal Father on behalf
of Thy servants N.N. " Lay before Him, we conjure
Thee, all those drops of blood which in Thy anguish of
spirit flowed from Thy sacred body, and offer them as
a sacrifice of atonement, that thereby the souls of N.N.
may be discharged from all the punishment still due to
divine Justice for their sins.
EORD Jesus, Who wast pleased to suffer death on
the cross for the redemption of mankind, we
humbly beseech Thee to offer up all the anguish and pain
which Thou didst endure, especially at the moment of
Thy death, on behalf of Thy servants, that Thy precious
merits may be accepted for the repose of their souls.
^T-JORD God almighty, I beseech Thee, by the pre-
«J— * cious body and blood of Thy divine Son Jesus,
which He gave with His own hand upon the eve of His
Passion to His beloved apostles to be their meat and
drink, and which He left to His wThole Church to be a
perpetual sacrifice and life-giving food of His, own faith-
ful people, deliver the souls in purgatory, and espe-
cially that one which was most devoted to this mystery
of infinite love; that, with Thy divine Son, and with
Thy Holy Spirit, it may ever praise Thee for this Thy
wondrous love in Thy eternal glory. Amen.
*T"-!ORD God almighty, I beseech Thee, by the pre-
cious blood which Thy divine Son shed on the
cross from His most sacred hands and feet, deliver the
souls in purgatory, and especially that soul for which I
am most bound to pray; that the blame rest not with
me that Thou bringest it not forthwith to praise Thee
in Thy glory and to bless Thee forever. Amen.
*T~lORD God almighty, I beseech Thee, by the pre-
cious blood, which gushed forth from the side
of Thy divine Son Jesus, in the sight and to the extreme
35°
A Mode of Hearing Mass
pain of His most holy Mother, deliver the souls in pur-
gatory, and especially that one amongst them, which
was ever the most devout to our blessed Lady; that it
may soon attain unto Thy glory, there to praise Thee
in her, and her in Thee, world without end. Amen.
Have mercy, also, O Lord, in a particular manner
upon all the souls in purgatory, who once belonged to
this House, and upon all who were members of our
Congregation.
Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord, and let per-
petual light shine upon them. Amen.
PATER XOSTER.
DIYIXE Jesus', at Whose name every knee doth
bend, in heaven, on earth, and in hell! Sovereign
Judge of the living and the dead! may Thy name be
honored by the deliverance of the souls for whom we
pray. May the gates of heaven be open to receive
them, and may Thy will, which desires the salvation of
all men, be this day perfectly done in their regard.
Grant that, after having been fed on the bread of sor-
row, they may be fed with the living Bread of heaven
in the possessioD of Thyself. We implore Thy forgive-
ness of the sins of our parents, friends, and benefactors,
particularly of the sins to which we unhappily have been
accessory. Preserve us from those avenging flames,
which we have but too well merited by our repeated
abuse of grace, our tepidity in Thy service, and our neg-
ligence in resisting temptation. Deliver us from sin, the
greatest of all evils, and enable us to feel and under-
stand that it is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands
of the living God. .Amen.
AT THE AGXTS DEI.
*T~IAMB of God. Who takest away the sins of the
« * * world, grant them rest. Lamb of God. Who
For the Faithful Departed.
fakes t away the sins of the world, grant them rest. Lamb
of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant
them everlasting rest.
AT THE COMMUNION.
I MOST ardently desire, O my adorable Saviour,
that Thou wouldst honor this day the dwelling of
•my heart by Thy divine presence. With what confi-
dence could I then implore rest and eternal peace for
the suffering souls of purgatory whom Thou lovest,
though Thy justice forces Thee to banish them for a
time from their heavenly inheritance. Look, neverthe-
less, O merciful Redeemer, on the work of Thy hands;
hasten the happy hour of their deliverance. Grant me
the graces of a spiritual communion, that I may sub-
missively accept and patiently bear all that is disagree-
able and painful to inclination, and thus avert a long
separation from Thee after the close of my mortal life.
Amen.
POST-COMMUNION.
RANT, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that our
humble prayers on behalf of the souls of Thy
servants, both men and women, may be profitable to
them ; so that Thou mayest deliver them from all punish-
ment due to their sins, and make them partakers of
the redemption Thou hast purchased for them. Who
livest, etc.
AT THE LAST GOSPEL.
AY now the bright company of angels meet your
souls, O departed servants of the Lord; may
the holy apostles receive you; may the triumphant
army of glorious martyrs, confessors, and virgins wel-
come you; and may peace and joy be your portion for-
ever in the company of all the saints. May you behold
352 Mode of Heari7ig Mass in Honour
this day your blessed Redeemer face to face in the gax
den of paradise, and rejoice forever in the Beatific Vision
— the happiness of the elect.
A PRAYER AFTER MASS.
ND now, O God, having recommended to Thy
mercy the souls of Thy departed servants, grant
we may ever remember that we are most certainly to
follow them. Give us grace to prepare for our last hour
by a good life, that so death, however sudden it may be,
may not find us unworthy of admittance into eternal
glory. Open likewise the eyes, and soften the hearts
of all sinners; inspire them, we humbly beseech Thee,
with a true sense of their dreadful danger, that by a
timely consideration of the uncertainty of life, and the
certainty of death, they may be sincerely converted,
and, obtaining pardon for their sins in this life, be happy
with Thee forever in the next. Amen.
/IDo&e of Ifoeadna /Ifoass in *>onor of tbe
Blessefc IDirgfn flbavy.
IN the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
A PRAYER BEFORE MASS.
OMY God, I humbly prostrate myself before Thee,
to assist at the holy sacrifice of the Mass, and to
adore my sovereign Lord in the great mystery of the
Passion and death of Thy holy Son. I praise and
glorify Thee in union with the holy and immaculate
Virgin Mary, whom Thou hast sanctified and preserved
from all stain of original sin, and hast ordained to be
the Mother of Thy only-begotten Son, my Lord and
of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
353
Redeemer. Grant that I and all these faithful here
present may assist at the celebration of this mystery of
love with humility and purity of heart, with that rever-
ence, fervor, and devotion with which Mary, the blessed
Mother of Jesus Christ, prayed to Thee during the
many years she remained in the Temple; but particu-
lar!}: when she received the message of the angel, who,
in Thy name, saluted her — "full of grace, and blessed
amongst women."
O holy Mary, Mother of God, and Queen of heaven
and earth! to thee we, poor banished children of Eve,
have recourse. I intend to assist at this holy sacrifice
in thanksgiving to God the Father, for having predes-
tined thee His chosen daughter; to the eternal Son
for having made thee His beloved Mother; to the Holy
Ghost for having sanctified thee His cherished spouse.
Pray for me and for all thy servants. Obtain that I
may participate in the fruits of the Passion and death
01 thy beloved Son, Our Lord and Redeemer, on Whose
mysteries I am going to meditate during this holy sacri-
fice of the Mass. Amen.
O Mary, refuge of sinners, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to thee!
AT THE BEGINNING OF MASS.
r\ INFINITE Creator and merciful God! Thou
hast been pleased, by the incarnation of Thy
only-begotten Son, to repair the losses caused by the
disobedience of our first parents; Thou didst send the
angel Gabriel to that chosen maid who, by becoming
the Mother of the Redeemer, crushed the infernal ser-
pent's head, and brought salvation to all mankind. Do
Thou, O Lord, Who displayed Thy infinite power in
forgiving and showing mercy to poor sinners, give ear
to our humble prayers, and grant that we, who firmly
believe that Thy eternal Son became man in the chaste
354 Mode of Hearing Mass in Honor
womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and that she is, there -
fore, truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her
prayers. I adore Thee, O my God, in this profound
mystery, the fruits whereof were first felt by the pre-
cursor, who, at the words of Mary's salutation to St.
Elizabeth, was sanctified in his mother's womb. Let
us give praise to God, for He is good, and His mercy
endureth for ever. My sou! doth magnify the Lord ; my
spirit rejoiceth in God my Saviour. But I am unworthy,
O Lord, of Thy favors. How can I dare to appear
before Thee, O my God?
I confess to almighty God, to the blessed and immacu-
late Mary, ever virgin, to St. Michael the archangel,
to John the Baptist, to the holy apostles Peter and
Paul, and to all the saints, that I have sinned in thought
word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech
the blessed and immaculate Mary, ever virgin, blessed
Michael the archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the
holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, to pray
to the Lord our God for me.
May the almighty God have mercy on me, forgive
me my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant me par-
don, absolution, and remission of all my sins. Amen.
To thee, O merciful Queen of heaven and earth, 1
have recourse. It has never been heard of that any
one invoked thee and was forsaken. Plead for me
before thy divine Son and obtain for me the pardon of
my sins.
AT THE INTROIT.
AIL, holy Mother, who didst bring forth the King
who reigns over heaven and earth forever!
Hail, Mary, full of grace! the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the
of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
355
fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
AT THE KYRIE ELEISON.
f~\ LORD, have mercy on me! O Jesus, have mercy
on me! O Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a
sinner !
O Mary, refuge of sinners, pray for me!
AT THE GLORIA IN EXCELSIS.
LORY be to God on high, and peace on earth to
men of good-will. O my God, I unite my
praises with those which the heavenly spirits sang to
Thee on that night, when Thy beloved Son, made man,
was born of the Virgin Mary in the stable of Bethlehem.
My heart is full of gladness, because for my salvation
the Word of God was made man, and dwelt among men.
Glory, praise, and adoration be to God the Father, to
God the Son, and to God the Holy Ghost; three Per-
sons in one God. O holy Virgin Mary, thou art the
glorious Mother of my Redeemer. Remember the joy
thy immaculate and maternal heart did feel when for
the first time thou didst behold, adore, and embrace
thy God and thy infant Son in the stable of Bethlehem.
O blessed Mother of God, pray to thy Son, that I may
be made partaker of the joy of heaven. Amen.
COLLECT OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. — FROM THE VOTIVE
MASS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.
Let us pray.
RANT, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we
Thy servants may enjoy perpetual health of
mind and body; and by the glorious intercession of the
356
Mode of Hearing Mass in Honor
blessed Mary, ever virgin, may be delivered from pres-
ent sadness and enjoy eternal gladness. Through Our
Lord Jesus Christ, etc.
FOR THE CHURCH.
ERCIFULLY hear, O Lord, the prayers of Thy
Church, that all opposition and error being re-
moved, she may serve Thee with undisturbed devotion.
FOR THE POPE.
r\ LORD God, the Pastor and Ruler of all the faith-
ful, look down on Thy servant N., whom Thou
hast appointed pastor over Thy Church, and grant, we
beseech Thee, that he may edify, both by word ana
example, those who are under his charge, and that with
the flock entrusted to him he may arrive at eternal hap-
piness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
AT THE EPISTLE.
r\ ALMIGHTY and merciful God, Who never
ceasest to direct our hearts to the knowledge of
Thy law, to instruct us through the ministry of Thy holy
Church, grant that we may faithfully attend to the
lessons of salvation which Thou givest us. May Thy
holy word fructify in the soil of our hearts; may our
souls be guided by Thy holy law and directed to the
possession of Thee. O God, have mercy on us, and
bring us to Thee, as by the appearance of a miraculous
star Thou didst bring the Wise Men to the stable of
Bethlehem, where they found and adored the Saviour
in the arms of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His holy Mother,
and offered Him, with their hearts, their mysterious
presents. O blessed Mary, obtain for us the grace to
follow the inspirations of the Holy Ghost, and amid
of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
357
the perils that beset our path in this world, to direct
our steps in the way of salvation. O Mary, guide us tc
Jesus,
. . . by the light of thee,
Bright Star of the Seal
AT THE GOSPEL.
/T)Y dear Redeemer, I give Thee thanks for the
inestimable favor Thou hast bestowed upon me,
by calling me to the knowledge of Thy holy Gospel,
and making me a child of the one holy Catholic and
Apostolic Church. I believe and confess all and each
of the articles of faith which Thou hast revealed to Thy
Church, and which the same Church proposes ana
teaches. I am ready, if it be Thy will, to shed the last
drop of my blood for my faith. I return Thee thanks
for that love which prompted Thee to leave to Thy
Church in the Holy Sacrament of the Altar Thy body
and blood, Thy soul and divinity. I believe, O Lord,
that Thou art really present in the Holy Eucharist. When
with the eyes of faith I see my Lord upon the altar, I
can say: "Now, O Lord, let Thy servant depart in
peace, for my eyes have seen Thy salvation." O sweet
Mary, thou didst bring thy holy Son to the Temple, and
didst offer Him to the eternal Father. The holy man
Simeon received Jesus in his arms from thy hands. Oh,
bring my Saviour into my poor heart, that I may love
nothing else but Him and thee. Amen.
AT THE OFFERTORY.
f\ HOLY Father, almighty and eternal God, accept
from the hands of Thy minister the unspotted
Host which he offers Thee in the name of the Church,
for the honor, glory, and adoration of Thy divine Majesty,
m memory of the nativity, life, sufferings, death, Resur-
35 8 Mode of Hearing Mass i?i Honor
rection, and Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and in
honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of all the saints.
In the spirit of humility and contrition of heart I now
offer to Thee, O Lord, this bread and wine, which,
through the words of benediction, which Christ our
Lord instituted at the Last Supper, will be changed into
the body and blood of Thy divine Son, our Saviour.
Come, O almighty and eternal God, the Sanctifier, and
bless this sacrifice prepared for the praise and glory
of Thy holy name. Receive, O Lord, this sacrifice to
the praise and glory of Thy infinite Majesty, to our
benefit, and to that of the whole Church, and also to the
honor of the blessed Mother of Jesus Christ, that she
may vouchsafe to intercede for us in heaven whose mem-
ory we celebrate on earth. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
O merciful God, direct and assist me in the dangers
of this life, as Thou didst direct Mary, the blessed
Mother of Jesus, and her pure spouse, St. Joseph, in
their flight into Egypt. O Lord, save Thy servants,
who repose all their confidence in Thee, and who honor
Thy blessed Mother.
SECRET.
AY this oblation procure us peace and happiness
here and hereafter, through the intercession of
the Blessed Virgin Mary.
FOR THE CHURCH.
T$)ROTECT us, O Lord, while we assist at Thy
r^ sacred mysteries, that being employed in acts
of religion we ma3' serve Thee both in body and
mind.
of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
359
FOR THE POPE.
BE appeased, O Lord, with the offering we have
made, and cease not to protect Thy servant,
N., whom Thou hast been pleased to appoint pastor
over Thy Church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
AT THE PREFACE.
IT is truly meet, and just, and right, and available to
salvation, that we should always, and in all places,
give thanks to Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty,
eternal God, and bless and glorify Thee, on the venera-
tion * of the blessed Mary, ever virgin, who, by the over-
shadowing of the Holy Ghost, conceived Thy only-
begotten Son, and, her virginity still remaining, brought
forth the eternal Light of the world, Jesus Christ oui
Lord. By whom the angels praise Thy Majesty, the
dominations adore it, the powers tremble before it, the
heavens, the heavenly virtues and blessed seraphim
with common jubilee, glorify it. Together with whom
we beseech Thee that we may be admitted to join our
humble voices, saying:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth; the heavens
and the earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the
highest. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the
Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
AT THE CANON.
r\ ALMIGHTY God, Thy beloved Son and my
Lord Jesus Christ has commanded me, by His
word and example, to be always occupied with the
things that are Thine. It was in the Temple that His
blessed Mother and St. Joseph found Him on the third
day after His departure from them. Grant that I may
* Name the particular festival.
36°
Mode of Hearing Mass in Honor
never depart from Thee by sin. But if I ever have
the misfortune of forfeiting Thy holy grace, I will sue
again for mercy in the Sacrament of Penance. Pray
for me, 0 glorious Mother of God, and be my advocate
before thy Son. At thy suggestion He changed, in Cana
of Galilee, water into wine; beg of Him to change my
heart too. to purify and sanctify it, that it may be worthy
of Him for ever.
0 my God, when Mary pronounced these words:
Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me
according to thy word," Thy only-begotten Son became
incarnate in her womb. In like manner at the words
of consecration, which are about to be pronounced by
Thy minister, the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, descends
on our altars, and miraculously changes the substance
of bread and wine into His body and blood, soul and
divinity. I humbly adore Thee, O loving Saviour, in
this mystery of Thy love. Through that divine charity
which moved Thee to utter those consoling words a
few moments before the institution of this Sacrament:
"With desire I have desired to eat this pasch with
you before I sutler," I beg of Thee to have mercy on
me, and to forgive me my sins. Help me in my necessi-
ties, strengthen me against the enemies of my soul, and
grant me the grace I stand in need of to secure my
eternal salvation.
1 pray to Thee also, O Lord, for Thy holy Church,
for our holy father the Pope, for our bishops, and all
pastors of souls: for our Superior and for all the mem-
bers of our Order, for my parents, relatives, benefac-
tors, friends, and enemies. Grant Thy particular
blessings to the pious clients of Thy blessed Mother.
Bless the poor, the sick, and those who are in their
agony. Have mercy on those who have recommended
themselves to my prayers, who pray for me, and finally
on all those for whom I am in justice or charity bound
to pray. Grant peace and concord to all Christian
of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
361
princes and people. Convert poor sinners, enlighten
infidels, and bring back heretics from the ways of error.
May ail be united in one fold, under one Shepherd.
Jesus Christ, the true Pastor of our souls.
Holy Mary, thy divine Son now comes Tipon the
altar. Present to Him my lowly adoration. O my
Jesus, come; come, my Saviour. Receive the prayers
I offer Thee through the hands of Thy blessed Mother.
Come, O Lord Jesus. With the angels, who are prostrate
before the altar, I exclaim: Holy, holy, holy, Hosanna
to Him that cometh from the highest heavens — ever
blessed be His name I
AT THE ELEVATION OF THE HOST.
r\ JESUS Christ, Thou art the true Son of God. I
adore Thee in this holy Sacrament. Be Thou
propitious to me and forgive me my sins.
AT THE ELEVATION OF THE CHALICE.
r\ ADORABLE blood, which Jesus, the true Son
of God and true Son of Mary, has shed for me
on the cross! I adore Thee, O my Redeemer, and I
hide myself in Thy sacred wounds, from which the
price of my redemption flowed. O Jesus, grant that I
may live for Thee and die for Thee. Help, O Lord,
Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy
precious blood.
AFTER THE ELEVATION.
An Act of Adoration.
S~\ MERCIFUL Father, look down from Thy
heavenly throne on the holy and immaculate
Victim now reposing on this altar. Thou hast given
us Thy only Son, and with Him and through Him Thou
hast bestowed on us all the treasures of Thy grace. In
this holy sacrifice Thou hast furnished us with the means
362 Mode of Hearing Mass in Honor
of offering Thee the adoration Thou deservest. Jesus
Christ here present adores Thee for us. Accept His
adoration, which is worthy of Thy sovereign Majesty
Ah! how happy am I to have wherewith to discharge
my obligation toward Thy divine Majesty. This
oblation is infinitely more pleasing in Thy sight than
those of Thy servant Abel, of Abraham, the father of
the faithful, or of Melchisedech, the high priest, who
offered bread and wine as the figure of the sacrifice of
Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
AN ACT OF THANKSGIVING.
CCEPT, O most merciful God, the sacrifice of
Thy Son in thanksgiving for all the benefits
Thou hast granted me. Thou hast created me to Thine
own image and likeness. Thou hast redeemed me
with Thy Son's precious blood. Thou hast called
me to the true faith, and preserved me from eternal
death, which I so often deserved for my sins. Thou
hast called me as one of Thy favored children to follow
Thee more closely in the way of the evangelical counsels.
What return shall I make Thee for these and all Thy
favors? I offer Thee' Thy only Son, Who, before He
instituted this Most Holy Sacrament, lifted up His eyes,
and gave thanks to Thee, His Father almighty. I
offer Him now immolated on this altar; and thus I
make an adequate thanksgiving for all the blessings
Thou hast bestowed on me and on all mankind.
AN ACT OF ATONEMENT.
ESUS, my Saviour! By Thy Passion and death
Thou hast purchased for me the rewards of
eternal life, and Thou still continuest to offer Thyself
a holocaust of propitiation in the holy sacrifice 01 the
Mass. Therefore, I offer Thee to Thy eternal Father
of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
363
as an atonement for my innumerable sins. O heavenly
Father, by the sacrifice of Thy Son Thou hast cancelled
the handwriting of the decree which stood against me,
and hast fastened it to the cross. No longer does the
blood of calves or other victims propitiate Thee to peni-
tent sinners; Jesus is our atonement. His precious
blood, like that of Abel, cries out to Thee for mercy.
Look on Thy divine Son; forgive me my sins, which I
detest from the bottom of my heart. Have mercy on
me a sinner; forgive me through the merits of Jesus
Christ.
AN ACT OF SUPPLICATION.
MY God, I am unworthy to appear before Thee.
I acknowledge my misery and poverty. Thou
art the fountain of all grace, and the source of all good.
Thy beloved Son has commanded me to pray to Thee,
and to call Thee by the consoling name of Father. There-
fore I prostrate myself with confidence before Thee, and
present to Thee my humble supplication through the
same Lord Jesus Christ, Who makes intercession for
me. Grant me a lively faith, a firm and constant hope,
and an ardent charity toward Thee and my neighbor.
Save my soul. Give me strength to vanquish my
spiritual enemies. Grant me a humble resignation to
Thy holy will in the adversities of this life; and, above
all, the gifts of final perse rerance in Thy love and ser-
vice. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Have mercy also, O Lord, on the souls of the faithful
departed — on those of my parents, benefactors, rela-
tives, friends, and on all those for whom I am bound to
pray. Remember, O Lord, those who while living were
most devoted to Thy blessed Mother; grant them^all
rest from their torments, and bring them to heaven.
I apply to the souls in purgatory the holy indulgences
granted to the faithful who assist at the holy sacrifice of
the Mass, and I intend to enter into the dispositions
A
364
Mode of Hearing Mass in Honor
necessary to gain them, through Thy grace and
mercy.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, etc.
O my Redeemer! Thou hast commanded me by
word and example to forgive my enemies. I forgive
them from the bottom of my heart for the love of Thee.
Grant them, O Lord, all the graces and blessings that
are necessary for their spiritual and temporal welfare.
Now, my Saviour, as I have done what Thou hast com-
manded, do Thou fulfil what Thou hast promised, and
forgive me my sins.
Thou didst not forget me, O sweet Jesus, even in Thy
agony. Before expiring on the cross Thou didst leave me
Thy sorrowful and afflicted Mother to be my Mother
also. kk Behold thy Son— behold thy Mother/' I re-
turn Thee thanks, O my Saviour, for this inestimable
favor. And thou, my tender Mother, thou hast begotten
me at the foot of the cross. I am the child of thy sorrow.
Take me under thy protection. Conduct me to Jesus.
Teach me to love Him. O Mother, O tender Mother!
how happy am I in the glorious privilege of being thy
child. O Marv, show that thou art my Mother.
AGNUS DEI.
AMB of God, Who takest away the sins of the
1 world, have mercy on me. (Three times.)
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION.
JESUS'. Thou hast given us in the Holy Eucharist
Thy body and blood to be our spiritual nourish-
ment, through which we may have life everlasting.
Would that I were worthy to receive Thee this day in
the holy communion! I desire, with all my heart, to
receive the Uving Bread which came down from
heaven.
of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
3^5
O Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter
under my roof; say but the word, and my soul shall be
healed. (Three times.) Let me taste, at least, the
sweetness of a spiritual communion. Come to me,
Jesus, my Lord, my Master. Come and refresh my
soul. Strengthen me, that in union with Thee I may
do perfectly the heavenly Father's will. Let me never
be separated from Thee by sin.
Soul of Jesus, sanctify me. Body of Jesus, save me.
Blood of Jesus, wash me. Water out of the side of
Jesus, purify me. Passion of Jesus, comfort me. O
good Jesus, hear me. Hide me within Thy sacred
wounds. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, receive me. O
immaculate heart of Mary, plead for me, and love me.
O sweet Mother, obtain for me the grace of receiving
the holy communion with worthy dispositions, especially
in my last sickness, when I shall be called to appear
before the tribunal of God, that, through the- merits of
my Saviour's death and Passion, and thy intercession,
I may have life everlasting. Amen.
AFTER COMMUNION.
Y loving Saviour, after having suffered for three
hours the most cruel agony; after having accom-
plished all that had been foretold of Thee, Thou didsf
expire on the cross. All nature trembled at Thy death
The rocks were split asunder — and yet, alas, my un-
grateful heart is insensible. I have, by my sins, been
Thy heartless executioner. O my Redeemer, how
can I dare to stand before Thee? But Thou didst
pardon the penitent thief; and this inspires me with
the hope that Thou wilt pardon me also, and admit me,
like him, to the enjoyment of Thy happy kingdom.
O Mary, Queen of martyrs, through the sorrow which
overwhelmed thy heart at the foot of the cross, while
thou wert witnessing the last painful act of Our Saviour's
366 Mode of Hearing Mass in Honor
Passion — through the anguish thou didst feel when
thou didst accompany His sacred body to the tomb, and
the desolation thou didst experience on thy return, I
beseech thee to obtain that His Passion and thy sorrows
may be ever engraven on my heart, that I may never
cease to deplore my sins, which were the cause of His
death and of thy anguish.
AT THE POST- COMMUNION.
AVING received, O Lord, what is calculated to
advance our salvation, grant that we may be
always protected by the patronage of the blessed Mary,
ever virgin, in whose honor we have offered this sacrifice
to Thy divine majesty.
FOR THE CHURCH.
E beseech Thee, O Lord, not to leave exposed
to the perils of human life those whom Thou
hast permitted to partake of these mysteries.
FOR -THE POPE.
E beseech Thee, O Lord, that the participation of
this Divine Sacrament may protect us from all
dangers, and redound to the safety and defence of Thy
servant, N., whom Thou hast appointed pastor over Thy
Church, together with the flock committed to his charge.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
AT THE BENEDICTION.
OLY and adorable Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost, to Thee be honor, praise, and glory.
May this blessing, which I humbly receive from the
hands of Thy minister, be an anticipation of that one
which I trust Thou wilt give me after my death, and on
the day of judgment. May the blessing of God the
of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
367
Father, of God the Son, and of God the Holy Ghost
come upon me now and for evermore. Amen.
AT THE LAST GOSPEL.
^\ MY God, I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee, and
I love Thee with all my heart. May Thy holy
Gospel be propagated throughout the world. Assist
the ministers whom Thou hast appointed to carry the
light of faith to unbelievers, or to revive it among luke-
warm Christians. Grant to all the clergy that spirit of
zeal, fortitude, and knowledge which Thou didst impart
to Thy holy apostles on the day of Pentecost. Thou
hast commanded us, O Lord, to pray to the Lord of
the harvest that He may send laborers to work in His
vineyard. Wherefore I humbly beseech Thee, Who
didst open the prophets' mouths, and didst call the
apostles to announce Thy word, to send us worthy pas-
tors, and to grant that they may edify the flock, destroy
errors and abuses, root out vice, dispel ignorance, and
establish Thy reign in the souls Thou hast redeemed
with Thy blood. Bless all Religious, that they may
be faithful to their holy calling, and advance with all
zeal possible Thy kingdom on earth. Reign Thou, O
Christ, over all Religious, and over all men by Th}
love, and inspire them all with a love of Thy kingdom
and fidelity in Thy services. O Word of God made
flesh, grant us the grace that we may be admitted to
the kingdom of Thy glory. Amen.
A PRAYER AFTER MASS.
"V GIVE Thee thanks, O my God, for having per-
mitted me to assist at this holy sacrifice. I hum-
bly ask pardon for all the negligences and distractions
I may have given way to. Eternal praise be given to
Thy holy name for all the privileges bestowed on the
368 Mass in Honor of ihe Blessed Virgin.
Blessed Virgin Mary, whom Thou didst preserve from
the stain of original sin, and didst make worthy to be
the Mother of Our Redeemer. Thou didst place her
on a throne of glory to be Queen of heaven and earth,
I rejoice at her glory, because she is the Mother of Jesus,
and my Mother also, O loving Mother, protect thy
children, and conduct them to heaven. O holy Mary,
succor the distressed; strengthen the weak; comfort the
afflicted; pray for the people; intercede for the clergy;
make supplication for devout women, and in particular
for Religious. May all experience thy assistance, re-
joice in thy glory, and praise God with thee for evermore.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of •
Christ.
Let us pray.
RANT, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we Thy
servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind
and body; and, by the glorious intercession of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, may be delivered from present
sorrow and attain to eternal joy. Through Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Ejaculations.
Y Queen! my Mother! remember I am thine own.
Keep me, guard me, as thy property and pos-
session.
Indulgence of 40 days each time. — Pius IX., Aug 5, 1851.
f~\ MARY, who didst come into this world free from
stain! obtain of God for me that I may leave it
without sin.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., March 27, 1863,
Devotions for Confession.
369
Bewttons for Confession*
BEFORE CONFESSION.
{T)Y Lord and my God! Prostrate before Thee, full
* » of shame and confusion, I acknowledge I have
broken my solemn promise to Thee, my loving Father —
that promise on account of which Thou hast so often
forgiven me in the past.
O good Jesus, Saviour of the world, who gavest Thy-
self to the death of the cross to save sinners, look upon
rhe, a miserable sinner, who implores Thy mercy. Spare
me, Thou Who art my Saviour, and pity my sinful soul;
loose its chains, heal its sores. Lord Jesus, I earnestly
desire to return to Thee, and I am sorry with my whole
heart that I have ever offended Thee.
Help me now, my dear heavenly Father, for I am
weak, and wounded, and wretched; but I come full of
confidence to Thee, for Thou art my strength; out of
Thee there is no rest, without Thee there is no hope,
therefore I put my whole trust in Thee.
O my God, make known to me the wounds which sin
has made in my soul. Come to my aid, O Lord; with-
out Thee I can not discover them. O eternal light, dis-
pel my darkness. Heart of Jesus, enlighten me; show
me" my faults, make known to me my sins. Grant that
I may see them all as Thou Thyself dost behold them,
and give me courage and strength to lay them bare
without reserve and with a truly contrite heart.
O most gracious Virgin Mary, beloved Mother of
Jesus Christ, my Redeemer, intercede for me, that I
may make a good confession. Obtain for me true
sorrow for my sins, that they may be ail washed away
in the precious blood of thy dear Son Jesus, and a firm
purpose not to offend Him in the future.
37o
Devotions for Confession,
prayers to tbe 1boly (5b05t before Confession.
Veni, Creator Spiritus and Veni, Sancte Spiritus, as
on pp. 551-553.
aOME, Holy Ghost, enlighten my mind and in-
flame my heart, so that I may .confess my sins
worthily, and, being truly penitent, may amend my
life, and henceforth serve Thee faithfully and glorify
Thee with all the powers of my soul and of my body.
Our Father, Hail Mary.
To God the Father glory be,
And to His sole -begotten Son;
The same, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
While everlasting ages run.
preparatory prayers*
DORABLE Majesty, God almighty, I believe
that Thou art here present. I adore Thee
and thank Thee for all the benefits which I have re-
ceived from Thee, particularly for having created me
to Thine own image and likeness; for having permitted
me to be born in the bosom of the Catholic Church
and adopted as one of Thy children, in the Sacrament of
Baptism; for having preserved me to the present time
and saved me from hell by Thy sufferings and death,
for having so .often washed me from my sins in the
Sacrament of Penance, and so often fed me with T*hy
body and blood in the holy communion; for having
called me to the religious state by a particular pre-
dilection. O my God, one life is too short to love Thee,
an eternity is too short to thank Thee for so many bene-
fits! O Holy Ghost, Source of light, vouchsafe to shed
a ray thereof upon my heart; come and assist me to
know my sins; show them to me, O Lord, as distinctly
as I shall know them when I depart this life, when I
shall have to appear before Thee to be judged. Amen.
Devotions for Confession.
37i
Bxamen for Confession**
iS /q|HOU shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole
heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy
v/hoie mind. This is the greatest and first command-
ment. And the second is like to this: Thou shalt love
thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments
dependeth the whole law and the prophets." (Matt, xxii.)
AGAINST GOD.
1. 'T^ AVE I performed the penance enjoined in my last
1> confession?
2. Have I neglected any spiritual duty through sloth, or
without leave, viz., Meditation, Mass, Communion, Examen,
Rosary, etc. ?
3. Have I discharged those duties carelessly and with
wilful distractions?
4. Have I yielded to diffidence in God's mercy, and dejec-
tion of mind?
5. Have I spoken with levity or disrespect of anything
belonging to religion?
vows.
1. *~p^AVE I received or disposed of anything without
r-L^ permission? Of what value?
2. If tempted against the virtue of purity did I neglect to
pray?
3. Have I disobeyed any order *vr murmured against
any direction?
4. Have I neglected or carelessly discharged my appointed
duties in the service of the children, the sick, the poor, etc. ?
AGAINST MY NEIGHBOR.
1. *X^AVE I wilfully entertained feelings of jealousy,
rJL-b aversion, resentment, or contempt?
2. Have I held uncharitable conversations, or been unkind
in act or manner?
* Consult the Index for other Examinations of Conscience.
372
Devotions for Confession.
3. Have I judged or suspected others rashly?
4. Have I yielded to impatience or irritability in word or
manner?
5. Have I told lies? .
AGAINST MYSELF.
1. ^p^AVE I yielded to thoughts or feelings of vanity,
pride, or impatience?
2. Have I yielded to sensuality, sloth, or idleness?
3. Have I neglected or carelessly done my appointed work ?
4. Have I indulged idle, useless thoughts ?
ACT OF CONTRITION.
f \ MY God, I love Thee above all things. I hope, by
the merits and Passion of Jesus Christ, to ob-
tain pardon of my sins. I grieve from the bottom of
my heart for having, by them offended Thy infinite
goodness. I detest them more than all imaginable
evils. I unite my grief for them to that by which Jesus
Christ was oppressed in the Garden of Olives. I firmly
resolve, by the assistance of Thy grace, nevermore to
offend Thee.
(Whenever you will have said this prayer, with the requisite
determination of avoiding all sin, go in peace to confession, with-
out scruple and without fear. — St. Ligouri.)
B fliore 5>et*ileD /IfoetboD of Examination.
Sacraments. — Defective examination of conscience; want
of contrition and purpose of amendment.
Equivocation. — Dissimulation in accusing one's self; neg-
lecting the penance or deferring it too long; paying no atten-
tion to the advice of the confessor; receiving holy commun-
ion without preparation; neglecting thanksgiving.
Meditation. — Want of promptitude and recollection on
first awaking; neglecting the remote or immediate prepara-
tion; not giving all the time prescribed to it; not following
method in making it.
Devotions for Confession,
373
Holy Mass. — Dissipation at the moment of preparation;
losing part of it by one's own fault; wilful distraction (say
if it was on a day of obligation).
Examination of Conscience. — Not giving the time pre-
scribed to it. or passing all the time in distraction; not making
an exact search for one's faults; giving way to discourage
rnent; being vexed, instead of exciting one's self to contrition.
Spiritual Reading, Prayers, Divine Office. — Not giving the
prescribed time to it; reading through curiosity, without
choice, without preparation; saying morning and evening
prayers, Rosary, and other prayers hastily or without atten-
tion; distractions, carelessness during the offices of the
Church; want of attention at sermons and instructions;
want of confidence in God; want of perfect resignation to
His holy will; coldness, in difference ; seldom calling to
mind God's presence; irreverence toward the Blessed Sac-
rament.
Obedience— Contempt, criticising, censures, judgments
against Superiors; want of respect, whether in speaking to
them, or of them; interior or outward murmuring; disobey-
ing the command, or not complying with the desire mani-
fested, or the advice given by them; criticising the com-
mand; obeying through compulsion, or in a manner entirely
human, without viewing the matter in the light of faith;
want of indifference for employment places, etc.; breaking
the rules.
Poverty.— Giving or receiving without permission; lend-
ing or taking without permission; having anything super-
fluous either in what belongs to one's office, or in anything
else; being out of temper when deprived of such things, or
in want of anything; not taking care of things which are
given for one's use or for one's work; breaking, tearing, soil-
ing, or losing by too much haste, carelessness, or frivolity.
Chastity. — Transgressions of the rules of modesty.
Charity. — Detractions, aversions, contempt of one's neigh-
bors, indiscreet reports; sharp words, railleries; rough or
impatient words; want of complaisance, meekness, and
gentleness; rash judgments and unjust suspicions) whether
communicated to others or not; envy, jealousy, conten-
tions, reproaches, antipathy, sourness, impatience; particu-
lar friendshiDS.
374
Devotions fot Confession.
Humility. — Voluntary thoughts of pride or vanity; exces-
sive self-love; preferring one's self before others; being
vexed at their success; speaking in one's own praise; speak
ing with haughtiness and disdain; proud, disdainful, imperi -
ous in gestures, gait, or looks; excusing one's self, flying
from humiliations, avoiding them by every means, even by
falsehood and evasions; being excessively taken up with
one's self; acting through human respect, or to attract the
esteem of others.
Mortification. — Following one's own ill-humor or caprice;
gratifying the senses, as the eyes, by dissipation or curiosity;
the hearing, by the desire to hear or know unprofitable things;
the smell, by taking pleasure in sweet scents, and showing
great dislike for bad; the taste, by eating with sensuality or
gluttony.
Employments. — Discharge them faithfully; conscientious
regard for particular rules of one's employment.
Instruction of Youth. — Acquitting one's self of it negligently,
without viewing it in the light of faith; want of application
to study; not preparing lessons of catechism and other
branches of knowledge; want of careful watchfulness, of
firmness, of sweetness of temper, and of patience; antip-
athy, undue preference; little or no zeal for the instruction
of children, for the reformation of their hearts, for their perse-
verance in good; too great familiarity with them, or their
relatives.
Domestic Employments. — Want of subordination to Superi-
ors, or to those in the higher offices; acting too much upon
one's own ideas; acting with too great haste; having little
or no zeal and care for one's employment; not actuating one's
work with a spirit of faith.
Care of the Sick. — Watchfulness; punctuality; diligence;
kindness; patience; supernatural motive in all acticns.
/Ifoeans of arriving at ©erfectiotu
In General. — Simple submission to God, and simple
attention to His presence.
i . In Behavior. — Uniformity, straightforwardness,
modesty, prudence, meekness, firmness.
Devotions for Confession.
375
2. In Conversation. — Cheerfulness without dissipa-
tion, prudence in words, forgetfulness of self, chariness
in giving advice.
3. In Fault. — Humble and sincere acknowledgment
profound sorrow without discouragement, recourse tc
God, trust in His mercy.
4. In the Use of the Sacraments. — Purity of heart and
intention, detachment from sensible devotion, lively
faith, practical fervor.
5. With God. — Filial confidence, striving to do His
will, calmly waiting the manifestation of His will, obedi-
ence, prompt, generous, unreserved.
6. With our Neighbor. — Cordial readiness to oblige,
forbearance, complaisance without servility, deference
without flattery, condescension without human respect.
7. With Ourselves. — Strict justice, self-denial, prac-
tical and persevering patience under all trials.
8. For our Body.- — Moderate care, discreet rigor,
sobriety in all things.
9. For our Imagination. — Unruffled calm at its wan-
derings, contempt for its illusions, and diversion of the
mind in its importunities.
10. For our Mind.—Wise distrust of one's lights,
happy ignorance of one's merit, holy use of one's talents.
11. For our Heart. — Fidelity in banishing from it
every kind of trouble, watchfulness over all its move-
ments, sacrifice of all that is contrary to the good pleas-
ure of God.
12. Life of Faith. — That is to say, entire conformity
with Jesus Christ in thoughts, feelings, language, works,
and continual and universal dependence on His holy
Spirit. Happy the soul which is faithful to the prac-
tice of these means! In her God is well pleased; she
enjoys God; she finds all in God; she secures the
eternal possessions of God.
376
Devotions for Confession,
Anterior practice.
EASE not to withdraw from creatures until you
. find yourself alone with God. -
Interior Occupation for the Days of Recollection. — Every
month, if possible, devote half an hour to examining
the state of your soul. Employ in this way the time of
meditation, if you have no other moments at your dis-
posal. Examine yourself particularly on these three
essential points: ist. Spiritual Exercises; 2d. The Holy
Rule; 3d. The Predominant Failing.
I. SPIRITUAL EXERCISES.
i st. /^N awaking, have you, by a fervent act of
love, cast yourself into the Sacred Heart of
Jesus ?
2d. Have you been exact in reciting the customary
prayers while dressing? In recalling to mind the sub-
ject of your meditation ? In rejecting every idle thought ?
3d. With what respect and diligence have you hastened
to the chapel to begin your prayer?
4th. How do you prepare for meditation ? How dc
you exercise the power of your soul during it? Do
you try to awaken corresponding sentiments in your
heart? Do you form practical and detailed resolutions
upon the fault which you wish to extirpate, or the virtue
which you have proposed to acquire? Do you fore-
see occasions of avoiding the one and practising the
other? When you finish meditation do you take care
to look back upon the manner in which you have per-
formed it, and to choose a good thought on which you
may dwell during the day?
5th. Besides the general intentions, do you propose
to yourself some particular end when you assist at the
holy Mass?
Devotions for Confession.
377
6th. Do you neglect the means proposed to make,
the remembrance of the presence of God easy for you
during the day? Such as ejaculatory prayers, and
examining yourself after every action?
7 th. Do you make your examination according to
the method prescribed, and with the intention of deriv-
ing benefits from it?
8th. How do you spend the time of the visit to the
Blessed Sacrament?
9th. Do you honor the mysteries in saying your beads ?
Do you take care to form some particular intention?
10th. Do you make spiritual reading with attention?
nth. While undressing, do you call to mind the
subject of the meditation prepared for the next day?
Do you take care to say the prayers recommended?
Do you reject all distractions? Do you retire to rest
in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and go to sleep occupied
with some good thought?
12th. What fruit do you derive from confession?
With what care do you prepare for it? Do you spend
a sufficient time in recollection afterward?
13th. How do you prepare for holy communion on
the previous evening and in the morning? How do
you make your thanksgiving?
14th. Are you careful to direct your intentions for
the indulgence?
2. THE HOLY RULE.
1st. 'sfl I "HAT is your conduct as to obedience? Do
you endeavor to make it prompt, entire,
and blind ? Do you consider Jesus 'Christ in the person
of your Superiors, Whose place they hold ?
2d. Do you fulfil your office and your occupa-
tion with zeal, and according to the view of your
Superior ?
3d. Are you careful to ask the smallest permission ?
3;s
Devotions for Confession.
4th. What are your dispositions with respect to
poverty? Are you content to feel some of its effects?
Do you practise it, as much as possible, in those things
of which you have the use, and in the care of things
entrusted to you?
5th. How do you observe the rules of modesty?
6th. Have you for all your Sisters a truly fraternal
charity, that proves itself in thoughts, words, and deeds ?
Do you render willingly to your Sisters the service which
they may ask of you?
7th. What is your exactness and punctuality to the
sound of the bell; your fidelity in keeping silence, and,
in a word, in the entire perfect observance of the Holy
Rule?
8th. Observe the faults you have committed and
make a special resolution on those points wherein you
have found yourself most deficient.
3. PREDOMINANT FAULT.
Of whatever kind it may be, examine yourself on these four
points :
1 st. *T"\0 you, as far as possible, make this fault,
' or its opposite virtue, the subject of your
particular examen ?
2d. Are you constant and earnest in your efforts to
overcome the difficulties which you meet with in this
combat ?
3d. Are you careful to humble yourself for your
faults, and to give a faithful account of them?
4th. Are your faults as frequent as those of the pre-
vious month?
Devotions for Confession.
379
{Tests of Ibolg Scripture to jErxtte Sorrow for Sins,
anD Confidence.
These may be read over, or meditated upon, in order to
excite confusion and sorrow for sin, and confidence in God's
infinite mercy.
EAR, O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the
Lord hath spoken. I have brought up children,
and exalted them; but they have despised Me (Isa. i. 2).
Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and ye gates
thereof, be very desolate, saith the Lord. For My
people have done two evils. They have forsaken Me,,
the fountain of living water, and have digged to them-
selves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water
(Jer. ii. 12, 13).
Know thou, and see that it is an evil and a bitter thing
for thee, to have left the Lord thy God. . . . Thou hast
broken My yoke, thou hast burst My bonds, and thou
saidst: I will not serve (Jer. ii. 19, 20).
What are these wounds in the midst of Thy hands ? . . .
With these I was wounded in the house of them that
loved Me (Zach. xiii. 6).
Crucifying again to themselves the Son of God, and
making Him a mockery (Heb. vi. 6).
I will arise, and will go to my Father, and say to Him:
Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before Thee
(Luke xv. i-8).
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great
mercy (Ps. 1. 3).
A contrite and humbled heart, O God, Thou wilt not
despise (Ps. 1. 19).
If your sins be as scarlet, they shall be made as
white as snow (Isa. i. 18).
As I live, saith the Lord God, I desire not the death
of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way, and
live (Ezech. xxxiii. 11).
38o
Devotions for Confession.
I say to you, there shall be joy before the angels of
God upon one sinner doing penance (Luke xv. 10).
IReflections for Contrition anfc Bmen&ment,*
HE sight of hell, whose endless pains one mortal
sin deserves; the sight of heaven, whose dreadful
loss one unrepented mortal sin entails; the sight oJ
Gethsemane, where we see —
" Beneath the olives' moon-pierced shade
Our God alone, outstretched and bruised
And bleeding on the earth He made;"
the sight of the pretorium of Pontius Pilate, where, at the
column of the flagellation, we behold Our Lord on the
pavement in a pool of His own most precious blood;
the sight of the thorn-crowned Saviour, falling under
the weight of the cross, along the Via Dolorosa; the
sight of Calvary, where we behold the good and gentle
Jesus nailed upon a cross, and, in bitter agony and deso-
lation, dying a malefactor's death — all impress upon us
the heinousness and hatefulness of sin as well as the
patience and goodness of God, and thus lead us to true
and tender sorrow for our own sins. One mortal sin
banishes God's grace from the soul.. Unhappy is the
soul which loses its God by sin. God, Who is all love,
all holiness, detests sin with infinite loathing and hatred.
We trample on the precious blood of Jesus Christ, we
crucify Him . anew when we commit sin. Detest at
this moment all your sins, and resolve rather to suffer
anything than ever again to offend God, Who is infi-
nitely good and holy and worthy of all your love. Take
your crucifix in your hand, and consider attentively
what a death that was which our dear Lord suffered
on Calvary. Has ever malefactor suffered more than He ?
Think of the scourging that went before; think of the
* Vide " Confession and Communion for Religious.'
Devotions for Confession.
381
crown of thorns ; look at Him now, nailed to the cross — ■
the living flesh nailed— hands and feet nailed by the
huge spikes driven through them into the wood. The
gentlest handling of those wounds would be agony,
and He has to hang upon them with the whole weight
of His body for three hours — until death.
Look at Him — see the tortured head; the dull, glazed
eyes; the parched lips; the quivering limbs; the ever-
widening wounds. Think of the intense thirst; the
dislocated bones; the agony of every nerve and muscle.
Could I look unmoved upon the worst of malefactors
in such a pitiable plight?
And is He a malefactor? No.
Why, then, is He here? For me — in my place — to
suffer the pains due to my sins. He is here, hanging
on the cross, to teach me what sin is — what sin deserves
— to what my sins have brought Him. If ever I have
committed one mortal sin, I have had a distinct share
in bringing about this death of pain and shame. See
how uncomplainingly He suffers in every member of
His body, in every faculty of His soul. See how the
divinity withdraws its support from the humanity except
to enable it to suffer more. See how willingly He
endures all this — for me, to atone for my sins, to satisfy
the Father for me, to win me the absolutions of my life.
O Jesus, I fall on my face before Your cross to ask
for an "intimate knowledge of the batefulness of sin,!'
to ask for grief, tears, and a sense of pain in union with
You in torment, debased thus in order to die for my sins.
Can I doubt that the fruit of Your Passion will be
the full remission of all my sins, that if they be as scarlet
they will be made as white as snow? He, that spared
not even His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all,
how will He not also with Him give us all things — give
me His forgiveness. and His peace?
God is infinitely good; He is holiness itself. We
can not understand what sin is because we can not un-
382
Devotions for Confession.
derstand what God is. And yet the attribute of God
which sin outrages most directly is the one that im-
presses us more than any other — His holiness. We fear
it more than we fear His wisdom, His power, or even
His justice.
It was the holiness of God from which Adam and
Eve sought to hide themselves, " amidst the trees of
paradise," after their sin.
If, when Our Lord came amongst us, the little children
swarmed around Him, and publicans and sinners pressed
upon Him, so that their company was made a reproach
against Him, it was because He veiled His holiness
When for an instant He let its presence be felt, all men
quailed before it. Peter felt it after the miraculous
draught of fishes. It was the holiness rather than the
power of Our Lord that impressed him, and made him
fall at Jesus' knees and cry out: " Depart from me, for
I am a sinful man, O Lord." (Luke v. 8.) The centurion
felt it when he said, "Lord, I am not worthy that Thou
shouldst enter under my roof, but only say the word
and my servant shall be healed." (Matt. viii. 8.) The
soldiers and the priests felt it in the Garden, when they
went back and fell to the ground. At the Last Day it
will be the holiness of God that will terrify the wicked
and make them cry to the mountains and rocks to fall
upon them and hide them "from the wrath of the Lamb."
The angels are not pure in His sight. Before His
throne the eternal song is "Holy, Holy, Holy," as they
cover their faces with their wings.
O holiness of God, I fall on my face before you, to
ask for contrition for my sins. "Have mercy on me,
O God, according to Thy great mercy." (Ps. 1. 3.)
"O God, be merciful to me a sinner." (Luke xviii. 13.)
O God, what must You be in Yourself! What must be
the overflowing goodness of that -nature which can
spend itself on one like me! Shall I not love it for its
own sake?
Devotions for Confession,
383
O God, all good, the only good, surely the proof of
Your infinite goodness is found in this — that You are
good to me. You must be infinitely good to be good
to me. O goodness of God, which I have outraged,
O patience of God, which I have tried so sorely, I grieve
most sincerely that I have ever offended you, I grieve
for the sins of the past week, for the sins of my past life,
especially for . . . And I purpose, with the help of
Your grace, to labor with new courage at the work of
my salvation and perfection, particularly by the avoid-
ance of this fault, . . * and by attention to my particular
examination.
Et dixi, Nunc ccepi. Now do I begin. "Help me, O
Lord God, in my good resolution and in Your holy
service, and give me grace now, this very day, perfectly
to begin; for all I have hitherto done is nothing.' '
ACT OF CONTRITION AND PRAYER FOR PARDON.
fT\ MY God, Thou hast been so good to me, but I
have been so careless and lukewarm in my devo-
tion to Thee. I have entangled myself too much in
vain and transitory things; I have been too self-indul-
gent and too eager for earthly pleasures. Sweet Spouse
of my soul, divine Master, here in Thy presence, I am
overwhelmed with shame and confusion at the sight
of my many sins, offences, and imperfections. But
Thou, O God, wilt not despise a contrite and humble
heart. I confess to Thee, most tender Father, that I
have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, I
am truly sorry for having sinned, because Thou art
infinitely good, and sin displeases Thee. Thou hast
chosen me from among so many who were more worthy
of Thy special love and graces, to be quite near to
Thee, and to serve Thee in this holy house of religion;
yet I have been neglectful of my duties, and have often
been more devoted to self than to Thy interests. Have
3*4
Devotions for Confession.
mercy on me, my God, and forgive me my sins, which
I abhor and regret — not from any selfish motive, but
simply and solely because they have offended Thee, Who
in Thyself art so -good, so holy, so infinitely worthy of all
my affections. I love Thee, O infinite Goodness, with all
my heart and above all things, and I am firmly resolved,
with the help of Thy grace, to avoid the occasions of
sin, and nevermore to offend Thee. In the name of
Jesus, Thy Son, in Whom Thou art well pleased; in
view of His merits, I beseech Thee to pardon me all my
offences, and to restore me to Thy love, as a kind and
tender Father. Bless me, good Father, and grant me
the grace to be faithful to Thee unto death. Amen.
SHORT AND EFFICACIOUS ACT OF CONTRITION.
(St. Mechtildis.)
O SWEET Jesus, I grieve for my sins; vouchsafe to
supply whatever is lacking to my true sorrow,
and to offer for me to God the Father all the grief which
Thou hast endured because of my sins and those of
the whole world. Amen.
ACT OF SORROW.*
(At the foot of the cross.)
Y dear Lord and Saviour, my sins have fastened
Thee to this cross. I know it is just as if I had
myself fixed the crown of thorns upon Thy brow; as if,
with my own hands, I had driven the nails through
Thy sacred hands and feet. O my sweet Jesus, I did
not know what I was doing in committing these sins.
I did not think — but I see it now. I have struck and
wounded and insulted Thee. I am sorry, heartily
sorry for all my sins. Forgive me, dear Lord; I will
* From "Flowers of Nazareth. "
Devotions for Confession.
confess them now, and I firmly resolve with Thy help,
never to commit them again.
ANOTHER ACT OF CONTRITION.
ITS LORD Jesus Christ, Lover of our souls, Who, for
the great love wherewith Thou hast loved us,
wouldst not the death of a sinner, but rather that he
should be converted and live; I grieve most sincerely
that I have offended Thee, my most loving Father and
Redeemer, to Whom all sin is infinitely displeasing ; Who
hast so loved me ihat Thou didst shed Thy blood for
me, and endure a most cruel death. O my God! O
infinite Goodness! would that I had never offended
Thee. Pardon me, O Lord Jesus, pardon me, most
humbly imploring Thy mercy. Have pity upon a sinner
for whom Thy blood pleads before the face of the Father.
O most merciful and forgiving Lord, for the love of
Thee I forgive all who have ever offended me. I firmly
resolve to forsake all sins, and to avoid the occasions
of them; and to confess, in bitterness of spirit, all those
sins which I have committed against Thy divine good-
ness, and to love Thee, O my God, for Thine own sake,
above all things and for ever. Give me Thy love, O
Lord, and the grace of final perseverance.
©fterin^ of Confession.
Y God and Saviour, I offer Thee the confession I
am going to make in obedience to Thy will, for
the increase of Thy glory, to obtain pardon for my sins,
for all the indulgences which may be gained, and for
whatever other intentions I ought to offer it, particu-
larly to advance in Thy holy grace and love. Grant
to my soul, O Lord, all the requisite dispositions of
humility and contrition. Sweet Saviour of perishing
mankind, cast an eye of pity on my sinful soul, and
regard not the evils I have done, but rather Thine own
386
Devotions for Confession.
merits and sufferings for my salvation; they infinitely
outweigh my sins, however enormous. Confiding in
Thy mercies, O Jesus, I offer Thee the sacrifice Thou
didst offer of Thyself to Thy eternal Father on the
cross, to atone for my imperfect sorrow, and to obtain for
me grace to avoid all sin in future.
PRAYERS AFTER CONFESSION.
{Psalm cii.)
BLESS the Lord, O my soul: and let all that is within
me praise His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and never forget all He
has done for thee.
Who forgiveth all thy iniquities: Who healeth all thy
diseases.
Who redeemeth .thy life from destruction: Who
crowneth thee with mercy and compassion.
The Lord is compassionate and merciful: long-suffer-
ing and plenteous in mercy.
He hath not dealt with us according to our sins: nor
rewarded us according to our iniquities.
As far as the east is from the west: so far hath He
removed our iniquities from us.
As a father hath compassion on his children: so hath
the Lord compassion on them that fear Him.
For He knoweth our frame: He remembereth that
we are dust.
Bless the Lord, all ye His angels: you ministers of
His that do His will.
Bless the Lord, all His works: in every place of His
dominion, O my soul, bless thou the Lord.
Let us pray.
r\ ALMIGHTY and merciful God, Whose mercy is
boundless and everlasting, and of Whose good-
ness the riches are infinite, I give thanks to Thee because
Devotions for Confession,
387
Thou hast so graciously pardoned all my sins, and
restored me to Thy grace and favor. Blessed be Thy
divine compassion, O my God, and blessed be the in-
comprehensible love of Thy beloved Son, which con-
strained Him to institute so gentle and so mighty a
remedy for our sins. Wherefore, in union with all the
thanksgivings which have ever ascended to Thee from
truly penitent hearts, I sing aloud Thy glad praises,
on behalf of all in heaven, on earth, 'and in purgatory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
My dear Jesus, how much do I not owe Thee! By
the merits of Thy blood I trust that I have this day been
pardoned. I thank Thee exceedingly, and I hope to
praise Thy mercies for ever in heaven. My God, if
hitherto I have so often lost Thee, I will lose Thee no
more for the time to come; I am really resolved to
change my life. Thou deservest all my love; I wish to
love Thee in good earnest. My will is never again to
be separated from Thee. I promise to shun the occa-
sions of sin, and to use this means (here mention it),
for not falling again. But Thou, my Jesus, knowest
my weakness; give me the grace to be faithful to Thee
until death, and to have recourse to Thee in my tempta-
tions. Most holy Virgin Mary, assist me; thou art the
Mother of perseverance; I place all my hope in thy
powerful intercession. Amen.
SHORT OFFERING OF SACRAMENTAL PENANCE;
Y Lord and my God, I offer Thee the penance I am
going to perform, and I unite it to the infinite
satisfaction of Jesus Christ my Saviour. Grant that
the abundant merits of Thy dear Son Jesus, and the
immense extent of the love of His Sacred Heart, may
supply the imperfections and feebleness of the works
which I shall perform, and the punishment which I
wish to endure, to satisfy Thy divine justice. Amen.
388
Devotions fur Confession.
{Recite here the penance imposed.)
AFTER PERFORMING SACRAMENTAL PENANCE.
/~\ MOST holy Father, I offer Thee this my confes-
sion and my satisfaction in union with all the
acts of penance which have ever been done to the glory
of Thy holy name, beseeching Thee to accept this offer-
ing and to render it available through the merits of the
Passion of Thy beloved Son, and through the inter-
cession of the ever-blessed Virgin Mary, and of all Thy
holy apostles, martyrs, confessors, and virgins, What-
ever has been lacking to me in sincere and earnest prep-
aration, in perfect contrition, in frank and clear confes-
sion, I commend to the most loving Heart of Thine
only-begotten Son, that treasury of all mercy and grace,
from whose overflowing abundance all debts to Thee
are fully acquitted; that through it all my negligences
and defects in the reception of this Holy Sacrament may
be fully and perfectly supplied, to Thine everlasting
praise and glory, and that Thou mayest effectually
absolve me in heaven, even as Thy minister has with
Thy authority absolved me here on earth; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth wTith Thee and
the Holy Ghost, world without end. Deo gratias!
Zbc Seven penitential paalme * in Xatin anD in
Englisb.
Ant. Ne reminiscaris, etc. Ant. Remember not, O
Lord, our offences, nor those
of our parents; neither take
Thou vengeance of our sins.
* It is a pious custom to recite the seven Penitential Psalms,
respectively, by way of prayer, against the seven deadlv sins.
Devotions for Confession.
389
1. Psalm VI. . D online, ne in Fur or t.
Verse ^ 1. David, in deep affliction, prays for a mitigation of the
divine anger; 4. in consideration of God's mercy; 5. His
glory; 6. his own repentance. 8. By faith he triumphs over
his enemies.
1.
BOMINE, ne in
furore tuo arguas
me, neque in ira tua corripias
me.
2. Mirerere mei, Domine,
quoniam infirmus sum: sana
me, Domine, quoniam con-
turbata sunt ossa mea.
3. Et anima mea turbata
est valde sed tu, Domine, us-
queqiio?
4. Convertere, Domine, et
eripe animam meam; salvum
me fac propter misericordiam
tuam.
5. Quoniam non est in
morte qui memor sit tui; in
inferno autem quis confitebi-
tur tibi?
6 Laboravi in gemitumeo;
lavabo per singulas noctes tec-
tum meum: lacrymis meis
stratum meum rigabo.
7. Turbatus est a furore
meus; inveteravi inter omnes
inimicos meos.
8. Discedite a me omnes
qui operamini iniquitatem,
quoniam exaudivit Dominus
vocem fletus mei.
9. Exaudivit Dominus de-
precationem meam; Domi-
nus orationem meam suscepit.
10. Erubescant, et contur
1. LORD, rebuke me
V-l net in Thine in-
dignation: nor chastise me
in Thy wrath.
2. Have mercy upon me,
0 Lord, for I am weak : heal
me, O Lord, for my bones
are troubled.
3. My soul also is troubled
exceedingly: but Thou, O
Lord, how long?
4. Turn Thee, O Lord, and
deliver my soul: O save me
for Thy mercy's sake.
5. For in death there is no
one that remembereth Thee:
and wTho shall give Thee
thanks in hell?
6. I have labored in my
groanings: even* night will
1 wash my bed, and water
my couch with my tears.
7. Mine eye is troubled
through indignation: I have
grown old among all mine
enemies.
8. Depart from me, all ye
that work iniquity: for the
Lord hath heard the voice of
my weeping.
9. The Lord hath heard
my supplication: the Lord
hath received my prayer.
10. Let all mine enemies
39o
Devotions for Confession.
bentur vehementer omnes ini-
mici mei; convertantur, et eru-
bescant valde velociter.
Gloria Patri, etc.
be ashamed and sore vexed:
let them be turned back, and
be ashamed very speedily.
Glory, etc.
2. Psalm XXXI. Beati Quorum.
The blessedness of those whose sins are forgiven. 3. The
misery of impenitence. 6. Confession of sin brings ease;
8. safety; 14. joy.
1. V¥T^EATI quorum re-
r^»^ missae sunt mi-
litates, et quorum tecta sunt
peccata.
2. Beatus vir cui non im-
putavit Dominus peccatum,
nec est in spiritu ejus dolus.
3. Quoniam tacui, invete-
raverunt ossa mea, dum
clamarem tota die.
4. Quoniam die ac nocte
gravata est super me manus
tua, conversus sum in serumna
mea, dum configitur spina.
5. Delictum meum cogni-
tum tibi feci, et injustitiam
meam non abscondi.
6. Dixi: Conntebor adver-
sum me injustitiam meam
Domino et tu remisisti impie-
tatem peccati mei.
7. Pro hac orabit ad te
omnis sanctus in tempore
opportuno.
8. Verumtamen in diluvio
aquarum multarum, ad eum
non approximabunt.
9. Tu es refugium meum
a tribulatione quae circum-
1. VK>LESSED are they
whose iniquities
are forgiven: and whose sins
are covered.
2. Blessed is the man to
whom the Lord hath not im-
puted sin: and in whose spirit
there is no guile.
3. Because I was silent, my
bones grew old: while I
cried aloud all the day long.
4. For day and night Thy
hand was heavy upon me: I
turned in my anguish, while
the thorn was fastened in me.
5. I acknowledged my sin
unto Thee: and my injus-
tice have I not concealed.
6. I said I will confess
against myself my injustice
to the Lord: and Thou for-
gavest the wickedness of my
sin.
7. For this shall every one
that is holy pray unto Thee:
in a seasonable time.
8. But in the flood of many
waters: they shall not come
nigh unto him.
9. Thou art my refuge from
the trouble which hath sur
Devotions for Confession.
391
dedit me exultatio mea, erue
me a circumdantibus me.
10. In telle ctum tibi dabo,
et instruam te in via hac qua
gradieris firmabo super te
oculos meos.
11. Nolite fieri sicut equus
et mulus, quibus non est in-
tellectus.
12. In camo et freno max-
illas eorum constringe, qui
non approximant ad te.
13. Multa flagella pecca-
toris; sperantem autem in
Domino misericordia circum-
dabit.
14. Laetamini in Domino, et
exultate, justi; et gloriamini,
omnes recti corde.
Gloria Patri, etc.
rounded me: my joy, deliver
me from them that compass
me about.
10. I will give thee under-
standing, and will instruct
thee in the way wherein thou
shalt go: I will fix Mine eyes
upon thee.
11. Be ye not like unto
horse and mule, which have
no understanding.
12. With bit and bridle
bind fast the jaws of those
who come not nigh unto thee,
13. Many are the scourges
of the sinner: but mercy
shall compass him about that
hopeth in the Lord.
14. Be glad, O ye just, and
rejoice in the Lord; and
glory all ye that are right of
heart.
Glory, etc.
3. Psalm XX XV II. Domine, ne in Furore.
I. David's extreme anguish.
resignation and
OMINE, ne in
furore tuo arguas
me, neque in ira tua compias
me.
2. Quoniam sagittse tuae in-
fixae sunt mihi, et confirma-
sti super me manum tuam.
3. Non est sanitas in carne
mea, a facie irae tuae; non
est pax ossibus meis, a facie
peccatorum meorum.
4. Quoniam iniquitates meae
15. He hopes in God. 18. His
grief 22. Prayer.
1. f\ LORD, rebuke
me not in Thine
indignation: nor chastise me
in Thy wrath.
2. For Thine arrows stick
fast in me: and Thou hast
laid Thy hand heavily upon
me.
3. There is no health in
my flesh because of Thy
wrath: there is no rest in my
bones because of my sins.
4. For my iniquities are
392
Devotions for Confession.
supergressae sunt caput meum,
et sicut onus grave gravatae
sunt super me.
5. Putruerunt et corruptae
sunt cicatrices meae, a facie
insipientiae meae.
6. Miser factus sum et
curvatus sum usque in finem;
tota die contristatus ingredie-
bar.
7 Quoniam lumbi mei im-
pieti sunt illusionibus ; et non
est sanitas in carne mea.
8. Affiictus sum, et humili-
atus sum nimis; rugiebam a
gemitu cordis mei.
9. D omine, ante te omne
desiderium meum, et gemi-
tus meus a te non est abscon-
ditus.
10. Cor meum conturba-
tum est, dereliquit me virtus
mea; et lumen oculorum me-
orum, et ipsum non est me-
cum.
11. Amici mei et proximi
mei adversum me appropin-
quaverunt, et steterunt.
12. Et qui juxta me erant,
de longe steterunt, et vim fa-
ciebant qui quaerebant ani-
mam meam.
13. Et qui inquirebant ma-
la mihi, locuti sunt vanitates,
et dolos tota die meditaban-
tur.
14. Ego autem, tanquam
surdus, non audiebam; et
sicut mutus non apericns os
suum.
gone over my head: and, like
a heavy burden, press sorely
upon me.
5. My wounds have putre-
fied and are corrupt: because
of my foolishness.
6. I am become miserable
and am bowed down even to
the end: I go sorrowfully all
the day long.
7. For my loins are filled
with illusions: and there is no
soundness in my flesh.
8. I am afflicted and hum-
bled exceedingly: I have
roared for the groaning of
my heart.
9. Lord, all my desire is
before Thee: and my groan-
ing is not hidden from Thee,
10. My heart is troubled,
my strength hath failed me:
the very Hght of mine eyes is
gone from me.
11. My friends and my
neighbors drew near, and
stood up against me.
12. They that were once
nigh me stood afar off: and
they that sought after my
soul did violence against me.
13. And they that sought
to do me evil talked vanities:
and imagined deceits all the
day long.
14. But I, as a deal man.
heard not: and as one that is
dumb, who openeth not his
mouth.
Devotio?is for Confession.
393
15. Et f actus sum sicut
homo non audiens, et non
habens in ore suo redargu-
tiones.
16. Quoniam in te, Do-
mine, speravi; tu exaudies
me, Domine Deus meus.
17. Quia dixi: Nequando
supergaudeant mihi inimici
mei; et dum commoventur
pedes mei, super me magna
iocuti sunt.
18. Quoniam ego in flagella
paratus sum, et dolor meus
in conspectu meo semper.
19. Quoniam iniquitatem
meam annuntiabo, et cogi-
tabo pro peccato meo.
20. Inimici autem mei vi-
vunt, et confirmati sunt super
me; et multiplicati sunt qui
oderunt me inique.
21. Qui retribuunt mala
pro bonis, detrahebant mihi,
quoniam sequebar bonitatem.
22. Ne derelinquas me, Do-
mine Deus meus; ne discesse-
ris a me.
23. Intende in adjutorium
meum, Domine, Deus salu-
tis meae.
Gloria Patri, etc.
15. I became as a man
that heareth not: and that
hath no leproofs in his
mouth.
16. For in Thee, O Lord,
hath I hoped: Thou wilt hear
me, O Lord my God.
17. For I said, Let not
mine enemies at any time
triumph over me: and when
my feet slip, they have
spoken great things against
me.
18. For I am prepared for
scourges; and my sorrow
is always before me.
19. For I will confess mine
iniquity: and will think upon
my sin.
20. But mine enemies live,
and are strengthened against
me: and they that hate me
wrongfully are multiplied.
21. They that render evil
for good spake against me,
because I followed goodness.
22. Forsake me not, O
Lord my God: go not Thou
far from me.
23. Haste Thee to my
help, O Lord God of my sal
vat ion.
Glory, etc.
4. Psalm L. Miserere.
1. David prays for remission of his sins; 8. lor perfect sanctity
17. Sacrifice without contrition will not pardon sin. 19..
David prays f6r the exaltation of the Church.
bISERERE mei 1. *Tp^ AVE mercy upon
Deus: secundum «-■— b me, O God; ac-
magnam misericordiam tuam. cording to Thy great mercy
ox
394
Devotions for Confession.
2. Et secundum multitudi-
nem miserationum tuarum:
dele iniquitatem meam.
3. Amplius lava me ab ini-
quitate mea: et a peccato
meo munda me.
4. Quoniam, iniquitatem
meam ego cognosce*: et pec-
catum meum contra me est
semper.
5. Tibi soli peccavi, et ma-
um coram te feci: ut justifi-
ceris in sermonibus tuis, et
vincas cum judicaris.
6. Ecce enim in iniquitati-
bus conceptus sum: et in
peccatis concepit me mater
mea.
7. Ecce enim veritatem dile-
xisti: incerta et occulta sa-
pientiae tuae manifestasti mini.
8. Asperges me hyssopo, et
mundabor: lavabis me, et
super nivem dealbabor.
9. Auditui meo dabis gaudi-
um et laatitiam: et exultabunt
ossa humiliata.
10. Averte faciam tuam a
peccatis meis: et omnes ini-
quitates meas dele.
11. Cormundum crea in me,
Deus: et spiritum rectum in-
nova in visceribus meis.
12. Ne projicias me a facie
2. And according to the
multitude of Thy tender mer-
cies: blot out my iniquity.
3. Wash me yet more from
my iniquity: and cleanse me
from my sin.
4. For I acknowledge my
iniquity: and my sin is
always before me.
5. Against Thee only have
I sinned, and done evil in
Thy sight, that Thou may-
est be justified in Thy words,
and mayest overcome when
Thou art judged.
6. For behold, I was con-
ceived in iniquities: and in
sins did my mother conceive
me.
7. For behold, Thou hast
loved truth: the uncertain
and hidden things of Thy
wisdom Thou hast made
manifest unto me.
8. Thou shalt sprinkle me
with hyssop, and I shall be
cleansed: Thou shalt wash
me, and I shall be made
whiter than snow.
9. Thou shalt make me
hear of joy and gladness:
and the bones that were
humbled shall rejoice.
10. Turn away Thy face
from my sins and blot out all
my iniquities.
11. Create' in me a clean
heart, O God: and renew a
right spirit within my bosom.
12 Cast me not away
Devotions for Confession,
395
tua: et Spiritum sanctum
tuum ne auferas a me.
13. Redde mihi laetitiam
salutaris tui: et spiritu prin-
cipali confirma me.
14. Docebo iniquos vias
tuas: et impii ad te conver-
tentur.
15. Libera me de sangui-
neus, Deus, Deus salutis
meae: et exultabit lingua
mea justitiam tuam.
16. Domine, labia mea ape-
ries: et os meum annuntia-
bit laudem tuam.
17. Quoniam si voluisses
sacrificium, dedissem utique:
holocaustis non delectaberis.
18. Sacrificium Deo spiritus
contribulatus: cor contritum
et humiliatum, Deus non
despicies.
19. Benigne fac, Domine,
in bona voluntate tua Sion:
ut aedificentur muri Jerusa-
lem.
20. Tunc acceptabis sacri-
ficium justitiae, oblationes, et
holocausta: tunc imponent
super altare tuum vitulos.
Gloria, etc.
from Thy presence: and
take not Thy holy Spirit
from me.
13. Restore unto me the
joy of Thy salvation: and
strengthen me with a perfect
spirit.
14. I will teach the unjust
Thy ways: and the wicked
shall be converted unto Thee.
15. Deliver me from blood-
guiltiness, O God, Thou God
of my salvation: and my
tongue shall extol Thy jus-
tice.
16. Thou shalt open my
lips, O Lord: and my mouth
shall declare Thy praise.
17. For if Thou hadst de-
sired sacrifice, I would surely
have given it: with burnt
offerings Thou wilt not be
delighted.
18. The sacrifice of God
is an afflicted spirit: a con-
trite and humble heart, O
God, Thou wilt not despise.
19. Deal favorably, O
Lord, in Thy good-will with
Sion: that the walls of Jeru-
salem may be built up.
20. Then shalt Thou ac-
cept the sacrifice of justice,
oblations, and whole burnt
offerings: then shall they
lay calves upon Thine altars.
Glory, etc.
396
Devotions for Confession.
5. Psalm CI. Domine Exaudi.
The extreme affliction of the Psalmist. 12. The eternity and
the mercy of God. 19. To be recorded and praised by future
generations. 26. The unchangeableness of God.
I.
X3(
^OMINE, exaudi
orationem meam,
et clamor meus ad te veniat.
2. Non avertas faciem tu-
am a me; in quacumque die
tribulor, inclina ad me aurem
tuam.
3. In quacumque die in-
vocavero te, velociter exaudi
me.
4. Quia defecerunt sicut
fumus dies mei, et ossa mea
sicut cremium aruerunt.
5. Percussus sum ut fce-
num, et aruit cor meum, quia
oblitus sum comedere panem
meum.
6. A voce gemitus mei ad-
haesit os meum carni mese.
7. Similis f actus sum pelli-
cano solitudinis; f actus sum
nycticorax in domicilio.
8. Vigilavi, et fectus sum
sicut passer solitarius in tecto.
9. Tota die exprobrabant
mihi inimici mei, et qui
laudabant me adversum me
jurabant :
10. Quia cinerem tamqu-
am panem manducabam, et
potum meum cum fietu misce-
bam:
O
LORD, hear my
prayer: and let
my cry come unto Thee.
2. Turn not away Thy
face from me: in the day
when I am in trouble, incline
Thine ear unto me.
3. In what day soever I
shall call upon Thee; oh,
hearken unto me speedily.
4. For my dijys are van-
ished like smoke: and my
bones are dried up like fuel
for the fire.
5. I am smitten as grass,
and my heart is withered:
for I have forgotten to eat
my bread.
6. Through the voice of
my groaning: my bones have
cleaved to my flesh.
7. I am become like a peli-
can in the wilderness: and
like a night-raven in the
house.
8. I have
am become
that sitteth
housetop.
9. Mine enemies reviled
me all the day long: and they
that praised me have sworn
together against me.
10. For I have eaten ashes
as it were bread; and mingled
my drink with weeping.
watched: and
like a sparrow
alone on the
Devotions for Confession.
39?
11. A facie irae et indigna-
tionis tuae, quia elevans . alli-
sisti me.
12. Dies mei sicut umbra
declinavemnt, et ego sicut
fcenum ami.
13. Tu autem, Domine, in
aeternum permanes, et memo-
riale tuum in generationem
et generationem.
14. Tu exurgens misere-
beris Sion, quia tempus mise-
rendi ejus, quia venit tem-
pus;
15. Quoniam placuerunt
servistuis lapides ejus, et
terrae ejus miserebuntur.
16. Et timebunt gentes no-
men tuum, Domine, et omnes
reges terrae gioriam tuam;
17. Quia aedificavit Do-
minus Sion, et videbitur in
gloria sua.
1 8. Respexit in orationem
humilium, et non sprevit
precem eorum.
19. Scribantur haec in gen-
eratione altera, et populus qui
creabitur laudabit Dominum.
20. Quia prospexit de ex-
celso sancto suo, Dominus
de caelo in terram aspexit;
31. Ut audiret gemitus
11. Because cf Thine in-
dignation and wrath: for
Thou hast lifted me up and
cast me down.
12. My days are gone
down like a shadow: and I
am withered like grass.
13. But Thou, O Lord,
endurest for ever: and Thy
memorial to all generations.
14. Thou shalt arise and
have mercy upon Sion: for
it is time that Thou have
mercy upon her, yea, the time
is come.
15. For Thy servants have
delighted in her stones: and
they shall have compassion
on the earth thereof.
16. The Gentiles shall fear
Thy name, O Lord: and all
the kings of the earth Thy
glory.
17. For the Lord hath
built up Sion: and He shall
be seen in His glory.
'i 8. He hath had regard
unto the prayer of the lowly:
and hath not despised their
petition.
19. Let these things be
written for another genera-
tion: and the people that
shall be created shall praise
the Lord.
20. For He hath looked
down from His high and holy
place, out of heaven hath the
Lord looked upon the earth.
21. That He might heai
398
Devotions for Confession.
compeditorum, ut solveret
filios interemptorum;
22. Ut annuntient in Sion
lomen Domini, et laudem
^jus in Jerusalem;
23. In conveniendo popu-
los in unum, et reges ut servi-
ant Domino.
24. Respondit ei in via
virtutis suae: Paucitatem di-
erum meorum nuntia mihi.
25. Ne re^oces me in dimi-
dio dierum meorum; in gene-
rationem et generationem an-
ni tui.
26. Initio tu, Domine, ter-
rain fundasti; et opera manu-
um tuarum sunt coeli.
27. Ipsi peribunt, tu au-
tem permanes; et omnes sicut
vestimentum veterascent.
28. Et sicut opertorium
mutabis eos, et mutabuntur;
tu autem idem ipse es, et anni
tui non deficient.
29. Filii servorum tuorum
habitabunt; et semen eorum
in saeculum dirigetur.
Gloria Patri, etc.
the groaning of them that are
in fetters: that He might de-
liver the children of the slain.
22. That they may declare
the name of the Lord in Sion :
and His praise in Jerusalem.
23. When the people as-
semble together: and kings
that they may serve the Lord.
24. He answered him in
the way of his strength: De-
clare unto me the fewness of
my days.
25. Call me not away in
the midst of my days: Thy
years are unto generation
and generation.
26. Thou, Lord, in the
beginning didst lay the foun-
dations of the earth: and the
heavens are the work of Thy
hands.
27. They shall perish but
Thou endurest: and they
all shall grow old as a gar-
ment.
28. And as a vesture shalt
Thou change them, and they
shall be changed; but Thou
art the same, and Thy years
shall not fail.
29. The children of Thy
servants shall continue; and
their seed be directed for ever.
Glory, etc.
6. Psalm CXXIX. De Profundis,
The just, afflicted by his sins, implores the divine mercy.
1. *T^E profundis cla- 1. (^)UT of the depths
A-J mavi ad te, Do- have I cried unto
Devotions for Confession.
399
mine: Domine, exaudi vo-
cem meam.
2. Fiant aures tuae in-
tendentes in vocem depreca-
tionis meae.
3. Si iniquitates observa-
veris, Domine: Domine, quis
sustinebit ?
4. Quia apud te propitia-
tio est: et propter legem tu-
am sustinui te, Domine.
5. Sustinuit anima mea in
verbo ejus: speravit anima
mea in Domino.
6. A custodia matutina
usque ad noctem: speret
Israel in Domino.
7. Quia apud Dominum
misericordia : et copiosa apud
eum redemptio.
8. Et ipse redimet Israel,
ex omnibus iniquitatibus ejus.
Gloria Patri, etc.
When said for
Requiem, etc.
Thee, O Loid: Lord, heai
my voice.
2. Let Thine ears be atten-
tive to the voice of my sup-
plication.
3. If Thou, O Lord, wilt
mark iniquities: Lord, who
shall abide it ?
4. For with Thee there is
merciful forgiveness: and be-
cause of Thy law I have
waited for Thee, O Lord.
5. My soul hath waited on
His word: my soul hath
hoped in the Lord.
6. From the morning watch
even until night let Israel
hope in the Lord.
7. For with the Lord there
is mercy: and with Him is
plenteous redemption.
8. And He shall redeem
Israel from all his iniquities.
Glory, etc.
the departed:
Eternal rest give, etc.
7. Psalm CXLII. Domine Exaudi.
x. David prays for favor in judgment. 3. He represents his dis-
tress. He prays for grace; 9. for deliverance; 10. for sano
tification; 12. for victory over his enemies.
1. Y^OMINE5 exaudi 1. *T=^ EAR my prayer, O
fL' orationem meam; Lord; give ear
bmribuspercipeobsecrationem to my supplication in Thy
meam in veritate tua; exaudi truth; hearken unto me for
me in tua justitia. Thy justice' sake.
' 2. Et non intres in judi- 2. And enter not into judg-
cium cum servo tuo, quia ment with Thy servant: for
non justificabitur in con- in Thy sight shall no man
spectu tuo omnis vivens. living be justified.
Devotions for Confession,
400
3. Quia persecutus est ini-
micus animam meam, humili-
avit in terra vitam meam;
collocavit me in obscuris,
sicut mortuos saeculi.
4. Et anxiatus est super
me spiritus mens; in me
turbatum est cor meum.
5. Memor fui dierum an-
tiquorum; meditatus sum in
omnibus operibus tuis, in
factis manuum tuarum me-
ditabar.
6. Expandi manus meas
ad te; anima mea sicut terra
sine aqua tibi.
7. Velociter exaudi me, Do-
mine; defecit spiritus meus.
8. Non avertas f aciem tuam
a me, et similis ero desccn-
dentibus in lacum.
9. Audit am fac mihi mane
misericordiam tuam, quia in
te speravi.
10. Notam fac mihi viam
in qua ambulem, quia ad te
levavi animam meam.
11. Eripe me de inimicis
meis, Domine, ad te confugi.
12. Doce me facere volun-
tatem tuam, quia Deus meus
3. For the enemy hath
presecuted my soul: he hath
brought my life down unto
the ground.
4. He hath made me to
dwell in darkness, as those
that have been long dead;
and my spirit is vexed within
me, my heart within me is
troubled.
5. I have remembered the
days of old, I have thought
upon all Thy works: I hav^
mused upon the works of
Thy hands.
6. I have stretched forth
my hands unto Thee; my
soul gaspeth unto Thee, as a
land where no water is.
7. Hear me speedily, O
Lord; my spirit hath fainted
away.
8. Turn not away Thy
face from me: lest I be like
unto them that go down into
the pit.
9. Make me to hear Thy
mercy in the morning: for
in Thee have I hoped.
10. Make me to know the
way wherein I should walk:
for to Thee have I lifted up
my soul.
11. Deliver me from mine
enemies, O Lord; unto Thee
have I fled: teach me to do
Thy will, for Thou art my
God.
12. Thy good spirit shall
lead me into the right land:
Devotions for Holy Communion,
401
es tu. Spiritus tuus bonus
deducet me in terrain rectam.
13. Propter nomen tuum,
Domine, vivificabis me; in
aequitate tua, educes de tri-
bulatione animam meam;
14. Et in misericordia tua
disperdes inimicos meos, et
perdes omnes qui tribulant
animam meam, quoniam ego
servus tuus sum.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Ne reminiscaris, etc.
for Thy name's sake, O #
Lord, Thou shalt quicken me
in Thy justice.
13. Thou shalt bring my
soul out of trouble: and in
Thy mercy Thou shalt destroy
mine enemies.
14. Thou shalt destroy all
them that afflict my soul: for
I am Thy servant.
Glory, etc.
Ant. Remember not, O
Lord, our offences, nor those
cf our parents: neither take
Thau vengeance on account
of our sins.
2>e\>ottons for 1bols Communion*
/ftass fn Potior of tbe blessed Sacrament before
1bolg Communion.
PREPARATORY PRAYER.
r\ FATHER of mercies! Who, not content that
Thy only-begotten Son should have been once *
offered a bleeding Victim on the cross for our salvation,
wouldst have the same most acceptable oblation daily
repeated in an unbloody manner upon our altars, to
apply to our souls the fruit thereof, grant that we may
assist at this sublime sacrifice with such reverence,
attention, and love as to partake most plentifully of the
fruits it is intended to produce in us, through the same
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HOLY tabernacle! Thou dost enclose the pre-
cious Bread of heaven, the Food of angels, the
Eucharistic Manna of the soul. How my heart longs
and sighs for Thee, O good, humble, gentle Jesus, Who
40-2
Devotions for Holy Communion,
• art hidden in the Blessed Sacrament 1 Thou art my Lord-
my God, and my all, and Thou wilt deign to come to me
this day in holy communion. I adore Thee profoundly,
with the angels who surround Thy altar-throne of
mercy and compassion; I bless Thee; I thank Thee; I
am sorry for having offended Thee, and I love Thee now
with all my heart. I wish to offer this holy communion
in reparation for all the offences that have been com-
mitted against Thee in the Sacrament of Thy love, and
especially in atonement for my own sins and negligences.
I have also some other particular intentions and peti-
tions which I now recommend to Thy Sacred Heart
(mention them), and I shall approach the holy table
to-day with the greatest confidence that Thou, O Lord,
wilt grant me all my requests.
Ejaculations.
/T\ AY the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacra-
ment be praised, adored, and loved with grateful
affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the
world, even to the end of time. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., Feb. 29, 1868.
OLY Mary, Mother of God, St. John, evangelist
and beloved disciple of Our Lord, St. Thomas
Aquinas, St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Paschal Baylon5
St. Francis Xavier, St. Aloysius, St. Juliana, Blessed
Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Clara, St. Gertrude, St.
Mechtildis ! Ye great saints and lovers of Jesus in the
Sacrament of His love, pray for me that I may receive
the Lord most worthily in holy communion, that I may
love Him more and more, and that I may follow His
example and persevere in my holy vocation to the end
of my life.
AT THE BEGINNING OF MASS.
I BELIEVE in Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, because
Thou art Truth itself, and Thou hast said: "My
Devotions for Holy Communion. 403
flesh is meat indeed: and My blood is drink indeed."
I hope in Thee, O infinite Mercy, because in Thy good-
ness toward us Thou hast promised that " whosoever
shall eat of this bread shall live forever." I love Thee;
O eternal Goodness, above all things, with that love
"which is diffused in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, Who
is given to us;" and therefore I grieve with my whole
heart for the sins I have committed, and I detest them,
with the resolution of not sinning for the future. "A
contrite and humble heart, O God, Thou wilt not
despise."
O my God, I wish to be present at the holy sacrifice
of the Mass which is about to begin, with all possible
attention and devotion, for I believe it is the very same
sacrifice, offered up now in an unbloody manner, which
was once offered up for us on Calvary. Help me, O
' my God, to be very attentive, and to unite my intention
with that of the priest in offering it up to Thee as an
act of adoration, thanksgiving, reparation, and prayer;
particularly to obtain the grace of a good communion,
and a complete transformation of myself into the like-
ness of Jesus Christ.
COXFITEOR AND KYRIE.
OMY God, give me the purity and holiness necessary
to approach the holy table in a worthy manner.
Lord, I am a poor sinner. I am heartily sorry for all
the sins of my life, because by them I have offended
Thee, Who art infinitely good and worthy of all love.
Kyrie eleison ! Have mercy on me, according to Thy
great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy
mercies, blot out my iniquities.
404 Devotions for Holy Communion,
AT THE GLORIA IN EXCELSIS.
Give glory to God, praise His goodness, and beg peace
and happiness of soul, saying:
LORY and thanks be to Thee, O God, for having
worked such wonders for us, Thy creatures, born
in sin. I praise, O Lord, Thy goodness; I bless Thy
holy name; I adore Thy greatness and power; I beg
of Thee to infuse into my heart that peace and joy which
Thou didst come on earth to spread amongst men.
Give me strength of will against my evil tendencies ;
destroy my bad habits; help me to do Thy will and
thus to become a saint.
AT THE COLLECTS SAY:
4~\ GOD, Who, under a wonderful Sacrament, hast
left us a memorial of Thy Passion, grant, we
beseech Thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of
Thy body and blood, that we may ever feel within us
the fruit of Thy redemption. Who livest and reignest
with the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, now
and for ever. Amen.
Give me daily more and more, O my God, Thy grace
and Thy love, that I may kf " my eyes fixed upon
eternal things and persevere i i'hy service, until with
the saints and angels I may praise and glorify Thee
for ever in heaven. Amen.
AT THE EPISTLE.
HE saints and prophets of the Old Law desired to
see the things that I see, and did not see them,
and to hear the things that 1 hear, and never heard them.
How ardently Abraham and Moses, and David and
Daniel, and Elias desired the coming of this Redeemer.
They saw the types and figures ; I see the reality. Moses
saw the manna and the paschal lamb; I see the Bread
Devotions for Holy Communion. 40
from heaven and the Lamb of God Who takes kway
the sins of the world. The heart of David panted for
Thee, my God, as the hart for the water-brooks, and
Daniel was called "a man of desires." Oh, that I
could desire Thee as they did! What a shame it would
be if their desires were more fervent than my thanks-
giving now for the favors and graces that I have re-
ceived through the Incarnation and Passion of Jesus,
and especially through the Holy Eucharist. I offer
Thee all their desires, and with David I cry out: "What
have I in heaven but Thee? And, besides Thee, what
do I desire upon earth? Thou art the God of my
heart, and my portion forever.' '
AT THE GOSPEL.
Promise God that you will always listen with great rever-
ence to His word, saying:
AY Thy word, O my God, be always a sweet
music to my ears, and as honey to my lips. To
whom shall I listen but to Thee, Who hast the words
of eternal life. The words of men are as chaff scattered
by the wind, but Thy words endure forever. These
are Thy words, O Lord: "Labor not for the meat that
perisheth, but for that which endure th unto life ever-
lasting." "The bread of God is that which cometh
down from heaven." "I am the Bread of life; he that
cometh to Me shall not hunger, and he that belie veth
in Me shall not thirst forever." "He that eateth My
flesh and drinketh My blood hath everlasting life, and
I will raise him up at the Last Day." Thanks be to
God.
CREDO.
An Act of Faith, Adoration, and Love.
£\ MY God, I firmly believe that Thou art really,
truly, and substantially present, as God and
man, with soul and body, with flesh and blood, in the
406
Devo lions for Holy Communion.
Most Holy Sacrament ol the altar. I salute and adore
Thee, sacred Host, Bread of angels, Sanctuary of the
divinity. My faith teaches me that Thou, O God, art
present under the sacramental species. I believe that
these frail appearances conceal from us Thy human-
ity, united to Thy dignity. And though, indeed, this
sublime mystery surpasses my understanding, I revere
it with joy and contemplate it with respect. I am ready
also to give my life as a witness to this truth.
My dear Lord Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, I love
Thee. Forgive my past indifference, my coldness and
neglect toward the Sacrament of Thy love. Grant
that I may love Thee more and more generously. My
kind Jesus, I wish by my presence at Mass this morn-
ing to honor the wound in Thy Sacred Heart, in ordei
that through it Thou mayest pour Thy blessings, accord-
ing to Thy good pleasure, on Thy friends and mine.
Pardon my sins; establish Thy kingdom in my heart:
reign therein supremely. Raise a barrier against the
spirit of the world. Teach me to transform my actions
into as many acts of love, so that after having known
and loved Thee here below, by the light of faith, I may
behold Thee face to face in all Thy glory, and love
Thee in heaven for all eternity.
OFFERTORY.
Present yourself to God, begging of Him to effect an entire
change in your heart.
f~\ JESUS, Thou art all-powerful, and it is this power
which, through the words of Thy priest, changes
bread into Thy body, and wine into Thy precious blood.
O my good God, do Thou work a like change in me,
that no longer of this world as I have hitherto been, I
may become truly spiritual; that I may seek after and
relish only the things of God; that grace, virtue, and
heaven may be in my eyes the only true and solid goods;
that, animated with Thy sentiments, O my Jesus, I may
Devotions for Holy Communion. 407
be transformed into Thee, that Thou may est dwell in
me, and in all those who participate with me in the bless-
ings of Thy love. Almighty God, receive my heart; I
unite it to the sacrifice Thou makest of Thyself ; I place
it in Thy hands ; transform and consecrate it. Say only
one word, and it shall be entirely changed for the future,
following only., the sweet impulse of Thy grace, which
shall make it love virtue. With this offering of my
heart, O my God, I consecrate to Thee my mind, that
it may know Thee; my body, that it may be employed
in Thy service; my whole self, that so I may one day
find myself absorbed in Thee.
AT THE SECRET PRAYERS.
RACIOUSLY hear us, O God, that, by virtue
of this Sacrament, Thou mayest defend us from
all enemies both of body and soul, and give us grace in
this life and glory in the next, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
AT THE PREFACE AND THE SANCTUS.
*T"!ET us give thanks to the Lord our Godi For it is
• meet and just. I give Thee thanks, my divine
Saviour, for the institution of this most wonderful
Sacrament, in which Thou hast bequeathed to us the
Fountain of all graces, as a perpetual remembrance
of Thy boundless love and bitter sufferings. I give
Thee thanks for the numerous graces that I have re-
ceived through this Sacrament at Mass, holy commun-
ion, benediction, and in my visits before the taber-
nacle.
I love Thee, my Lord, and because I love Thee, I
give myself entirely to Thee. I long to receive Thee
this day; however, while longing for Thee, dear Jesus,
to come into my heart, and to unite Thyself to me as
the best of all friends, I must not forget Thy might and
408 Devotions for Holy Communion.
majesty. How great and glorious, how wise and beau
tiful art Thou, O my God ! How presumptuous it would
be to entertain the desire to come so near to Thee, hadst
not Thou Thyself invited me. I am a poor sinner;
yet I love Thee, and because Thou art good, I am sorry
for having offended Thee. And though I believe that
Thou, the great God, art coming into my heart, I do
not lose my awe and reverence for Thee, but can only
wonder at Thy marvelous goodness and condescension.
Let me, then, join my feeble voice to that of the thou-
sands of angels who surround Thy throne, singing
before Thee in unceasing chorus: Holy, Holy, Holy,
Lord God of hosts! The heavens and the earth are
full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed
is He that cometh in the name of the Lord, Who is about
to descend upon this altar, and come into my very heart
to bless me and to fill rrie with the treasures of grace
and the riches of His love. Hosanna in the highest!
AT THE CANON.
Memento for the Living.
IN this holy sacrifice, O Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ, Thou art the Mediator between the heavenly
Father and sinful man; Thou art the High-Priest ap-
pointed for man to present his petitions to his God.
Therefore I implore Thee to hearken to my prayer, not
only for myself but also for all for whom I am in charity
bound to pray. Obtain for us through this holy sacri-
fice the remission of our sins, mercy, and reconciliation
with the heavenly Father; imbue us with strength and
valor in the warfare against the enemies of our soul;
give us fortitude and fidelity in the pursuit of virtues;
aid us in the practice of all good works, and bless us
with the grace of final perseverance. Permit me to
offer my supplications for the peace and prosperity of
Thy holy Church; bless and protect the Holy Father,
Devotions for Holy Communion. 409
Thy vicar on earth; have mercy on the bishops, priests,
Religious, and all who labor in Thy vineyard; animate
them with zeal for the sanctification and salvation of
souls. Inflame their hearts with divine charity; render
their lives as holy as the law they inculcate ; make them
all according to Thine own divine Heart, and let their
light so shine before men that they, seeing their good
works, may glorify the Father Who is in heaven. Par-
don the sinners and convert all to the true faith. O ye
holy apostles, martyrs, and virgins, whom the Church
remembers in the Canon of the Mass, intercede for us,
for all our friends, relatives, benefactors, and for all
those to whom we have promised our prayers, that the
good God may give them that grace which will most
help them to save their souls, to lead a quiet and peace-
ful life in this world, and to be happy with Thee for ever
in heaven. And do Thou, O divine Saviour, gra-
ciously condescend to come now upon our altar, to bless
Thy servants who kneel before Thee in profound adora-
tion.
AT THE CONSECRATION AND ELEVATION.
OUR dear Lord is now coming down on the altar. When
the priest pronounces the words of consecration, troops
of angels descend from heaven to adore their God at that most
solemn moment. When the bell rings and the sacred Host
and the precious blood are elevated, first lift up your eyes to
your God with holy faith, strong hope, and ardent love; then
bow the head in deepest adoration, praise Him with the
heavenly host, thank Him, make atonement by compunction
of heart and beg Him by His precious blood, here truly pres-
ent on the altar, to purify your soul from every stain and pre-
pare it to receive Him worthily.
A dor emus in ceternum Sanctis simum Sacr amentum I
Indulgenced prayer at the elevation during Mass.
ALVE, salutaris Victima, *Tp^ AIL, saving Victim, of-
pro me et omni hu- r*-£ fered on the gibbet of
mano genere in Datibulo cru- the cross for me and for the
cis oblata. whole human race Hail,
4io Devotions for Holy Communion.
Salve, pretiose Sanguis, de precious blood, flowing from
vulneribus Crucifixi Domini the wounds of our crucified
nostri Jesu Christi pronuens, Lord Jesus Christ and wash-
et peccata totius mundi ablu- ing away the sins of the whole
ens. world. Remember, O Lord,
Recordare, Domine, ere- Thy creature that Thou hast
aturae tuae, quam tuo pretioso redeemed by Thy precious
Sanguine redemisti. blood.
Indulgence of 60 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., June 30, 1893.
Ejaculation.
O SACRAMENT most holy! O Sacrament divine!
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine!
Indulgence of 100 days, once during each Mass, when said ac
the elevation. — Pius VII., Dec. 7, 18 19.
AFTER THE ELEVATION.
Memento for the Dead.
Reflect on the happiness you are about to receive at holy
communion. Make acts of love and longing desire, coupled
with sorrow for sins. Pray for the faithful departed.
f~\ LORD Jesus Christ, on Whose glory the angels
and saints in heaven gaze with rapturous delight,
Thou hast deigned out of love for us to come down
from Thy bright and happy heaven, to veil Thy beauty
under the appearances of bread and wine, to dwell
upon our poor altar, and art even now ready to come
into our hearts. Would that my soul were adorned
with all those flowers of virtue, which my good Jesus
desires to find at His coming. In my poverty, I must
appeal to Thyself, my Lord, and I therefore beg of
Thee, when Thou comest into my heart, to plant there
the seed of every flower that is pleasing to Thee. I
promise Thee to water and nourish them all by prayer
and self-denial, so that every time Thou comest into
my heart Thou mayest find them growing and flourish-
ing more and more. I know, O my God, the work
of keeping them alive will be difficult to flesh and blood,
Devotions for Holy Communion 411
but I am willing to work hard for Thee, and I trust
also in Thee to water them plentifully with grace as with
dew from heaven.
My God, have pity on the poor holy souls in purga-
tory, who are longing to get to Thee — longing more
to see Thy face than to be freed from the fierce flames
in which Thy justice is obliged to keep them, till their
debt is paid. I offer Thee the precious blood of Jesus;
I offer Thee the Sacred Heart of Jesus to pay their debt.
Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord, and may perpetual
light shine upon them.
AT THE PATER NOSTER.
Say the "Our Father" slowly and devoutly.
AT THE AGNUS DEI.
Beg of God once more to forget and forgive your past negli-
gence and sin, saying:
S~\ SWEET and gentle Son of God, Who wast "led
like a lamb to the slaughter without opening Thy
mouth." O Thou, Whose blood was shed to wash
away the sins of the world, cleanse my soul once more
in that saving bath, that it may be pure and bright and
altogether spotless when Thou comest to take up Thy
abode within me. May Thy coming bring joy and
peace to my soul, that peace which the world can not
give, because it does not possess it. May this holy
communion not be for my judgment and condemnation,
but for my pardon and salvation.
AT THE "DOMINE, NON SUM DIGNUS."
Humble yourself before God, acknowledging your noth-
ingness* and unworthiness. Desire to receive Jesus, your
dear Lord.
ORD, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst come
into my breast; for what am I, or what have I
412
Devotions for Holy Communion.
ever done to merit this wonderful favor? I have often
displeased Thee ; yet, though I am not worthy of Thy love
and condescension, I am truly sorry for having offended
Thee, and I will approach Thee with hope and confidence,
because Thou Thyself dost invite me in Thy goodness
and mercy. I am now about to go to the holy table,
drawn thither by the sweet attractions of Thy love.
Oh, I desire most earnestly to receive Thee, my dear
Lord, in holy communion.
" Comfort my poor soul distressed;
Come and dwell within my breast;
Oh, how oft I sigh for Thee!
Jesus, Jesus, come to me."
I place myself in Thy hands, O my God, to do with
me what Thou wilt. My heart is ready, O my God;
my heart is ready, and is longing for Thee. Come,
establish Thy kingdom in my soul ; take possession of
my heart.
THANKSGIVING AFTER HOLY COMMUNION.
^^HOU hast come at last, O dear Lord, into my
heart. O my beloved, let me never again be
separated from Thee by sin. O Jesus, my God, I
adore Thee; I believe in Thee; I hope in Thee; I love
Thee with all my heart. I thank Thee for coming to
me, a poor sinner. / am truly sorry for having dis-
pleased Thee so often and so grievously. I pray Thee
to bless me, that I may love Thee and become like Thee
more and more. Adore my Jt^sus, my God, ye blessed
angels and saints of heaven — adore and praise and
glorify my God for me!
Let my soul, O Lord, feel the sweetness of Thy pres-
ence. Let me taste how sweet Thou art, O Lord! that,
being allured by Thy love, I may never sin by running
passionately after worldly pleasures. "Thou art the
God of my heart and the God that is my portion for ever."
Devotions for Holy Communion. 413
O Thou Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of
the world, take away from me whatever may hurt me
and displease Thee. Give me what Thou knowest
lo'be pleasing to Thee and profitable to myself.
O my God and my all! may the sweet flame of Thy
ove consume my soul, that so I may die to the world
jDr love of Thee, Who hast vouchsafed to die upon the
cross for love of me.
How poor a dwelling-place is my heart for Thee, O
Lord of glory! Wliat is it but a poor human heart, full
even yet of worldliness and selfish desires? I trust in
Thee. I pray Thee to drive all selfishness away from it,
and to leave in it a great desire of pleasing Thee and of
being kind to others, because they all have souls for
which Thou didst shed Thy life's blood upon the cross.
Bless me, O my God, and grant that Thy holy will
may be done in me and through me for ever.
Suscipe.
Take, O Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my
understanding, and my whole will. Thou hast given me all
that I am, and all that I possess. I surrender it all to Thee,
that Thou mayest dispose of it according to Thy will. Give
me only Thy love and Thy grace; with these I will be rich
enough, and will have no more to desire. — St. Ignatius Loyola.
Anima Christi, as on page 213.
AT THE BLESSING SAY:
AY Thy blessing, O Lord, descend upon us all,
that we may love Thee and love one another for
Thy sake. In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
AT THE LAST GOSPEL SAY:
HAT a wonderful invention of Thy love it was,
O my God, to become man like one of us, to
redeem us, and to teach us how to live in a manner
414 Devotions for Holy Communion.
worthy of our high dignity as children of God, instead
of living as ,the brutes that perish. Left to ourselves,
what would have become of us? We should have
been as mere animals, taking pleasure only in what
gratifies or pleases the senses. But Thou hast taught
us to raise up our thoughts to Thee, and to journey
onward through weariness and toil to our true and
lasting country in heaven. There we shall rest from
our trouble, and enjoy the sight of Thy magnificence
and glory for ever. Amen.
Bfter /Ifoass an& Communion.
THANKSGIVING.
(From the Roman Missal.)
THE BENEDICITE, OR SONG OF THE THREE CHILDREN.
Antiphon. *T~!ET us sing the song of the three children.
rLi O all ye works of the Lord, bless the
Lord: praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
O ye angels of the Lord, bless the Lord: bless the Lord, ye
heavens.
O all ye waters that are above the heavens, bless the Lord:
bless the Lord, all ye powers of the Lord.
O ye sun and moon, bless the Lord: bless the Lord, ye
stars of heaven.
O all ye showers and dew, bless ye the Lord: bless the
Lord, all ye spirits of God.
O ye fire and heat, bless the Lord: bless the Lord, ye
winter and summer.
O ye dews and hoar-frost, bless the Lord: bless the Lord,
ye frost and cold.
O ye ice and snow, bless the Lord: bless the Lord, ye
nights and days.
O ye light and darkness, bless the Lord: bless the Lord,
ve lightnings and clouds.
O let the earth bless the Lord: let it praise and exalt Him
above all for ever.
Devotions for Holy Communion,
415
O ye mountains and hills, bless the Lord: bless the Lord,
all things that spring forth upon the earth.
O ye fountains, bless the Lord: bless the Lord, ye seas and
floods.
O ye whales, and all that move in the waters, bless the
Lord: bless the Lord, all ye fowls of the air.
O all ye beasts and cattle, bless the Lord: bless the Lord,
ye sons of men.
Let Israel bless the Lord: let him praise and exalt Him
above all for ever.
O ye priests of the Lord, bless the Lord: bless the Lord,
ye servants of the Lord.
O ye spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord: bless the
Lord, O ye holy and humble ot heart.
O ANANIAS, x\zarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, with the Holy Ghost:
let us praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven:
and worthy to be praised and glorified, and exalted above all
for ever.
PSALM CL.
RAISE the Lord in His hory places: praise Him in the
firmament of His power.
Praise Him in His mighty acts: praise Him according to
the multitude of His greatness.
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him
with psaltery and harp.
Praise Him with timbrel and choir: praise Him with
strings and organs.
Praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals: praise Him
upon cymbals of joy: let every spirit praise the Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
Antiphon. Let us sing the song of the three children
which the holy souls sang in the fiery furnace, blessing the
Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
41 6 Devotions for Holy Communion.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father (inaudibly).
V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. Let all Thy works, O Lord, praise Thee.
R. And let Thy saints bless Thee.
V. The saints shall rejoice in glory.
R. They shall be joyful in their place of rest
V. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us.
R. But unto Thy name give the glory.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
OGOD, "Who for the three children didst check the
flames of fire : mercifully grant that the flames of sin
may not consume us Thy servants.
^T^VTRECT, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our actions by Thy
J-' inspiration, and give to us Thy continual help; that
every prayer and work of ours may always begin with Thee,
and through Thee be brought to an end.
VOUCHSAFE, O Lord, to extinguish within us the
flames of vice, as Thou didst grant to Blessed Lawrence
grace to arise whole from his fiery torments. Through
Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS.
I GIVE Thee thanks, eternal Father, for having,
out of Thy pure mercy, without any deserts of
mine, been pleased to feed my soul with the body and
blood of Thy only Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. I be-
seech Thee that this holy communion may not be to my
condemnation, but prove an effectual remission of all
my sins. May it strengthen my faith; encourage me
in all that is good; deliver me from my vicious cus-
toms; remove all concupiscence; perfect me in charity,
patience, humility, and obedience, and in a^l other vir
Let us pray.
Devotions for Holy Communion. 417
tues. May it secure me against all the snares of my
enemies, both visible and invisible; perfectly moderate
all my inclinations, closely unite me to Thee, the true
and only good, and happily settle me in unchangeable
bliss. I now make it my hearty request, that Thou wilt
one day admit me, though an unworthy sinner, to be a
guest at Thy divine banquet, where Thou, with Thy
Son and the Holy Ghost, art the true light, eternal ful-
ness, everlasting joy, and perfect happiness of all the
saints, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OF ST. B O N A VENTURE .
f~\ SWEETEST Lord Jesus Christ, pierce, I beseech
Thee, the inmost marrow of my soul with the
tender and life-giving wound of Thy love, with true,
and calm, and apostolical charity, so that my whole
soul may ever languish and faint for love of Thee, and
for desire of Thee alone. May it long for Thee, and
pine for Thee in the courts of Thy house; may it desire
to be dissolved and to be with Thee. Grant that my
soul may hunger for Thee, Thou Bread of angels, Thou
refreshment of holy souls, our daily supersubstantial
bread, having all manner of sweetness and savor, and
all most thrilling delights. May my heart ever hunger
for Thee and feed on Thee, on Whom angels long to
look; and may my inmost soul be filled with the sweet-
ness of the taste of Thee. May it ever thirst for Thee,
Thou well of life, Thou fountain of wisdom and knowl-
edge, Thou source of everlasting light, Thou torrent
of pleasure, Thou richness and abundance of the house
of God; may it ever yearn toward Thee, seek Thee, find
Thee, tend toward Thee, attain to Thee, meditate ever
on Thee, speak of Thee, and do aU things to the praise
and glory of Thy name, with humility ?.nd discretion,
with love and delight, with ready care and glad affec-
tion, with perseverance even to the end; and do Thou
418
Devotions for Holy Communion.
be alone and evermore my hope, my whole trust, my
riches, my delight, my joy, my rest and my tranquillity,
my peace and my sweet contentment, my fragrance
and my sweetness, my food and my refreshment, my
refuge and my help, my wisdom, my portion, my pos-
session, and my treasure, in Whom my mind and my
heart may ever remain fixed and firm, and rooted im-
movably for evermore. Amen.
ADORO TE DEVOTE, LATENS DElTAS.
Rhythm of St. Thomas Aquinas.
DORO Te devote, la- f£^HEE prostrate I adore—
tens Deitas, v_^J the Deity that lies
Beneath these humble veils,
concealed from human
eyes ;
My heart doth wholly yield,
subjected to Thy sway,
Quae sub his figuris vere la
titas;
Tibi se cor meum to turn subji-
cit,
Quia Te contemplans, totum
deficit.
Visus, tact us, gust us in Te
fallitur
Sed auditu solo tuto credi-
tur:
Credo quidquid dixit Dei
Filius,
Nil hoc verbo veritatis
verius.
For contemplating Thee, it
wholly faints away.
The sight, the touch, the
taste, in Thee are here
deceived ;
But by the ear alone this truth
is safe believed;
I hold whate'er the Son of
God hath said to me;
Than His blest word of truth
no word can truer be.
In cruce latebat sola Deitas,
At hie latet simul et humani-
tas:
Ambo tamen credens, atque
confltens,
Peto quod petivit latro pce-
nitens.
Upon the cross Thy Godhead
only was concealed;
But here Thy manhood, too,
doth lie ? s deeply veiled ;
And yet, in both these truths
confessing my belief,
I pray as prayed to Thee the
poor, repentant thief.
Plagas, sicut Thomas, non I see not with mine eyes Thy
intueor, wounds, as Thomas saw;
Deum tamen meum Te conn- Yet own Thee for my God
teor : with equal love and awe :
Devotions for Holy Communion.
419
Fac me tibi semper magis
credere,
In Te spem habere, Te dili-
gere.
O
memoriale
mini,
mortis Do
Panis vivus vitam praestans
menti de Te
homini :
Praesta meae
vivere,
Et Te illi semper dulee sa-
pere.
Oh, grant me that my faith
may ever firmer be,
That all my hope and. love
may still repose in Thee.
Memorial sweet, that shows
the death of my dear
Lord ;
Thou living Bread, that life
dost unto man afford;
Oh, grant that this my soul
may ever live on Thee,
That Thou mayst evermore
its only sweetness be.
Pie pelicane Jesu Domine, O mystic Pelican, Jesus, my
loving Lord,
Me immundum munda tuo Cleanse me of my defilements
Sanguine: in Thy blood adored,
Cujus una stilla salvum fa- Whereof one only drop, in
cere Thy sweet mercy spilt,
Totum mundum quit at omni Would have the power to
scelere. cleanse the world of all
its guilt.
Jesu, quern velatum nunc
aspicio,
Oro, fiat illud, quod tarn
sitio,
Ut Te revelata cernens facie,
Visu sim beatus tuae gloria?.
Amen.
0 Jesus, lying here concealed
before mine eye,
1 pray Thou grant me that
for which I ceaseless sigh,
To see the vision clear of
Thine unveiled face,
Blest with the glories bright
that fill Thy dwelling-
place.
(The following is usually said after every stanza):
np^ AIL, Jesus, hail; do Thou, good Shepherd of the
sheep,
Increase in all true hearts the faith they fondly keep.
Indulgence of 100 days, after holy communion. — Leo XIII .,
June 15, 1895.
Ejaculation.
My sweetest Jesus, be not my Judge, but my Saviour.
Indulgence of 50 days. — Pius IX., Aug. 11, 185 1.
420
Devotions for Holy Communion.
IXDULGEXCED PRAYER BEFORE A CRUCIFIX.*
N ego, O bone
et dulcissime
fc^^Sbpsrg Jesu, ante con-
spectum tuum
PL genibus me provol-
vo ac maximo ani-
\W mi ardore Te oro
If atque obtestor, ut
%t meum in cor vividos
0 fidei, spei, et chari-
tatis sensus, atque veram
peccatorum meorum poeniten-
tiam, eaque emendandi firmis-
imam voluntatem velis im-
primere: dum magno animi
afTectu et dolore tua quinque
vulnera mecum ipse consi-
dero, ac mente contemplor,
illud prae oculis habens quod
jam in ore ponebat tuo David
propheta de Te, O bone Jesu:
"Foderunt manus meas et
pedes meos: dinumeraverunt
omnia ossa mea."
BEHOLD, O kind and
sweetest Jesus, I cast
myself upon my knees in Thy
sight, and with the most
fervent desire of my soul I
pray and beseech Thee to
impress upon my heart lively
sentiments of faith, hope, and
charity, with true repent ence
for my sins, and a firm purpose
of amendment, whilst with
deep affection and &rief of
soul I ponder within myself,
and mentally contemplate
Thy five wounds; having
before my eyes that which
David spoke in prophecy of
Thee, O good Jesus: 1 ' They
have pierced My hands and
My feet ; they have numbered
all My bones."
A plenary indulgence, which can be applied to the souls in
purgatory, may be gained by the faithful who, after having con-
fessed their sins with sorrow and received holy communion, shall
devoutly recite the above prayer before an image or picture of
Christ crucified, and prav for the intentions of the Holv Father. —
Pius IX., July 31, 1858.'
COR SAXCTISSIMUM JESU!
Cor Sanctissimum Jesu Most Sacred Heart of Jesus !
amas! Non amaris! Utinam Thou lovest! Thou art not
ameris! loved! Would that Thou wert
loved !
EART of my Creator, lead me to perfection.
Heart of my Redeemer, deliver me.
Heart of my Judge, pardon me.
Heart of my Father, guide me.
* Another English version of this prayer is given on page 213.
I1 is the version used most frequently in the United States.
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion . 421
Heart of my Spouse, love me.
Heart of my Brother, tarry with me.
Heart of my Teacher, instruct me.
Heart of my King, be my crown.
Heart of my Benefactor, enrich me.
Heart of my Pastor, guard me.
Heart of my Friend, be my shelter.
Heart of the Infant Jesus, draw me, that I may love Thee
and be evermore closely united to Thee.
Let us pray.
E beseech Thee, Lord, may Thy Holy Spirit set us
on fire with that love which Our Lord Jesus Christ
cast out of the depths of His Heart into the world and greatly
wished should be enkindled.
petitions an& ©fferings after Ibolp
Communion*
INCE Thou hast been pleased, most loving Jesus,
to come and dwell within my heart, I expect
many favors of Thee; for how canst Thou refuse to
give me Thy gifts, since Thou hast given me Thyself?
No, this is not possible, my dearest Lord, and therefore
I feel the strongest confidence of obtaining all from.
Thy goodness. I confess, O Lord, that I deserve noth-
ing; but the more undeserving I am, the more is Thy
goodness glorified in bestowing Thy grace upon me. I
ask, then, O most loving Redeemer, a full pardon and
remission of the guilt of all my sins, which I once more
detest and abominate with all my heart; and for the
remission of the temporal punishment which is due for
them, I desire to gain all the indulgences I can, and
beseech Thee to give me the grace to accomplish this
purpose.
By Thy most precious blood, by Thy body, soul, and
divinity, which I have this morning received, I beg of
Thee with all humility to cleanse my heart from all
422 Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion.
defilement. Create, O my Jesus, a clean heart within
me, and grant me a new spirit truly just and upright.
"Fill it with all the gifts of Thy Holy Spirit, and adorn
it with every virtue, especially with humility, patience,
meekness, and mortification. Detach my heart from
all created things, fashion it after Thine own most Sacred
Heart, and unite it for ever to Thyself in the bonds of
perfect charity. Give me strength and courage to
resist bravely all temptations until death; I purpose to
banish them at once, and promise to avoid every occa-
sion of sin. But, my Lord, Thou knowest that of myself
I can do nothing, and therefore I implore Thee to help
me and to strengthen me by Thy blood.
I beseech Thee to engrave upon my heart so lively a
remembrance of Thy Passion and death, and the bitter
sorrows of my Mother Mary, that they may be my con-
tinual meditation night and day; so that henceforth
and to my last breath I may dwell on Calvary at the
foot of Thy cross, in company with our dear Lady of
sorrows.
I beseech Thee, too, my dearest Lord, most earnestly,
to give me the grace to free myself once for all from the
passion which most predominates in me, and the sin I
most often fall into. (Here mention the particular pas-
sion, or sin, or fault.) I ask moreover for those tem-
poral graces Thou knowest to be most expedient for me,
for Thy greater glory and the salvation of my soul; and
lest I should err in asking for what might be injurious
for me, I leave it entirely to Thee, and trust in Thee,
Who alone hast goodness and infinite wisdom, to give
me what Thou knowest to be best fcr me. To all these
graces add that highest and most precious gift, the crown
and perfection of all Thy other gifts, the grace of final
perseverance. Do Thou, Thyself, my Jesus, ask it of
Thine eternal Father: show Him Thy wounds; otter
Him Thy most precious blood, and then I shall be sure
of being heard.
Petitions and Offer ings after Holy Communion. 423
Lastly, I ask Thee, my Jesus, to give me Thy bless-
ing before Thou leavest me. I recommend my soul to
Thee during the whole of my life and in the hour of
death. Every day and hour and moment I am getting
nearer to that time. Ah! defend me, then, from all
temptations, and give me grace to overcome them; grant
me the assistance of my Mother Mary; and oh! do not
let me, in punishment for my sins, and especially for
my irreverences toward the Blessed Sacrament and
my- unworthy communions — do not let me, I beseech
Thee, dear Lord, depart this life without having received
the last sacraments with proper dispositions.
[You may here add any particular petitions for yourself and
for your neighbor. Do not forget to pray for the Holy Church,
the Sovereign Pontiff, and all Superiors, both ecclesiastical
and secular. Recommend to our dear Lord the regular and
secular clergy, as also the members of all Religious Orders,
and pray Him to give them the true spirit of their holy voca-
tion. Pray for your relatives, friends, and benefactors,
for the afflicted, the sick, and those in their agony. Pray
for the poor, holy souls in purgatory. Recommend all poor
sinners, and pray for their conversion and salvation. Do
not forget to pray for heretics and infidels, beseeching God
to enlighten them and give them grace to embrace the true
faith.]
I should, indeed, be ungrateful, O my Jesus, if after
Thou hast given me Thyself in this holy communion, I
were to delay an instant in giving myself entirely to
Thee. I offer Thee, most loving'Lord, my soul, together
with my liberty. I offer Thee my understanding, that,
sanctified by Thee, it may be occupied earnestly in
the consideration of Thy blessed Passion and death,
and Thy divine attributes. I give Thee my memory,
that I may ever have in remembrance the infinite mercies
Thou hast shown me. I give Thee my will, that by
Thy holy love I may be entirely conformed to Thy
divine will, desiring nothing but what Thou wiliest.
424 Petitions and Offerings after Holy communion.
and rejecting everything that is displeasing to Thee.
I give Thee my whole self, to be sanctified by Thee in
soul and body; and I intend in this offering to make
an entire, irrevocable, and eternal sacrifice of myself
and all that belongs to me. I offer and consecrate to
Thee my poor heart, which now desires to love Thee
so faithfully as to make amends for all the infidelities
of my past life. O my Jesus, detach my heart from
creatures, unite it perfectly to Thine own, and, hiding
it within the loving wound of Thy side, imprint deeply
in it the memory of Thy bitter Passion and the sorrows
of Thy most holy Mother: so that, by frequent medita-
tion on these mysteries, I may be filled with sorrow for
my past sins, and for the time to come faithfully cor-
respond to Thine infinite love.
I offer Thee all the senses of my body, particularly
my eyes and my tongue: grant that henceforth I may
nevermore offend Thee by them. I offer Thee my
thoughts, words, and deeds. My Jesus, I desire to
unite all I have offered Thee to the merits of Thy most
holy Passion and death, and the merits of my Mother
Mary and all the saints. I offer Thee the good works
I have done, as well as those I shall ever do in the whole
course of my life, and I now make the intention of doing
and suffering all things for Thy greater glory, in prepa-
ration for holy communion, and in thanksgiving for
the Most Holy Sacrament.
Blessed and praised every moment be the Most Holy
-and Most Divine Sacrament!
REFLECTIONS AFTER COMMUNION.
i. jr>TXLL to mind, as often as you can during the day,
V*>\ that you have received Jesus in the Blessed
Sacrament. Try to repeat frequently this short sentence:
''This morning Jesus Christ, the Son of God, condescended
to come and dwell within me, and gave Himself to me." By
doing this, you will derive greater fruit from your communion ;
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion. 425
you will gain more patience under difficulties, and be more
careful in keeping the grace of God in your soul; you will
more easily acquire true and real devotion; you will set
a good example to others, and have a continual inducement
to lead a good Christian life, if only you adopt this simple
practice.
2. Retire frequently into your heart, in order to renew
an act of adoration of Jesus, or of thanksgiving for the loving
visit He made you in the morning, and rekindle the fire of
divine charity by some holy aspiration. We would not so
quickly lose the fervor of devotion and the love of God, if
we took greater pains about this; and Jesus Christ would
not have to lament the coldness with which men love Him,
if they only thought oftener of His benefits and His love,
especially in the Most Holy Sacrament, and thanked Him
with their whole heart.
3. Frequently renew the offering of your heart to our
dear Lord. By giving Himself to you, He desires to gain
you to His love, and earnestly asks you to give Him your
heart in exchange for the infinite gift He has bestowed upon
you. Will you be so ungrateful as to deny Him your heart,
and to give it to the world and the devil on the very day on
which He has come to take possession of it? Ah! no; this
must not be; you have consecrated your heart to Jesus in
your communion; you must ratify and confirm this offering;
and if the world, with its enticements, vanities, and false
pleasures, wishes to enter into ytmr heart, say that you have
given it for ever to Jesus. If the devil with his suggestions,
an i the flesY with its temptati ns, assail you: heart, a swer
generously and cou ageously that you have given it to esus,
t3 be His and His alone and for ever. Oh, if all Christians
were but to do this after their communion, they would pre-
serve the grace of God, an not relapse into sin.
4. Remember that ] our tongue h s received Jesus, th t
it has touched His sacred body when ou went to com-
munion. Only re all this thought to mind wi n you feel
tempted to speak impatiently, or so as to offe d or injure
jour neighbor; and surely it will keep you from offending
jesus with tha tongue which has been sarx ified by the
touch of His sacred flesh.
5. In connection with your visits to the Blessed Sacrament
426 Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion.
every day make a spiritual communion, renewing in the most
lively manner your desire to receive our dear Lord into your
heart. Remember, for love of us Jesus remains night and
day in the tabernacle, ardently desiring to communicate Him-
self to our souls, and bestow His graces upon us. Ah! what
monstrous forgetfulness and ingratitude, if, when we can
easily do so, we neglect to go to Him during the day, to pay
our homage and adoration to Him in return for all His love.*
% /Ilbass of abanfcegtvtng after Ibolg Communion.
OU have now received from the tender mercy of your
k divine Redeemer the greatest and sweetest proof of
His wondrous love. Surely your heart is overflowing with
gratitude and affection. To give evidence of this gratitude,
and to give expression to this affection, you can do nothing
better, nothing more acceptable to God, than to assist again
at the adorable sacrifice of the altar, thus offering to the
Almighty the only Victim of thanksgiving proportionate to
the benefits which you have received.
f \ GOD! " how hast Thou multiplied Thy mercies"
in favor of Thy poor servant. When was I ever
so rich as at present? "What shall I render to the
Lord for all the things that He hath rendered to me?
I will take the chalice of salvation; I will pay my vows
to the Lord before all His people; I wTill sacrifice to
Thee the sacrifice of praise, and I will call upon the
name of the Lord, in the courts of the house of the
Lord." (Psalm cxv. 12-18.)
I am indeed fully conscious, O Lord, of my personal
indigence, and my utter unworthiness to be among Thy
chosen ones in this holy place, yet, transported with
gratitude for the dignity to which I am raised by the
AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF MASS.
* Additional exercises for thanksgiving after holy communion
will be found in another part of this book.
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion. 427
sacred bonds, which unite me to my Saviour, I will
again offer Thee, O King of heaven and earth, a worthy
sacrifice, a Victim of thanksgiving, commensurate with
Thy gifts. I will offer Thee a host of praise, im-
molated not only on this altar, but in the midst of my
heart.
And Thou, O Jesus! " sweet and mild, and plenteous
in mercy " (Ps. lxxxv. 5), give ear to my earnest petition;
let me be now so closely united to Thee that I may
become one with Thee, and thus be enabled to offer
my whole being a sacrifice worthy of the God to whose
glory Thou art about to be immolated; create within
me that humble, meek, and fervent heart, which will
make me pleasing and acceptable in Thy sight; let
Thy divine presence fill my soul with consolation and
peace, and let Thy mercies be now upon me, " according
to the hope I have placed in Thee." I ask of Thee, O
Lord, a constant sense of Thy divine presence, that I
may walk before Theea and be perfect.
OFFERING OF SAINT MARGARET MARY.
TERNAL Father, receive, I beseech Thee, the
offering that I make of the Heart of Jesus Christ,
Thy well-beloved Son, as He offers Himself to Thee in
sacrifice. Be pleased to receive this offering for me, with
all the desires, all the sentiments, all the affections, all
the beatings, all the actions of this Sacred Heart. They
are all mine, since He immolates Himself for me; and
I desire, for the future, never to have any other inten-
tions but His. Receive them in satisfaction for my
sins, and in thanksgiving for all Thy benefits. Receive
them, and grant me, through their merits, all the graces
that are necessary for me, and particularly the grace of
final perseverance. Receive them as so many acts of
love, adoration, and praise, which I offer to Thy divine
Majesty, since it is by Him alone that Thou art worthily
honored and glorified. Amen.
428 Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion.
AT THE KYRIB.
KYRIB eleison, etc. ^j— *ORD, have mercy, etc
Christe eleison, etc. ,1 1 Christ, have mercy
etc.
Kyrie eleison, etc. .Lord, have mercy, etc.
FROM THE GLORIA TO THE OFFERTORY.
Adoration, Thanksgiving, Love*
I FALL down to adore You, O Holy and Undivided
Trinity, One in Three and Three in Ones the
earliest, highest, dearest Mystery of our faith!
I fall before You and adore You, O eternal Father,
"Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom all pater-
nity in heaven and earth is named!" (Eph. iii). Our
Father, Who art in heaven! I love and praise You in
union with the Son and the Holy Spirit, and together
with my vow of poverty, put myself wholly into Your
hands for ever.
Sume, Domine, et suscipe!
I FALL before You, and adore You, O eternal Son,
God of God, Light of light, very God of very God,
my Brother by the Incarnation, my Spouse by the vows of
my profession, my Redeemer, my Master, my All in all!
I love and praise You in union with the Father and
the Holy Spirit, and together with m)< vow of chastity,
give myself wholly to Your Heart for ever.
Sume, Domine, et suscipe!
I fail before You and adore Yc .i, O eternal Spirit,
coequal with the Father and the Son, my Guide, my
Comforter !
I love and praise You in Union with the Father and
die Son, Whose uncreated Love You are, and together
with my vow of obedience, abandon myself wholly to
* From Mother Loyola's " Confession and Communion^1
Petitions ana Offerings after Holy Communion. 429
Your leading, to be conformed in all things to Your
will for ever.
Sume, Domine, et suscipe!
Adoration.
uCome, let us adore and fall down before the Lord
lhat made us, for He is the Lord our God." (Ps. xciv.)
Adoro Te devote, latens Deltas.
I adore You, O Lord, my Creator, O God my Re-
deemer, my Sanctiner, O Ever-blessed and Undivided
Trinity 1
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts; the earth is
full of Thy glory; glory be to the Father; Glory be to
the Son; Glory be to +he Holy Ghost.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pope Clement XIV.,
June 6, 1769.
Glory be to the Father, Who created me out of love.
Glory be to the Son, Who redeemed me with love.
Glory be to the Holy Ghost, Who sanctified me in
love, and reserved for me His graces cf predilection.
Glory be to the Holy and • Undivided Trinity, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Laudamus Te; benedicimus Te; adoramus Te, glori-
ficamus Te. Gratias agimus Tibi propter magnam glo-
riam Tuam.
Thanksgiving.
E Deum laudamus: Te Dominum confitemur.
Te seternum Patrem : omnis terra veneratur.
Patrem immensae majestatis.
Venerandum Tuum verum, et unicum Filium.
Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum.
Benedicamus Patrem et Filium cum Sancto Spiritu
Laudemus et superexaltemus eum in saecula.
Benedicta sit Sancta Trinitas et mdivisa unitas, una
Deitas.
43° Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion.
"O ye angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and
exalt Him above all for ever.
"O ye sons of men, bless the Lord; praise and exalt
Him above all for ever.
" O ye servants of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and
exalt Him above all for ever.
uO ye spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord
praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
" O ye holy and humble of heart, bless the Lord; praise
and exalt Him above all for ever.
"O give thanks to the Lord because He is good, be-
cause His mercy endureth for ever.
"O all ye Religious, bless the Lord; praise Him and
give Him thanks because His mercy endureth for ever."
(Dan. iii. 58-90.)
Love and Reparation.
"*T*S not He thy Father, that hath possessed thee, and
made thee, and created thee?" (Deut. xxxii.)
"You are not your own, you are bought with a great
price." (1 Cor. vi.)
"You are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you." (1 Cor. iii.)
To whom, my God, do I belong if not to You ? Who
else has a shadow of right to me ? I am Yours by crea-
tion, by redemption, by sanctification. I am Yours
by, the vows of my profession. And how have You
treated one who is Yours by so many titles ? Have
You loved me ? Have You given me cause to love You ?
Love is shown by deeds, by the communication of good
things. Will Your love bear this test, my God? Oh,
let the history of Your benefits to me throughout my
life speak for You — that hidden history of Your deal-
ings with my soul, the significance of which I could not
make known to others, even if I would — the opportu-
nities, the help in need, the persistent drawing ai«j
waiting which make up the history of my life.
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion. 431
"No earthly father loves like Thee?
No mother 'half so mild
Bears and forbears, as Thou hast done,
With me Thy sinful child."
I have cause indeed to love, and I tell You again
and again that I love You, my God and my all. But
where are the proofs? Love is shown by deeds. In
deed and in truth You have loved m_3. But where
are the proofs of my love ? Resolutions in plenty every
morning. But when the evening comes what have I
to show, what have I to offer but weaknesses, cowardices,
and failures. And yet I love You, dearest Lord. I
wish to please You; forgive me my unfaithfulness.
You. have created me; You know my weaknesses and
nay struggles — have mercy on me; help me to love You
better; help me to follow You more closely. Take my
heart, and make it like Your Heart — meek and humble.
I shall try to accept my failures in a deeply humble
spirit; I shall not yield to discouragement, but trusting
in Your goodness, in Your love and Your grace, I shall
endeavor daily to overcome my weaknesses, and fight
on calmly, courageously, generously, and hopefully to
the end. O Lord, I am willing to go on still struggling
— fighting hard constantly to the last moment of my
Jif e ; and even to fail constantly, to have nothing to show
but defeat and failures, provided only that You are
glorified. Omnia ad Majorem Dei gloriam.
AT THE OFFERTORY.
When the Priest offers the Host, say with him:
^TJCCEPT, O holy Father, almighty, eternal God,
<v^-*-» this immaculate Host, which I, Thy unworthy
servant, offer unto Thee, my living and true God, fo.
my innumerable sins, offences, and negligences, and
for all here present, as also for all faithful Christians,
both living and dead, that it may be profitable for my
own and for their salvation unto life eternal. Amen.
43 2 Petitions and Offerings afier Holy Communion.
When the Priest offers the chalice, say with him:
//) i E offer unto Thee, O Lord, the chalice of salva-
^*^» tion. beseeching Thy clemency that in the sight
of Thy divine majesty it may ascend with the odor of
sweetness for our salvation and for that of the whole
world.
When the Priest washes his fingers, say with him
THE LAVABO.
I WILL wash my hands among the innocent, and
will compass Thy altar, O Lord: that I may hear
the voice of praise and tell of all Thy marvellous works.
I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of Thy house, and the
place where Thy glory dwelleth. Take not away my
soul, O God, with the wicked, nor my life with bloody
men. In whose hands are iniquities; their right hand
is filled with gifts. As for me, I have walked in my
innocence; redeem me and have mercy upon me. My
foot hath stood in the right path; in the churches I will
bless Thee, O Lord. Glory be to the Father, etc.
When the Priest bows before the altar, say:
ECEIYE, O Holy Trinity, this oblation which we
make to Thee in memory of the Passion, Resur-
rection, and Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and
in honor of -Blessed Man', ever virgin, of blessed John
the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, of these
and of all the saints, that it may be available to their
honor and to our salvation; and may they vouchsafe
to intercede for us in heaven, whose memory we cele-
brate on earth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen-
AT THE ORATE, FRATRES.
AY the Lord receive this holy sacrifice from the
hands of His minister at the altar to the praise
and glory of His name, to our own benefit, and to the
welfare of the whole Catholic Church.
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion. 433
AT THE SECRETA.
/T\ERCIFULLY grant Thy Church, O Lord, we be-
seech Thee, the gifts of unity and peace, which
are mystically represented in these offerings, through
Jesus Christ our Lord.
AT THE PREFACE.
IT is truly meet and just, right and salutary, that we
should always and in all places give thanks to
Thee, O Lord, Father almighty, eternal God, since by
the mystery of the Word made flesh a new ray of Thy %
glory has appeared to the eyes of our souls; that, while
we behold God visibly, we may be carried by Him to
the love of things invisible; and therefore, with ihe
angels and archangels, with the thrones and dominations^
and with all the heavenly host, we sing our everlasting
hymn to Thy glory, saying:
AT THE SANCTUS.
OLY, holy, holy. Lord God of Sabaoth, heaven
and earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the
highest !
AT THE BENEDICTUS.
BLESSED is He that cometh in the name .of the
Lord. Hosanna in the highest!
Bt tbe Canon.
COMMEMORATION OE THE LIVING.
T this solemn part of the Mass, let the consideration of
the love which the Almighty has this day manifested
toward you, animate you not only with gratitude toward your
divine Benefactor, but also with a lively interest in the tem-
poral and eternal welfare of all your fellow creatures. Pray
fervently for all, whether friends or enemies: since Jesus
434 Petitions and Offerings after Hoiy Communion.
Christ loves all, and did not refuse to lay down His life for
them.
O DIVINE Jesus! the Redeemer of all mankind!
Who art come to save even those who were lost!
Whose adorable blood was shed for many to the remis-
sion of sins! deign to listen to the prayers I now offer,
not for myself alone, but for all mankind, Whose Crea-
tor, Lord, and Sovereign Master Thou art: — permit
me to offer my supplications for the peace and prosperity
of that Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, which
wras founded on Thy unerring word, established by
Thy miracles, enriched by Thy merits, and made illus-
trious by Thy saints; of that Church, whose unworthy
child I am, in whose bosom, through Thy grace, I re-
solve to live and die; that Church, which has this day
imparted to me her most precious treasure, in giving
me the adorable body and blood of her heavenly Spouse.
O my God! bless, sanctify, and protect the Pope, Thy
representative on earth; have mercy on the bishops,
priests, Religious, and all who labor in Thy vineyard;
animate them with zeal for the salvation of souls, who
are the purchase of Thy blood; give them humility,
purity, prudence, patience, and perseverance; inflame
their hearts with that ardent zeal which consumed Thy
holy apostles. Render their lives as holy as the law
they inculcate; make them all according to Thine own di-
vine Heart, and let their light so shine before men, that
they, seeing their good works, may " glorify their Father
Who is in heaven" (Matt. v. 16). Bless our Holy
Institute; bless our friends, our relatives, our benefac-
tors, all those who have asked us to pray for them, and
for whom we have promised to pray. Bless in particular
those who, by prayer and good works, are fostering and
propagating devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
f\ SWEETEST Jesus, Redeemer of mankind, be-
hold me humbly prostrate before Thine altar. I
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion. 435
belong to Thee ; 1 wish to be Thine ; I dedicate myself
to Thy most Sacred Heart. O my Lord, I seek not.
that which is profitable to myself, but to many; that they
may be saved (1 Cor. x. 33). Many have never known
Thee. Many, despising Thy commands, have rejected
Thee. Have pity on them, most merciful Jesus, and
draw all men to Thy Sacred Heart. Rule, O Lord, not
only over the faithful who never have gone away from
Thee, but also over the prodigal sons who have forsaken
Thee; and make them return quickly to their Father's
house, lest they perish of misery and hunger. Rule
over those who have been misled by error, or separated
by schism; and call them back to the haven of truth
and the unity of faith, so that there may soon be one fold
and one Shepherd. Lastly, rule over all who are sunk
in the old superstition of the Gentiles, and vouchsafe to
bring them out of darkness into the light and kingdom
of God.
Give to Thy Church, O Lord, safety and liberty; give
to all nations peace and order; and grant that, over the
whole earth, from pole to pole, may resound the words:
Praise be to the divine Heart, through which was
brought to us salvation ; glory and honor be to it for even
Amen.
4.T THE ELEVATION.
Adoration.
DORO Te devote, la- HIDDEN God, de-
, tens Deitas, . \J voutly unto Thee
Quae sub his figuris vere la- Bends my adoring knee;
titas; With lowly semblances from
Tibi se cor meum totum subji- sight concealed,
cit, To faith alone revealed.
Quia Te contemplans totum Fain would my heart trans-
deficit, pierce the mystery,
But fails and faints away,
^nd vields itself to Thee
4 j 6 Peiitions and Offerings after Holy Communion,
Laudamus Te ; benedic -mus
Te; adoramus Te; glorifi-
camus Te; . . . Domine Fili
unigenite, Jesu Christe.
Tu Rex Gloriae, Christe.
Tu Patris sempiternus es
Filius.
Ave verum Corpus, natum
Ex Maria Virgine,
Vere passum, immolatum
In cruce pro homine.
O clemens, O pie,
O dulcis Jesu, Fili Mariae.
We praise Thee; we bless
Thee; we adore Thee; we
glorify Thee ; . . . O Lord Jesus
Christ, the only begotten Son.
Thou art the King of glory,
O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting
Son of the Father.
Hail to thee, true body'
sprung
From the Virgin Mary's
womb ;
The same that on the cross
was hung,
And bore for man the bit-
ter doom.
O kind, O loving One!
O sweet Jesus, Mary's Son.
AFTER THE ELEVATION.
I ADORE you, O soul of Christ, Holy of holies, hoiy
with the holiness of God. I adore you, and anni-
hilate myself before you in my emptiness, my nothing-
ness, my baseness. Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
I adore you, body of Christ — my ransom on the cross,
my food in the Eucharist. O divine head, O sacred
face, O compassionate eyes, O blessed hands and
feet, O loving Heart, I adore you, I love and praise
you, I put my trust in you. Body of Christ, save
me!
I adore you, most precious blood — life and healing,
redemption, intercession — all in all to me. O blood
of my Saviour, by your profuse generosity — under the
olive trees, at the column of the scourging, on the altar
of the cross — take away my languor and my apathy,
take me out of myself, fire me with your generosity,,
let me return you love for love. Blood of Christ, ine-
briate me!
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion. 437
Thanksgiving.
" C^i OME, let us praise the Lord with joy, let us joy-
fully sing to God our Saviour.1' (Ps. xciv.)
"Who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in
His own blood." (Apoc. i.)
"My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath
rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke i.)
"Salvation to Our God, Who sitteth upon the throne.
. . . Alleluia. Salvation and glory and power to Our
Gcd. Alleluia." (Apoc. v. 11-13.)
" Give glory to the Lord for He is good: for His mercy
endureth forever." (Ps. cvi.)
"For He is our peace" (Eph. ii.), "making peace
through the blood of His cross." (Coloss. i.)
Blessed be God.
Blessed be His holy name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man,
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of
the Altar.
"Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift." (2 Cor.
" *T~~rO, ttus is Our God; we have waited for Him, and
* He will save us. This is the Lord; we have
patiently waited for Him; we shall rejoice and be joy-
ful in His salvation." (Is. xxv.)
"My God and my Saviour! " (Ps. lxi.)
"Say to my soul: I am thy salvation." (Ps. xxxiv.)
"This day is salvation come to this house." (Luke
xix.)
1 'Behold, God is my Saviour: I will deal confidently.''
(Is. xii.)
"The Lord is my rock, and my strength, and my
Saviour." (2 Kings xxii.)
"He loved me and delivered Himself for me." (Gal. ii.)
Love.
438 Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion.
Recordare, Jesu pie,
Quod sum causa Tuae viae,
Ne me perdas ilia die.
Quaerens me, sedisti lassus,
Redemisti, crucem passus,
Tantus labor non sit cassus.
Sweet Jesus, think — my debt
to pay,
Thou wouldst tread the
mournful way;
Forsake me not in that dread
day.
In quest of me Thy feet were
worn,
To ransom me Thy cross was
borne ;
Let not such love reap only
scorn.
O bone Jesu, exaudi me, O good Jesus, hear me;
Intra Tua vulnera absconde Within Thy wounds hide me ;
me,
Ne permittas me separari a Never let me be separated
Te. from Thee.
{petitions,
COMMEMORATION OF THE DEAD.
O ALMIGHTY God! the resurrection and the life!
he that believeth in Thee, even though he were
dead, shall certainly live, and enjoy in Thy kingdom
the true liberty of the children of God. Look then, I
beseech Thee, with compassion and mercy on those suffer-
ing souls who have always believed and confessed Thy
name. O sovereign Lord, remember that they are
"the work of Thine own hands " (Job x. 3); created in
Thy power, redeemed m Thy mercy, preserved in Thy
goodness, and formed to Thine adorable image. Ah!
why then hidest Thou Thine adorable face from those
who have been dear to Thy Sacred Heart, and who long
to behold and enjoy Thee, their sovereign Beatitude?
Accept, O eternal God! in their favor, the adorable
Victim, Who now offers Himself to Thee on this altar,
and Whom I likewise possess in the center of my soul.
Apply to them also, O Lord, the indulgence which Thy
Church this day holds forth in Thy name to worthy
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion, 439
communicants, and let not my imperfect dispositions
be an obstacle to the exercise of Thy mercy on their
behalf. In consideration of Thy beloved Son, cease
to remember their iniquities, and take no further re-
venge of their sins. I particularly implore Thy mercy,
O Lord! for my parents, friends, and benefactors; for
all those who are most abandoned; for those to whose
sufferings I may have been accessory; for all who,
during life, were most devoted to the Adorable Sacrament
of Thy love, and also for those who were the fervent
clients of Thy blessed Mother, for priests and Religious,
and in particular for the deceased members of our Order.
O almighty Lord! transport them into Thy bosom,
where they shall be replenished with the goods of Thy
house; confirm them in Thy sight forever, that they
may " joyfully sing a hymn to Thee in Sion, and pay to
Thee a vow in Jerusalem " (Ps. lxiv; 1).
AT THE PATER NOSTER.
After repeating with the priest the Pater Noster, call to
mind the indulgence which the prodigal son experienced
from his father on his sincere return, and acknowledge
with gratitude that the tenderness of his good parent has
been infinitely surpassed in your favor by your heavenly
Father.
BATHER in heaven, I am not worthy to be called
Thy child, but I entreat Thee once more, in
the name of Thy beloved Son, to receive me among
the last of those whose happiness it is to serve Thee
under the sweet yoke of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
ffrom tbe Communion to tbe JEnfc of dlbaes*
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION.
ENEW your desire to receive Our Lord frequently
during the day.
The Blessed Margaret Mary once said to her divine Spouse:
44° Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion.
"My most loving Jesus, I wisn to be consumed with the desire
of Thee and since I can not receive Thee now I will not cease
to desire Thee." To which Our Lord answered: "I take
so much pleasure in being desired, that as many times as
the heart forms this desire, so often do I look upon it lovingly
to attract it to Myself." Let us often give this pleasure to
our merciful Saviour, that we may reap from it the sweet
fruit that He promises.
Y Jesus, I most firmly believe that Thou art really
present in the Blessed Sacrament. I place in
Thee my whole confidence, and I love Thee above all
things. Oh! that I had never offended Thee! I ar
dently desire to be united to Thee, my loving Saviour,
and never to be separated from Thee. What have I in
heaven, and besides Thee what do I desire upon earth!
Veni, Domine Jesu.
Act of Atonement.
Y Father in heaven, I offer unto Thee Thy Son
Jesus Christ in atonement for my sins, and for
the sins of the world.
Look on Him, O my Father; He raises His hands to
Thee; He is pleading for as all.
Listen to Him, Father in heaven. He asks Thee
for pity and for pardon. He is Thine own beloved
Son, in Whom Thou art well pleased. Thou canst
not refuse Him anything. Do not let Him ask in
vain.
He has paid dearly for us, O Goct. Remember His
sighs, His tears, His sweat of blood, His scourging and
the cruel pangs He suffered for us on Calvary. For
His sake, pity and pardon us.
Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, I offer
Thee, O eternal Father, humblest adoration and thanks.
Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, I make
atonement for the sins of the world, and I implore Thy
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion. 441
mercy and grace for myself and for all poor sinners,,
through the same Jesus Christ Thy Son. Amen.
O wondrous Love! would that men knew Thee.
How sweet Thou art, O Lord, how good to those who
love Thee! Bless me, that I may love Thee more, and
serve Thee faithfully to the end.
Act of Consecration.
Yc%P' Thee, O Jesus, I consecrate my heart. In Thy
Sacred Heart I wish to live. In Thy Sacred
Heart I wish to die.
Inflame my heart with the fire of Thy love, and em
lighten me with Thy wisdom and Thy knowledge.
Oh, let Thy loving Heart be to me my strength in
temptation and my consolation in the day of tribulation
and sorrow. Grant me grace, dear Jesus, ever to taste
the sweetness of Thy Sacred Heart, not only during my
lifetime, but, above all, at the hour of my death. Amen.
Will You be True f
V VI r*HEN you go to your holy communion, think that yo\*
vJlA* see the divine Child looking through and through
you with His clear, pellucid gaze, and asking you the ques-
tion, " Will you be true? " Are you resolved to combat reso
lutely the visible faults all can see and be scandalized by, in-
stead of the half-dozen imaginary ones with which you love
50 much to torture yourselves? And I should love, I should
dearly love you to return His glance with one as limpid and
as true, saying, " O Lord, no one knows better than I how
blind and weak I am, but I wish to know, I wish to see,
what Thou desirest of me, and will try with all my heart, re-
gardless of all obstacles, to accomplish it." He wishes you to
be real. Be real.
Final Petitions.
"0NE is your Master> Cnrist" (Matt, xxiii.). In
^w<o ways, Lord, You are my Master. You are
not Teacher only, You are owner. I am not merelv
442 Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion.
Your disciple, I am Your indisputable property. Thanks
be to God that it is so. All that I have and am belongs
to You— time, talents, labor, health, life, all the senses
of my body, all the faculties of my soul. Take them,
O Lord, they are Yours, to You I restore them. See
that I do not misuse any one of them. See that I use
them all with a pure intention for Your glory, for Your
greater glory — choosing the means which most tend to
the end for which I was created, by which I may love
and follow You more closely.
Have pity, O Lord and Master, on the poor, the
suffering, the tempted, the uncared-for little ones; on
the teeming races of the poor heathen all the world
over.; on all those who are in 'their agony. Let me
make use of Your visits of mercy in this acceptable time
in these days of salvation — my communion days. I
desire nothing so much as to love You. Give me Your
love and Your grace, and this is enough for me. Increase
and invigorate my faith, that it may be productive of
great things to Your glory.
Stay with me, Lord, that from communion to com-
munion I may ascend from virtue to virtue, and become
more pleasing in Your sight.
Have pity, Lord, on the multitudes who never think
of You as Judge, on those outside the Church who
have but a dim belief in the judgment to come, and on
those children of the Church who, believing firmly that
it is coming and coming fast, think of it and prepare
for it no more than if they did not believe. Remember,
O Lord, that You "will have all men to be saved "
(i Tim. ii.), and that You died for all, and since the
"whole earth is made desolate because there is none
that considereth in his heart " (Jer. xii.), stir up faith
in the hearts of all men. Give to all a living and prac-
tical faith in the judgment to come, that they may pre-
pare for it while there is yet time.
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion, 443
Indulgenced Prayer.
"T^EAR Jesus, in the Sacrament of the Altar, be forever
' thanked and praised. Love, worthy of all celes-
tial and terrestrial love! Who, out of infinite love for
me, ungrateful sinner, didst assume our human nature,
didst shed Thy most precious blood in the cruel scourg-
ing, and didst expire on a shameful cross for our eternal
welfare! Now, illumined with lively faith, with the
outpouring of my whole soul and the fervor of my heart,
I humbly beseech Thee, through the infinite merits of
Thy painful sufferings, give me strength and courage to
destroy every evil passion which sways my heart, to
bless Thee in my greatest afflictions, to glorify Thee by
the exact fulfilment of all my duties, supremely to hate
all sin, and thus to become a saint.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., Jan. 1,
1866.
/ifceDltations after Communion* .
FIRST MEDITATION.
On the Sentiments which the Holy Communion should
produce in our Souls.
1. /^N" ONSIDER with astonishment the excessive liber-
al alky with which Jesus Christ has treated you ;
by this one communion you are infinitely elevated above
all that the world calls great — you are happier than if
you enjoyed all the delights of the universe — richer
than if you possessed all its treasures — and more privi-
leged than if you were its sole sovereign. Ah! if you
understood the gift of God, if you had a just idea of
your own dignity, how soon would you despise every-
thing in this world! Penetrated with gratitude for
the greatness of the benefit you have received, you would
exclaim with the Royal Prophet: What shall I render
444 Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion.
to the Lord for all He has done for me? how shall i
testify my gratitude? Do not on this important matter
deceive yourself as many do. Do not imagine that sg
great a benefit as a communion is worthily acknowl-
edged by the most fervent expressions of thanksgiving.
It is not those who say: " Lord, Lord," that shall enter
into the kingdom of heaven. " Sincere gratitude for
any benefit/7 says St. Thomas, " consists chiefly in
esteeming the benefit as it deserves, and in endeavoring
to make our benefactor an adequate re turn.' '
Give glory to Him Who has given you His precious
body and blood, His soul and divinity, and has thus
rendered you, in a way, an object of envy to tne angels
themselves. Beg of God most earnestly to enlighten
your mind, that you may understand the greatness of
the favor conferred on you; and also to touch your heart,
that you may feel your obligation of acknowledging it
by every means in your power, especially by a greater
love of the Blessed Sacrament, and a more self-sacrific-
ing devotedness to your duties as a Religious.
2. Cast yourself in spirit at the feet of your Creator,
and present to Him the sacrifice of thanksgiving which
He deserves: A voluntary, unreserved oblation of your
whole bein'g. Can that be too much for Him Who has
created you to His image and likeness, and redeemed
you with His precious blood? or rather, what can be
enough for Him Who has loved you so much as to give
Himself to you? If you would really and entirely be-
long to God, you should make a twofold sacrifice: A
sacrifice of your body with all its senses, and of your
heart and soul with all their powers and affections.
First, you should consecrate your body to God; that is,
you should in future bear in mind the union you have
contracted with God, and respect in yourself the temple
of the divinity — a temple of which He has so lately
taken possession; consecrated by His presence, purified
by His blood, and enriched with the most precious rifts
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion. 445
of His holy spirit. This is the sacrifice to which St.
Paul exhorts all Christians , but particularly communi-
cants, when he says: "I beseech you, brethren, by the
mercy of God, that you present your bodies a living sac-
rifice, holy, pleasing to God" (Rom. xii. 1). Reflect
also, that as a material temple is not alone consecrated
to God internally but is known before it is entered to
be a house of God by its external appearance ; so should
your modesty and Christian deportment manifest to
every one that you are really consecrated to God, and
become the living temple of Jesus Christ. St. Chrysos
torn says: "It is not just that those eyes which have be-
held the divine and sacred Host should afterwards
delight in the vanity and idle follies of the world — that
those lips, which received and touched the God of
heaven, should ever be profaned by frivolous discourses —
that your tongue, on which the body of Jesus Christ re-
posed, should ever become instrumental in lessening
the reputation of others, or in wounding charity."
Present your resolutions to God through the glorious
Queen .of virgins. Set before your eyes, and resolve in
every action of your life, to imitate this incomparable
model whom St. Anselm describes as having "nothing
disagreeable in her looks, nothing inconsistent in her
words, nothing imprudent in her actions; whose deport-
ment was not assuming; whose voice was not loud or
arrogant; and whose exterior modesty was a finished
portrait of her interior purity." O most blessed Virgin,
take me under thy protection, and preserve me from
defiling by sin the temple of thy beloved Son.
3. Consider that your immortal soul was created by
God for Himself, stamped with His own sacred image,
4 redeemed with His blood, adorned with His graces, en-
riched with His merits, and often strengthened with
that Sacrament of life which you have so lately received.
Great then must be its value, since God Himself did
not think it too dearly purchased by the blood of His
446 Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion.
only Son. Yes, you can not be too deeply convinced
that your immortal soul is your great and only treasure;
to save your soul no pains can be excessive, no security
too great; if that be lost, all is lost; and if you be
so happy as to save your soul, though you lose all
the rest, all is well; the kingdom of heaven is gained.
"What will it profit a man, if he gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul?" (Matt. xvi. 26). What does
it now avail any of the damned, to have been on earth
honored, loved, respected, endowed with beauty, talents,
wit, or accomplishments, or to have been the idols or
envy of all around them ? Alas ! what does all that avail
them now, since they burn and will burn in hell for all
eternity? Oh! let their irreparable misfortune ani-
mate you to struggle against your passions, and to lead
a virtuous life. O my Jesus, deign to enlighten me
that I may see the vanity of all worldly goods. Thou
hast given Thyself entirely to me; I now give myself
entirely to Thee. I desire that my whole soul may be
Thine; my body, my powers, my senses, that all may
be employed in serving and pleasing Thee. To Thee I
consecrate all my thoughts, my desires, my affections,
and my whole life. Grant me the gift of holy persever-
ance in Thy service, and the grace of a happy death. O
eternal Father, Thy beloved Son Jesus has promised
that Thou wilt give me whatsoever I ask of Thee in
His name: "If you ask the Father anything in My
name, He will give it you" (John xvi. 23). In the
name therefore, and through the merits of this Thy Son,
I ask Thee for Thy love and for holy perseverance, that
I may one day come to love Thee in heaven with all
my powers, and to sing for ever Thy mercies, safe from
all clanger of being ever again separated from Thee.
O most holy Mary, my Mother, obtain for me these
graces which I so much desire.
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion . 447
SECOND MEDITATION.
On the Imitation of Jesus Christ.
1. /^f ONSIDER attentively that one of the chief
ends for which Jesus gives Himself to us in
the holy communion is to unite us to Himself, and to
make us one with Him: "He that eateth My flesh,
and drinketh My blood, abideth in Me, and I in Him "
(John vi. 57). St. Thomas teaches that in the Holy
Eucharist Jesus Christ applies His most sacred body
like a seal on the heart of man, to revive that image of
the divinity to which we were created, that He trans-
forms us into Himself, by* imprinting on our soul the
image of His adorable perfections and by infusing into
our heart abundant graces to imitate His virtues. To
become a perfect imitation of Jesus Christ, you should
conform your judgment, your opinions, your ideas,
your heart, feelings, and all your affections, to those
of your divine Lord. The thoughts of Jesus were
always directed to God, or bent on something relative
to the glory of God. How do you act in this respect?
Be convinced that a frequent recollection of God would
be the best guard you could have against those thoughts
of vanity or pride which are so common, and so sinful
when indulged in. Jesus Christ judged all things as
God judges them: His adorable Heart, inflamed with
love for God and desire for His glory, was incapable
of a single sentiment of joy, of sorrow, of fear, of hope,
of consolation, or sadness, except as the interests, the
glory, the worship of His heavenly Father were con-
cerned. Be ashamed of the trifles with which you
have hitherto been delighted, or the insignificant inci-
dents at which you have been grieved. O my divine
and adorable Master, instead of looking on all things
as Thou seest them, and as I myself shall see them after
death, I have consulted my interests, my passions,
my imagination, and the corrupt maxims of the world,
448 Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion.
:n forming my opinions and ideas. I have unfortu
nately sought after those very things which Thou dids-
shun — I loved what Thou didst hate — I have hated
what Thou didst love. Thou didst pronounce those
blessed and happy who suffer, and I have been so impa
tient under sufferings; Thou didst despise and flee
from the honors of this world, and I have desired and
esteemed them as great advantages. O my God, en-
lighten me to see and detest my folly.
• 2. Consider the example which Jesus Christ gives
you in His sacred childhood. " Jesus advanced in
wisdom and age, and grace with God and men" (Luke
ii. 52). Our divine Redeemer, from the first moment
of His Incarnation, had indeed the plenitude of grace,
of wisdom, and of virtue, incapable of any increase:
but outwardly He, as it were, progressed, conforming
His sacred actions and discourses suitably to His age.
Learn from this that, as every day, every hour, the Al-
mighty adds to your life, so should every grace, every
instruction you receive, advance you in the road of
solid virtue. In particular, every time you have the
happiness of receiving holy communion, you should
grow, like Jesus, in grace and wisdom before God and
men: that is, God should discern in your heart, and
those with whom you associate should witness in your
conduct, an increase of the fear and love of God. Those
faults and failings which were excusable some years
ago, before you were admitted into a Religious Com-
munity, become more serious now. Examine whether
you may not unfortunately have lost much of the fervor
with which you first approached the Adorable Eucharist,
and never forget that not to go forward in virtue is to
go back.
Jesus Christ, while yet a child, is found among the
Doctors in the Temple, asking them questions and
istening to the word of God with profound veneration.
\)id the eternal Son of God, the Fountain of all know!-
Petitions and Offerings after Hoh' Communion. 449
edge, require instruction ? Was there anything for Him
to learn, or any person on earth who could teach Him-
Certainly not; but on this occasion He would teach you
with what ardor you should seek after instruction — ■
how thankfully and respectfully you should receive
it — how highly you should ralue an opportunity of
hearing the word of God. The chief virtue which
characterized the youth of Jesus Christ was obedi-
ence. He has scarcely permitted any other account
of His early years to reach us, than: that He was sub-
ject to His blessed Mother and His reputed father,
St. Joseph. He obeyed them in all things, at all
times, with cheerfulness and exactness. To imitate
your adorable Model in this important point, you must
resolve to respe:t and love your Superiors; to submit
to their authority with docility and with confidence,
because they are deputed by God to command you, and .
nave received light to direct your inexperience. Re-
member that Jesus Christ was not less submissive to
the orders of Herod, one of the most wicked of men,
than He was to those of His blessed Mother, the most
perfect of creatures; because it was God alone Whom
He obeyed in all superiors. Impress this lesson on your
mind, and guard against a fault so common to world-
lings: of obeying only those who may please you, and
totally forgetting that duty with regard to others. If
you do not respect the authority of God in all your
Superiors; if you do not love God in them all you can
never acquire the virtue of obedience. O Jesus, my
God, infuse into my heart the virtues of Thy divine child-
hood— Thy purity, simplicity, obedience, and docility,
penetrate my soul with the horror Thou hadst of sin.
that I may dread it as the only real evil, the only obstacle
to my resembling Thee.
3. Consider the hidden life of Jesus Christ during
thirty years of subjection and labor. Contemplate
the Incarnate Word at Nazareth, and consider with
45 o Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion.
astonishment that He Who has descended from heaven
to instruct, convert, and save the whole universe, passes
the greater part of His life in seclusion; showing not
otherwise the perfection of the divinity which resides
in Him than by obeying His parents, serving and assist-
ing them, and fulfilling in all things the will of His
heavenly Father. The accomplishment of that ador-
able will is the only object of His desires : it is so necessary
to His happiness that He Himself declares it to be His
food, the support of His existence, the end of His mis-
sion on earth. Learn from the hidden life of Jesus,
that lesson of perfect conformity to the will of God, by
which alone you can resemble Him, and attain true
sanctity. Resolve, in every stage of your life, to place
all your perfection in being about the business of your
heavenly Father; that is, in faithfully discharging the
^duties which Providence has allotted you, whatever
they may be.
The public life of our divine Lord was a series of
miracles and wonders, and the lessons which He never
ceased to preach to the world by word and example were
those of humility, patience, mortification, meekness,
and charity. St. Francis de Sales calls charity the pecul-
iar fruit of a good communion. Charity was a favorite
virtue of Jesus — the virtue to which He sacrificed His
life — the virtue by which He would have His real fol-
lowers distinguished. Resolve, then, that the fruits of
your having been so lately united to the God of charity
should appear evident by your gentleness, patience,
forbearance, silence on the defects . of others, and en-
deavors to serve and oblige ail, particularly those who
may appear to you least amiable or deserving. Con-
clude this meditation by fervently and humbly begging
of God to impress the truths it contains so deeply on
your heart that your ideas and conduct may, in future,
be happily regulated by them.
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion. 451
a parapbrase of tbc "anfma Cbristi."
<4//er iJtf/y Communion or at Visits to the Blessed
Sacrament.
AXIMA CHRISTI, SANCTIFICA ME.
OUL of Christ, ever subject to the will of thy
heavenly Father, infuse into my soul the spirit
of holy subjection.
Soul of Christ, ever yearning after the salvation of
men, infuse into my soul the spirit of holy zeal.
Soul of Christ, ever most closely knit to thy Mother's
soul, infuse into mine the holy love of that Mother.
Soul of Christ, sorrowful in the Garden of Olives,
fill my soul with a holy and abiding sorrow:
Sorrow for my past sins;
Sorrow for my present unworthiness ;
Sorrow for the sins of other men;
Sorrow for thy sacred Passion;
Sorrow for thy Mother's dolors;
The sorrow of compassion for others' griefs and
sufferings.
CORPCS CHRISTI, SALVA ME.
BODY of Christ, born in littleness that thou might-
est attract all to thee, make me also feel that
saving attraction.
Lord Jesus, by Thy body, by which in Thy youth
Thou wert a model of modesty, give me that saving
grace.
By Thy body, wearied out with fasting, with labors,
and with watchings, grant me that grace of unwearying
charity and zeal which, by covering many sins, may
save my soul as well as the souls of others from death.
By Thy body, bathed in blood in the Garden of
Gethsemane, give me the saving grace of diligence in
prayer.
452 Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion.
By Thy body, dragged without resistance through
the streets of Jerusalem, give me the saving grace of
obedience.
By Thy body, flayed with the cruel scourges, give me
the saving grace of holy purity.
By Thy body, hanging, stripped of all, upon the cross,
give me the saving grace of detachment and self-sacri-
fice, and of courage to treat my body hardly.
By Thy body, taken down from the cross, and laid in
the arms of Thy blessed Mother, give me the saving
grace of a tender devotion to her.
By Thy body, embalmed and laid in the sepulcher,
give me the grace to embalm Thy wounds by a con-
stant remembrance of them, and to lay up the thought
of Thy Passion in my heart.
By Thy body, which saw no corruption, save me
from the corruption of sin.
SANGUIS CHRISTI, INEBRIA ME.
BLOOD of Christ, inebriating chalice, inflame my
heart with love of my Creator, my Father, my
Redeemer, the divine Spouse of my soul.
Blood of Christ, inebriating chalice, may thy charm
deaden in me the intoxicating charms of this world.
Blood of Christ, wine that makest virgins, penetrate
me, body and soul, with the gift of holy purity.
O my Lord Jesus, may Thy precious blood, which
Thou didst shed for me, inflame my soul with a true
and generous desire to suffer for Thee, and may it at
least strengthen me to bear those sufferings which it shall
please Thee to send me.
My Lord, I ask these graces:
By the blood which Thou didst hasten to shed for me
in Thy circumcision.
By the blood which Thou didst suffer to break forth
from Thy body in Thine agony,
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion. 453
By the blood which flowed slowiy and painfully during
the buffeting.
By the blood which flowed in streams under the burn-
ing smart of the scourging.
By the blood pressed from Thy head with racking
pain in Thy crowning.
By the blood which flowed to be profaned and trampled
on through the streets of Jerusalem.
By the blood which gushed from "hy gentle, holy,
and venerable hands.
By the blood which bathed Thy adorable feet.
By the blood which flowed from Thy side at the open-
ing of Thy Sacred Heart.
AQUA LATERIS CHRISTI, LAVA ME.
Y Lord Jesus Christ, may the water which flowed
from Thy wounded side and Heart wash me from
all my sinsc
May it wash me yet more from those sins the guilt of
which has been forgiven but for which I have not yet
done penance.
May it cleanse me from my hidden sins;
From sins of thought;
From sins caused in others;
From sins of omission;
From the stain of daily faults:
Faults of pride,
Faults of self-indulgence,
Faults of worldliness.
And may it cleanse the souls of all that are in sin;
and especially of those now in their agony.
PASSIO CHRISTI, CONFORTA ME.
©Y 'Lord Jesus Christ, may Thy holy Passion
strengthen me against the assaults of the enemy of
my soul.
454 Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion.
May the thought of Thy holy Passion, so terrible and
so sorrowful, fortify me against the bewitchment of
worldly trifles.
May the thought of Thy holy Passion fortify and
arm me against myself; may the depth of Thy abase-
ment arm me against the pride of my nature, and the
fearfulness of Thy pain against my self-indulgence.
Lord Jesus, Who in Thy suffering didst deign to
receive strength at the hands of an angel, may the thought
of Thy Passion be my strength through life, and the
strength of all who are in sorrow or temptation.
O BONE JESU, EXAUDI ME.
OMY Lord Jesus, hear me for the sake of my ex-
ceeding need of Thy assistance.
Hear me for Thy name's sake.
Hear me that thus Thy mercy may be glorified.
Hear me for the sake of Thy holy Mother.
Hear me for the sake of all Thy saints.
Hear me in this petition, that all men may be brought
to Thy holy love and may daily grow therein and in
sorrow for all past offences against Thee.
Hear me, good Jesus, I pray Thee:
By Thy prayer at the Last Supper for all Thy followers.
By Thy prayer for all sinners.
By Thy prayer from the cross for those especially
who were Thy persecutors.
INTRA TIT A VULNERA ABSCONDE ME.
f \ MY Lord Jesus, give to me and to all souls that
are in need, a safe refuge in Thy adorable wounds.
Suffer us to take refuge in the wounds of Thy feet
from the demon of despondency, who strives to trample
in the dust souls redeemed by Thy precious blood.
In the wound of Thy left hand suffer us to take refuge
from those who may bear ill-will or enmity against us.
Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion. 455
In the wound of Thy right hand afford us a refuge
from the flatteries of false friends and from the praise
of men.
In the wound of Thy Sacred Heart hide us from all
that can tend to draw us away from Thee.
NE PERMITTAS ME SEPARARI A TE.
Let me not be separated from Thee by sin.
Let me not be separated from Thee by tepidity.
Let me not be separated from Thee in will and in
intention.
Let me not be separated from Thee in memory and
thought.
Let me not be separated from Thee in prosperity:
By pleasure;
By pride;
By dissipation;
By inordinate affections.
Let me not be separated from Thee in adversity:
By sorrow;
By discouragement;
By my daily faults.
AB HOSTE MALIGNO DEFENDE ME.
BEFEND me, Lord Jesus, for I am too weak to stand
against my enemies without Thy help; protect
me : /
From the open snares of the devil;
From his hidden snares;
From the bewitchment of worldly trifles;
From the flatteries of men;
From the incitements of the flesh.
" In hora mortis meae voca me,
Et jube me venire ad Te,
Ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem TeP
In saecula saeculorum."
^56 Various Exercises for Holy Communion.
Dearest Lord Jesus, that this may be so, I beg of Thee
that in this life Thou wilt not spare me, but wilt give
me strength and patience to bear afflictions, and volun-
tarily also to afflict myself for my many offences against
Thee. I ask of Thee specially the grace to make some
reparation by works of charity and zeal for the many
injuries I have done to Thy honor.
I ask this:
By the death of St. Joseph in Thy arms;
By the death of Thy holy and immaculate Mother:
By Thy own desolate death on the cross.
IDarious Exercises of 2)evotfon for Ibols
Communion*
METH D OF PREPARATION.
Before receiving, endeavor to excite in yourself the proper
dispositions.
"T^IVELY FAITH. Ask yourself, Whom am I going to
4-i receive? The divine Master answers: "This is My
body, My blood." It is Our Lord Jesus Christ, immolated on
the cross, triumphant in heaven. ... It is the eternal Word,
the sovereign Lord and Creator, my supreme Judge. Con-
tinue repeating: "Yes, my God, it is Thou indeed, it is Thou;
I believe it more firmly on Thy word, Thy infallible word,
than if, with my own eyes, I beheld Thy resplendent Majesty."
Adoration. Acknowledge Him with all your heart to be
your absolute Master, from Whom you hold everything and
to Whom you entirely belong.
Humble compunction. "Who am I that am about to
receive Him . . Lord, Thou art the Holy of holies . . ,
before Thee Thy very angels are not sufficiently pure . . .
and I am the last of sinners. . . .
My heart has been defiled with many and many a sin . . .
it is so ungrateful, so unworthy ... so tepid and inclined
to fall again. Lord, I am not worthy. . . . And yet Thou
desirest me to come to Thee with filial confidence, as to my
kind Saviour, my charitable Physician!
Various Exerciivs for Holy Communion. 457
Endeavor to strengthen your soul more and more by ex-
citing yourself to hearty contrition at the sight of so much
goodness and love. — "Forgive me, O my good Master! I
detest all my sins . . . may I rather die than ever again
wound Thy loving Heart! "
Generous love. Like that of Jesus — He gives you all . . .
all ... in an ineffable union . . . His flesh to purify
yours, His soul to impregnate yours with His spirit of abnega
tion and contempt of the world . . . His Heart to inflame
yours with His generous devotedness . . . His divinity
to transform you . . . His treasures of merit to enrich
you . . . and His graces to strengthen you. Love Him
then in return generously, nobly, practically, that is to say,
give yourself to Him without reserve, by the flight of all sin,
the fulfilment of every duty, the struggle against pride, sen-
suality, cowardice. . . . What sacrifice did Jesus refuse to
make for you? Can you then deny Him anything? . . .
Desire Him earnestly. . . . Call upon Him ardently:
"Come, Lord Jesus, come ! "
laagers before Communion.
ACTS OF FAITH AND ADORATION.
Y sweet Jesus, I believe with a firm and lively faith,
that in this Adorable Sacrament are Thy body
and .blood, soul and divinity. I believe that in this
consecrated Host I shall receive that same body which
was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, which suffered
so many pains and torments for love of me on the cross,
and which rose gloriously the third day from the dead.
I believe that I shall receive that most holy soul which
is enriched with all the treasures of the Divinity; that
I shall receive God Himself.
I adore Thee, O my God, as my Creator, Preserver,
Redeemer, and my Judge, truly present in the Holy
Eucharist. But do Thou strengthen my faith, and
animate it with deeper sentiments of adoration and
love.
458 Various Exercises for Holy Communion.
ACT OF CONTRITION.
OMY God, I detest all the sins of my whole life
because they displease Thee, and especially I
am heartily sorry for those which I have committed
against this Divine Sacrament, by the irreverence and
the little profit I have drawn from so many communions,
by my negligence in guarding my senses, particularly
my tongue, which has been so often consecrated by Thy
divine presence, and has been sullied by so many sins.
O divine Jesus, what confusion I feel at beholding
myself so unworthy to approach Thy holy table. Suffer
me, dear Jesus, to seek the remedy for my evils in the
wound of Thy Sacred Heart, that this adorable Heart,
which can not endure the slightest stain, may imprint
on mine a horror and fear of the smallest offence. Let
Thy Sacred Heart be to me as the burning coal which
purified the lips of Isaias; place it, all inflamed with
charity, I beseech Thee, dear Lord, on my heart, my
tongue, my senses, and all the powers of my soul, so
that it may burn and annihilate all that is displeasing
to Thee.
ACTS OF HUMILITY AND CONFIDENCE.
£\ HOW utterly unworthy I am to receive Thee, my
God. Who art Thou, great Lord? and who am
I that durst approach Thee? Thou art the Son of the
living God, equal to Thy Father, infinitely good, power-
ful; wise, and holy, and I am nothing but misery and
sin. O cast me not away on account of my innumer-
able infidelities. I come before Thee, poor and alto-
gether destitute of merit. Forgive my ingratitude;
take pity on me, Thy poor weak child, who places all
her trust in Thee. Thou art my loving Father, Who
will watch over and protect me in all my trials and
temptations. I know, my dear Lord, I do not deserve
Various Exercises for Holy Communion. 459
that Thou shouldst honor me with this visit; but I
know, also, that in spite of all my miseries, Thou dost
tenderly love me, and earnestly invitest me to receive
Thee.
Grant me, O Lord, the grace of beginning a new, a
fervent life, and deign to give me in this Holy Sacrament
the pledge of eternal life promised to those who receive
Thee worthily. Amen.
ACTS OF LOVE AND DESIRE.
SWEET Jesus, the happy moment has at last
arrived when I shall receive Thee. I give Thee
my heart, I desire to live only for Thee, O Lord, and
to spend myself in Thy love and service. Dispose of
me as Thou pleasest, for from henceforth I am entirely
Thine. Come, O my Jesus, and with Thy nails fasten
my heart to Thy cross, wTith the lance wound my heart
through and through with the most perfect charity;
and with the thorns of Thy crown surround it, as with
an impregnable wall, that so this miserable, weak heart
of mine may withstand all the assaults of its enemies.
Come, dear Jesus, come, and be Thou all mine, as I
desire to be all Thine.
ACT OF OBLATION.
/£^0 make amends for my great unworthiness and
negligences, I offer Thee, O my Jesus, all the
love and fervor with which those chosen souls, who are
dearest to Thy Heart, have ever received Thee, espe-
cially Thy blessed Mother; I offer Thee her profound
humility, her spotless purity; her burning charity and
her most loving heart itself. Above all, dear Jesus, I
offer Thee that ineffable sanctity with which Thou didst
institute the Blessed Sacrament. I offer Thee like-
wise all the sorrows, sufferings, and torments which
Thou didst endure upon the cross, in virtue of which I
460 Various Exercises f or Hoh Communion.
hope Thou wilt grant me the grace which Thou seesv
is most necessary for me to keep faithful to Thee, and
to bind me closer to Thy Sacred Heart.
PETITION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN AND THE SAINTS.
/^v BLESSED Virgin, my tender Mother, who didst
obtain from thy divine Son a wonderful miracle
at the wedding-feast at Cana, behold my misery and the
need I have of thy assistance; obtain for me of Jesus a
prodigy of His almighty power, that my coldness and
tepidity may be changed into ardent charity.
My holy angel guardian, and all ye heavenly spirits
and my dear patrons X.X. obtain for me a spark of
that heavenly fire with which you are consumed with
love for my dear Lord. Jesus comes to me, His spouse.
O Jesus! I humbly adore Thee, and with my whole
heart I love Thee!
METHOD OF THANKSGIVING.
*"| !OOK upon Our Lord as a treasure you carry away
t * * and have all to yourself. God is looking upon this
treasure in your heart, wondering what you will do with it,
to whom you will give it. This treasure is the One Whom
His Heart loves — His only Son! You are no longer a poor,
miserable petitioner, you are now rich and can offer a gift
infinite in value. For what will you offer it? Know what
you are about, and do not spend the time in doing nothing
for want of a method. Realize Who is within you — and as
soon as your devotion flags use a book, if only for two min-
utes, until you collect your thoughts again.
Adoration. Jesus is in the most inner recess of your soul,
seated as a king on His throne, expecting your homage.
Prostrate at His feet, tell Him again that He is your Lord,
your all . . . that you wish to belong entirely to Him . . .
to obey Him in everything ... to live only for His glorv
"O Godhead hid devoutly, I adore Thee."
Retribution (or Thanksgiving). What return can you make
for this infinite gift? You are so poor. . . . Offer at least
your love . . . your transports of gratitude.
Various Exercises for Holy Communion. 461
" Praised, loved, and adored for ever be Jesus, in the Most
Blessed Sacrament of the Altar." Beg Mary and the sera-
phim to supply for your inability by their ardor.
Petition. Jesus wishes to give you everything . . . and
He can. . . . Ask earnestly, with immense confidence, for
all necessary graces for yourself, for your dear ones, for the
Church, sinners, the souls in purgatory.
Offering (or oblation). Jesus has just given you all, the
Infinite. . . . Will you keep anything back ? . . . He has
a right to all. . . . 'Offer then all to Him, that He may govern
it according to His good pleasure. "Take, O Lord, and
receive all that I am and have."
Resolutions. Renew, with strong determination, the prom-
ises of your retreat: Exercises of piety, combats of self-love
. . . Purity . . . Duties of your state. Charity . . . Zeal
. . . your particular examen.
You carry God away with you. . . . Let every one see it
by your recollection, your devotedness, your spiritual progress.
" In all places and times I will never depart
From the Heart of my God and the God of my heart."
jpragers after Communion,
ACTS OF ADORATION, PRAISE, AND THANKSGIVING.
BEHOLD, Jesus is within me! The God of heaven
has taken up His abode in my wretched, unwor-
thy heart. Welcome, my dear heavenly Spouse! I
bless Thee for having come to me! I bow down before
Thee here really and truly present in my. heart, with
Thy body and blood, soul and divinity, and with all the
powers of my soul I adore Thee.
I love Thee, my dear Jesus, with all my heart. I have
found my treasure, my joy, my delight! Thy adorable
Heart is all mine; Thou Thyself hast given it to me I
I praise and bless Thee a thousand times for coming
to me.
My dear Lord, as I am wholly unworthy of this ines-
timable favor, and altogether unable to thank Thee as
I ought, I beg Thy most holy Mother and all the heavenly
462 Various Exercises for Holy Communion.
spirits to unite with me in praising, adoring, and thank-
ing Thee, my generous Benefactor. But as even this
falls immeasurably short of the thanks due to God,
what can I do but offer Thy own loving Heart itself
in thanksgiving. O supreme Good, to Thee alone be
praise, adoration, and glory from all creatures through
endless ages. Amen.
ACT OF OBLATION.
HAT return, dear Jesus, can I make Thee for
Thy wondrous love in condescending to visit
me, a poor, worthless creature? I give Thee all I
possess: my heart to Thy love, my will to Thy law, my
memory to the perpetual remembrance of Thy love,
Thy bitter Passion and death, and the profusion of
Thy divine liberality to me. "Take and receive, O
Lord, my entire liberty."
Reign over my senses and all the powers of my soul.
Do with me as Thou wilt: "My heart is ready, O
Lord, my heart is ready I "
Prostrate at Thy sacred feet, dear Jesus, I sacrifice
to Thee my attachment to my own will, I sacrifice those
eager desires to be esteemed and loved by others, my
impetuous and hasty temper, that human respect which
has so often been the mainspring of my actions, and
those warm attachments and natural friendships which
have occupied my mind and heart. I resolve hence-
forth to act only for Thee, to seek only to please Thee,
that my mind, my heart, and my soul may acknowledge
Thee forever as their only King and sovereign Master.
ACT OF PETITION.
I BESEECH Thee most earnestly, dear Jesus, to
destroy in me all that is displeasing to Thee.
Help me to overcome my passions; make me strong
against temptation; give me grace to correct that special
fault N.N. which I know most grieves Thy Sacred Heart.
Various Exercises for Holy Communion.
463
O holy head of my Jesus, crowned with sharp thorns,
purify all the thoughts of my mind, that they may be cen-
tered in Thee. Sacred eyes of my Jesus, restrain my curi-
osity. Sacred tongue of my Jesus, curb my evil tongue, and
teach me to be fervent in Thy praise. Oh ! sanctify all my
senses, that they may become instruments of Thy glory.*
ACT OF TRUST.
/~\ MY Jesus! Thou art infinitely rich, and all the
treasures of grace are locked up in Thee ! These
treasures Thou hast brought to me this day. Thou
art now in my heart, ready and willing to open Thy
hands and fill me with Thy gifts. Wretched though I
am, I come full of confidence to Thee, my tender Father,
sure that by the merits of Thy precious blood Thou
wilt enrich my poverty. Oh! most bountiful Jesus,
give me purity of soul and body, profound contrition
and humility, fortitude, patience, charity, and fervent
zeal and unbounded confidence in Thee. Direct me
in all my undertakings, enlighten my mind, strengthen
my resolutions, and confirm my will: give me, dear
Jesus, the spirit of my state, and grant me grace to
observe with fidelity my holy vows, which I here
renew. . . .
PRAYER FOR OTHERS.
f"^ LORD Jesus, at this happy moment I must not
Pray f°r myself alone, but for the whole Catholic
Church, for the Pope and clergy; also for all Chris-
tian governments; and, 0 Lord, in Thy mercy look
down on all unhappy infidels and heretics.
Cast an eye of love and pity on my friends and rela-
tives, as also on those for whom I am bound to pray.
I beseech Thee to strengthen and console all who are
in pain of mind or body; and by Thy compassionate
* See Petitions and Offerings after Holy Communion, op
page 42 l
464 Various Exercises for Holy Communion.
Heart, grant the grace of conversion to all poor sinners.
Support those who are in the3'r last agony, and grant
relief to the suffering souls in purgatory.
Dear Jesus, I most earnestly implore Thee to watch
with tender love and care over our Congregation, its
head, its Superiors, and all its charitable works; in
particular I recommend to Thy Sacred Heart this
Community, its Superior and its special work N.N.
Grant, O Lord, that peace, union, and charity may
reign among us, and may we all attain to the end of
our holy vocation, laboring efficaciously for "Thy
greater honor and glory.''
Say the Indulgenced Prayer before a Crucifix^ as en page
213, and renew your vows.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY AFTER HOLY COMMUNION.
^T\OTHER of Jesus, entertain now thy divine Son
for me! O my dear Mother Mary, raise up thy
pure hands in my behalf. Through thee, O Mary, I
consecrate to Jesus my soul with all its powers, my body
with all its senses, my heart with all its affections O
Mary, obtain for me a true devotion to the most Sacred
Heart of Jesus, a great devotion to His most sacred
Passion, and a tender love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacra-
ment of the Altar; great confidence in thy holy inter-
cession, and that I may ever serve and love thee as
thy devoted child. O my dear Jesus, for the sake
of Thy most precious blood, and through the merits
of Thy most holy Mother, do not permit me to betray
Thee. I pray Thee to grant me a holy death, give me
grace to receive Thee worthily in my last illness,
with a heart full of confidence in Thy great love and
mercy, and a soul flooded with true and lively contri-
tion for my many sins, that united with Thee and
burning with an ardent desire of seeing Thee, I may
depart from this life to behold Thee face to face for
all eternity. Amen.
Various Exercises for Holy Communion.
465
ZEAL FOR THE INTERESTS OF THE HEART OF JESUS.
LORD Jesus! do Thou henceforth alone live in
my heart. May the tongue on which Thou hast
rested never more utter words but such as would pro-
ceed from Thy meek and humble Heart. May my
thoughts be ever in unison with Thine. May that mind
that was in Thee be likewise in me; may I be con-
sumed with the same desires. May I be one heart and
one soul with Thee.
O Jesus, Whom I bear within me, let this union of my
heart with Thine shed its influence over my whole life,
and guide me at all times and in all events, that so I
may be able to draw hearts to love Thee, and devote
themselves to Thy interests. This is the desire, O my
Jesus, with which Thou dost inspire me, that Thy
kingdom may come, reign, and triumph over all hearts
and nations, and that Thy will may be perfectly accom-
plished. Amen.
O holy Mother, keep and guard our hearts, which
Jesus has this day chosen for His dwelling. Defend
us by thy ceaseless prayer, that we may seek in all
things the glory of God and the interests of His Sacred
Heart. Amen.
THANKSGIVING.
ESUS, gentle Saviour,
God of might and power,
Thou Thyself art dwelling
In me at this hour.
Multiply Thy graces,
Chiefly love and fear,
And, dear Lord, the chiefest,
Grace to persevere.
When my heart Thou lea vest,
Lord, worthless though it be^
Give it to Thy Mother
To be kept for Thee,
406
Various Exercises for Holy Communion.
Simple praters for Ibolg Communion*
BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION.
*T£)RAYER FOR HELP. — O my God, help me tc
make a good communion. Mary, my dearest
Mother, pray to Jesus for me. My dear angel guardian,
lead me to the altar of God.
Act of Faith. — O my God, because Thou hast said it,
I believe that I shall receive in holy communion the
sacred body of Jesus Christ, and His most precious
blood. I believe this with all my heart.
Act of Hope. — O my God, relying on Thy infinite
power and goodness, and on Thy promises, I hope to
obtain, through Jesus Christ, the salvation of my soul.
Act of Humility. — My God, I confess that I am a
poor sinner; I am not worthy to receive the body and
blood of Jesus on account of my sins. Lord, I am
not worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my roof ;
say but the word, and my soul shall be healed.
Act of Sorrow. — My God, I detest all the sins of my
life. I am sorry for them, because they have offended
Thee, my God, Who art so good. I am resolved never
more to commit sin. My good God, have mercy on
me, forgive me. Amen.
Act of. Adoration. — O Jesus, great God, present on
the altar, I bow down before Thee, I adore Thee.
Act of Love and Desire. — Sweet Jesus, I love Thee.
I desire with all my heart to receive Thee. Come to me
and let me never again be separated from Thee.
AFTER HOLY COMMUNION.
CT OF FAITH.— O Jesus, I believe that I have
received Thy sacred body and Thy most precious
blood in holy communion; I believe, O Saviour, thaf
Thou art really present within my breast. Thou art the
same Jesus Who was born in Bethlehem and dwelt in
Nazareth, Who suffered and died for my salvation; the
Various Exercises for Holy Communion. 467
same Lord Who now sitteth in heaven at the right hand
of God, and Who is there the joy of the saints and angels.
Act of Adoration. — O Jesus, my God, I adore Thee
present in my heart and soul. I am penetrated with
Thy substance; I am Thy living ciborium; I unite
myself with my holy guardian angel, and offer Thee
my tribute of honor and praise.
Act of Hope. — O Jesus, I place all my hope in Thee,
because Thou alone art my salvation, my strength, my
refuge, and the foundation of all my happiness.
Act of Humility. — O Jesus, I am but dust and ashes,
and yet Thou hast come to me, and now my poor heart
may speak to Thee as to a friend and brother.
Act of Love. — Sweet Jesus, I love Thee; I love Thee
with all my heart. Thou knowest that I love Thee?
and that I wish to love Thee daily more and more.
Act of Thanksgiving.- — My good Jesus, I thank Thee
with all my heart. How good, how kind Thou art to
me, sweet Jesus. Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy
Sacrament of the Altar.
Act of Offering. — O Jesus, receive my poor offering.
Jesus, Thou hast given Thyself to me, and now let me
give myself to Thee:
I give Thee my body, that it may be chaste and pure.
I give Thee my soul, that it may be free from sin.
I give Thee my heart, that it may always love Thee.
I give Thee every breath that I shall breathe, and
especially my last; I give Thee myself in life and in
death, that I may be Thine for ever and ever.
Remember the words of Jesus: "Ask and you shall
receive," and
Pray for Yourself.
O JESUS, wash away my sins with Thy precious blood.
O Jesus, the struggle against temptation is not
yet finished. My Jesus, when temptation comes near me,
make me strong against it. In the moment of tempta-
tion may I always say, "Jesus, mercy! Mary, help!"
468 Various Exercises for Holy Communion,
O Jesus, may I lead a good life; may I die a happy
death. May I receive Thee before I die. May I say
when I am dying, " Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I give you
my heart and my soul."
Listen now for a moment to Jesus Christ; perhaps
He has something to say to you. There may be some
promise you have made and broken, which He wishes
you to make again and keep.
Answer Jesus in your heart, and tell Him all your
troubles. Then
Pray for Others.
O JESUS, have mercy on Thy holy Church; take
care of it.
O Jesus, have pity on poor sinners, and save them
from hell.
O Jesus, bless my father, my mother, my brothers
and sisters, and all I ought to pray for, as Thy Heart
knows how to bless them.
O Jesus, have pity on the poor souls in purgatory,
and give them eternal rest.
Sweet Jesus, I am going away for a time, but I trust
not without Thee. Thou art with me by Thy grace.
I will never leave Thee by mortal sin. I do not fear
to do so, though I am so weak, because I have such
hope in Thee. Give me grace to persevere. Amen.
PRAYER OF VEN. FATHER OLIER.
O JESUS, living in Mary,
Come and live in Thy servants,
In the spirit of Thy holiness,
In the fulness of Thy might,
In the truth of Thy virtues,
In the perfection of Thy ways,
In the communion of Thy mysteries.
Subdue every hostile power,
In Thy Spirit, for the glory of the Father. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX. Oct. 14,, 1859
Various Exercises for Holy Communion. 469
Ejaculation.
TERNAL Father! I offer Thee the precious blood
of Jesus in satisfaction for my sins, and for the
wants of Thy holy Church.
Indulgence of 100 days each time. — Pius VII., Sept. 22, 1817.
OFFERING BEFORE A PICTURE OF THE SACRED HEART.
Y loving Jesus, I N.N. give Thee my heart; and
I consecrate myself wholly to Thee out of the
grateful love I bear Thee, and as a reparation for all
my unfaithfulness; and with Thine aid I purpose never
to sin again.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day; plenary once a month if
said daily. — Pius VII., June 9, 1807.
TO BE SAID AFTER THE HAIL MAR^.
Y Queen! My Mother! I give myself entirely to
thee; and to show my devotion to thee, I con-
secrate to thee this day my eyes, my ears, my mouth,
my heart, my whole being, without reserve. Where-
fore, good Mother, as I am thine own, keep me, guard
me, as thy property and possession.
With one Hail Mary, morning and evening, an indulgence of
100 days, once a day. Plenary indulgence on usual conditions. —
Pius IX., Aug. 5, 185 1.
Xttang for Ibolg Communion,*
(Before or after.)
*"| — JORD, have mercy on us.
1 " a Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
* This litany is for private devotion only. The Litany of the
Holy Name of Jesus, and the Litany of the Sacred Heart, when
recited slowly after holy communion, are apt to excite happy
inspirations and devout reflections.
47° Various Exercises for Holy Communion.
God the Father of Heaven,
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity one God,
Jesus, Living Bread which came down from heaven,
Jesus, Bread from heaven giving life to the world,
Hidden God and Saviour,
My Lord and my God,
Who hast loved us with an everlasting love,
Whose delights are to be with the children of men,
Who hast given Thy flesh for the life of the world,
Who dost invite all to come to Thee,
Who dost promise eternal life to those who receive
Thee, .
Who with desire dost desire to eat this Pasch with us, I
Who art ever ready to receive and welcome us,
Who dost stand at our door knocking,
Who hast said that if we will open to Thee the door, Thou
wilt come in and sup with us,
Who dost receive us into Thy arms and bless us with the
little children,
Who dost suffer us to sit at Thy feet with Magdalen,
Who dost invite us to lean on Thy bosoni with the be-
loved disciple,
Who hast not left us orphans,
Most dear Sacrament,
Sacrament of love,
Sacrament of sweetness,
Life-giving Sacrament, .
Sacrament of strength,
My God and my All,
That our hearts may pant after Thee as the hart after :
the fountains of water,
That Thou wouldst manifest Thyself to us as to the
two disciples in the breaking of bread,
That we may know Thy voice like Magdalen,
That with a lively faith we may confess with the beloved
disciple — "It is the Lord,"
That Thou wouldst bless us who have not seen and
have believed,
That we may love Thee in the Blessed Sacrament with
Various Exercises for Holy Communion. 471
our whole heart, with our whole soul, with all our
mind, and with all our strength,
That the fruit of each communion may be fresh love,
That our one desire may be to love Thee and to do Thy
will,
That we may ever remain in Thy love,
That Thou wouldst teach us how to receive and welcome
Thee,
That Thou wouldst teach us to pray and Thyself pray
within us,
That with Thee every virtue may come into our souls,
That through this day Thou wouldst keep us closely
united to Thee,
That Thou wouldst give us grace to persevere to the end,
That Thou wouldst then be our support und Viaticum,
That with Thee and leaning on Thee we may safely pass
through all dangers,
That our last act may be one of perfect love, and our last
breath a long deep sigh to be in Our Father's house,
That Thy sweet face may smile upon us when we appear
before Thee,
That our banishment from Thee, dearest Lord, may not
be very long,
That when the time is come, we may fly up from our
prison to Thee and in Thy Sacred Heart find our rest
forever,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God; Who takest away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
V. Stay with us, Lord, because it is toward evening,
R. And the day is now far spent
Let us pray.
yr7TTJE come to Thee, dear Lord; with the apostles, saying,
VJlA» " Increase our faith." Give us a strong and lively
faith in the mystery of Thy real presence in the midst, of us.
Give us the splendid faith of the centurion, which drew
from Thee such praise. Give us the faith of the beloved
472 Various Exercises for Holy Communion.
disciple to know Thee in the dark and say, "It is the Lord! *
Give us the faith of Peter to confess, "Thou art Christ, the
Son of the living God." Give us the faith of Magdalen to
fall at Thy feet crying, "Rabboni, Master." Give us the
faith of all Thy saints, to whom the Blessed Sacrament has
been heaven begun on earth. In every communion increase
our faith; for with faith — love and humility, and reverence,
and docility, and ail good, will come into our souls .
Dearest Lord, increase our faith.
Sbort Bets for 1bolg Communion.
ACT OF FAITH.
C\ JESUS , I believe that Thou art present in the
Blessed Sacrament, as truly as Thou art in
heaven. I believe that, under the appearance of bread,
I shall receive, in holy communion, Thy sacred body
and blood. I adore Thee as my Lord and my God.
ACT OF HOPE.
f\ JESUS, I hope in Thee because Thou art infinitely
good, almighty, and faithful to Thy promises.
Through Thy mercy I hope to obtain the pardon of my
sins, and the grace of final perseverance.
ACT OF CHARITY.
JESUS, I love Thee with my whole heart and above
~* all things, because Thou art the one supremely
good and infinitely perfect Being. My desire is to love
Thee more, and in all things to please Thee.
* ACT OF DESIRE.
JESUS, my heart yearns for Thee in holy com-
munion. Come, Thou Food of angels and Bread
of heaven, to nourish my soul. Come, most amiable
Spouse of my soul, to inflame me with such love of Thee
that I may never again be separated from Thee. Come,
do not delay, sweet Master, Thou Joy of the angels and
Bliss of the saints.
Various Exercises for Holy Communion. 473
ACT OF SORROW AND HUMILITY.
f\ JESUS, I am a poor sinner. But Thou wilt not
~* despise a contrite and humble heart. I am
truly sorry for having sinned, because Thou art so
good and sin displeases Thee. O Lord! I am not
worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof, but
say only the word, and my soul shall be healed.
Btter 1bol£ Communion*
ACT OF ADORATION.
/~\ JESUS, my Beloved, Thou art with me now.
Thou art my God, and yet Thou hast come
to me, a poor sinner. I adore Thee in union with the
saints and angels. Thou art my King; reign Thou
alone over my heart and my whole being. Let me
never be separated from Thee by s±ii, that I may adore
Thee and love Thee for ever, in heaven.
ACT OF THANKSGIVING.
JESUS, I thank Thee for coming to me, and
nourishing my soul with Thy sacred body and
most precious blood. "What shall I render to the
Lord for all the things that He Jiath rendered to me ? "
(Ps. cxv. 12). Unworthy as I am I will offer to God
the merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Beloved
of my soul. I offer the merits of His most blessed
Mother, and of all the saints. O saints and angels,
praise the Lord in my name, and give thanks to Him
for His goodness and mercy to me. With the grace
of God, I mean to manifest my gratitude for His graces
and blessings by obedience to His holy commandmentsr
by my devotedness to my duties, and by my fidelity to
His inspirations. Thanks be to God. Blessed be His
iioly name!
474 Various Exercises for Holy Communion.
ACT OF REPARATION AND LOVE.
JESUS, how great is Thy love for my poor soul.
Thou hast died for me on the cross, and Thou
hast given me, in this Blessed Sacrament, the pledge
of eternal life. I love Thee, my Lord, with all my
heart. I am sorry for the insults and injuries that I
and others have inflicted on Thy Sacred Heart; for
Thou art infinitely good and worthy of all my love. I
would rather lose my life and all my possessions than
lose Thee again through mortal sin, O my sovereign
Good! Help me to love Thee more and more. I wish
to avoid everything that is displeasing to Thee. I give
Thee my soul and my body. I consecrate to Thee my
thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings. I place my-
self entirely in Thy hands; do with me according to
Thy pleasure. With St. Ignatius, I pray: "Give me
but Thy love and Thy grace; more than this I do not
ask;" and with the seraphic Francis, I cry to Thee:
"My Lord and my God! Thou hast died for love of
me, let me also die to self for love of Thee."
PETITION.
ESUS, my Lord, since Thou hast come to me to
grant me graces, bidding me to ask with confi-
dence, I now pray Thee not for earthly riches, honors,
and transitory pleasures, but for the greatest spiritual
treasures, namely, a supernatural horror of sin, and
intense sorrow for past offences, freedom from inordi-
nate affections, a meek and humble heart like Thine,
the most perfect submission and even abandonment to
Thy will, a holy life and a happy death. Help me to
live daily more perfectly in accordance with the spirit
of my vows, and that I may persevere as a true and
zealous Religious to the end of my days.
I have also some particular graces to ask for (mention
them). O heavenly Father! since our dear Lord and
Various Exercises jor Holy Communion.
475
Saviour Himself has said: "Amen, amen, I say to you,
if you ask the Father anything in My name, He will
give it you," I beseech Thee, for the love of Thy Son,
Jesus Christ, Who now dwells within me, and Whose
infinite merits I offer up to Thee, do Thou graciously
hear my prayers and grant all my petitions.
MEMENTO OF THE LIVING.
1. LORD, my God! I recommend to Thee the
Sovereign Pontiff, and all prelates, bishops,
and priests, all Superiors and Religious; in particular
those of our own Congregation; grant them, O Lord,
zeal and the spirit of their state, that they may give
themselves to the salvation of souls,
2. My relatives, friends, and enemies; the dying
who are on the point of leaving this world; and all the
faithful who are in Thy grace; give them, O Lord,
perseverance and fervor in Thy love.
3. All infidels, heretics, and sinners; give them light
and strength that they may all know and love Thee.
MEMENTO OF THE DEAD.
RECOMMEND to Thee the souls of my
parents, benefactors, friends, and enemies;
and of those who are in purgatory through my fault.
2. The souls of priests, and those who labored for
souls — especially of Superiors and Religious.
3. The souls of those who -were most devout to the
Passion of Jesus Christ, to the Most Holy Sacrament,
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to His Blessed Mother ;
the souls who are the most forgotten; those who are
suffering the most; and those who are nearest to the
gates of paradise.
FINAL REFLECTIONS, ACTS, AND PETITIONS.
^fWEET Heart of Jesus, be my love. Sweet heart
of Mary, be my salvation. May I suffer for
you, may I die for you* may I be all yours, and ii
476
Various Exercises for Holy Communion,
nothing my own! May the Most Holy Sacrament be
evermore thanked and praised! Blessed be the holy
and immaculate conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
"My son, give Me thy heart7 ' (Prov. xiii. 26). O my
soul, behold this is all that thy Lord asks of thee; when
He comes to visit thee, He would have thy heart and
thy will He gives Himself to thee without reserve;
it is but reasonable that thou shouldst also give Him
all thyself without reserve, taking care to follow His
will in all things: "For the Lord will return, to rejoice
over thee in all good things" (Deut. xxx. 9). Act in
such a manner that Jesus, when He comes to thee again,
may find that thou hast executed all His designs. My
Jesus! I wish to please Thee; help Thou my desire.
Give me strength, and do with me whatsoever Thou
> pleasest.
" When life is o'er to me He'll say,
Arise, my love, the winter's past;
The rains have ceased, come haste away,
Heaven's endless day has dawned at last
" In rapturous love, then, face to face,
My Jesus all unveiled I'll see —
Upon His Heart, in His embrace,
I'll sweetly rest eternally."
A PETITION TO OVERCOME YOUR FAULTS.
*|~\EAR Jesus, Thou knowest my special weaknesses,
and how earnestly I have asked Thee to strengthen
me.
But there are other failings, and these I petition Thee
to help me in a particular manner to overcome.
I wince and chafe when I am found fault with, even
when the reproach is just.
It is like a lancet cutting me to be misunderstood,
and to have my intentions and actions misrepresented.
But to be accused falsely and before many, to be
branded with motives and deeds which I would spurn.
Various Exercises /or Holy Communion, 477
well-nigh paralyzes me, and tempts me to bitterness of
heart and revenge.
While seeing others preferred before me, being de-
rided and held up to ^corn rouses all the worst feelings
and passions of my nature with such force that I am well-
nigh carried away by their violence.
I feel it so hard, sometimes almost impossible, to be
kind to those who have treated me treacherously and
with ingratitude, and my thoughts, words, and ges-
tures are poisoned with dislike 'when they come across
me.
I strive to cast the injury they have done me from
my mind, and to treat them with more kindness than
before, but the struggle seems hopeless.
And in this way I am so utterly unlike Thee, Whom
I have received in holy communion, Whose disciple
I am, and Whose follower I pretend to be, that I entreat
Thee to change me, that I may imitate closely Thy
beautiful example.
Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make my heart
like Thine 1
When I am misunderstood and misrepresented, make
me as calm, patient, resigned, and joyful as Thou wert,
when Thyself, Thy divine mission, and Thy actions
were misunderstood and grossly misrepresented.
When I am falsely accused, make me as unruffled as
Thou wert when Thy enemies accused Thee publicly of
having a devil, of casting out devils by Beelzebub, and
when Thou stoodst before Pilate, arraigned as a rebel,
plotting to take a,way the kingdom of Judea from the
rule of Caesar.
When I am spoken of contemptuously, when others
are preferred before me, whether it be through injustice
or by Thy permissive providence to cure me of my
deep pride and morbid self-love, make me silent and
resigned, as Thou wert when Barabbas, the murderer
and the robber, was preferred before Thee, and when,
47 8 Various Exercises for Holy Communion.
hanging on the cross, the Jews cried out, "Vah! Thou
that destroy est the Temple of God, and in three days
dost rebuild it, save Thy own self : if Thou be the Son
of God, come down from the cross" (Matt, xxvii. 40).
In like manner also the chief priests, with the scribes
and ancients, mocking, said, "He saved others; Him-
self He can not save. If He be the King of Israel,
let Him come down from the cross, and we will believe
Him" (Matt, xxvii. 42).
Make me act toward* those who have offended me as
Thou didst to Magdalen, whom Thou didst love most
of others after Thy Mother; as Thou didst to Peter, whom
Thou didst not only fully forgive, but didst make him
prince of the apostles.
These are some of the weak parts of my moral nature,
and I beseech Thee to invigorate and strengthen them.
These are the points where my resolutions so often
fail, and the enemy too frequently triumphs.
Give me such fortitude that I may never be defeated
again.
Leave the impress of Thy example on my soul to-day,
that it may stimulate me to walk in Thy footsteps, and
so become like Thee in my thoughts, words, and actions.,
but especially in my conduct toward others.
Oh! dear Jesus, I desire most earnestly to be Thy
real disciple, Thy true and faithful follower. Help me
with Thy grace.
It is my resolve ever to try to learn the golden truth
and to act upon it, that all real goodness must depend
upon the practice of the love of God. and my neighbor,
as Our Saviour says: "On these two commandments
dependeth the whole law and the prophets" (Matt,
xxii. 40).
It is my firm purpose to learn and practice humility,
which consists in acting on the plain truth, that we have
nothing of our own, and that whatever we possess be-
longs to God, according to the teaching of St. Paul*
Various Exercises for Holy Communion, 479
"By the grace of God, I am what lam" (1 Cor. xv.
10).
And if I am ever tempted to deny or to forget this
primary truth, I will always say: "What hast thou that
thou hast not received, and if thou hast received, why
dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it?" (1 Cor.
iv. 7).
And when self-love or others tempt me to glory in
what is not mine, my answers shall be in the words of
David: "Not to us, O Lord, but to Thy name, give
glory" (Ps. cxiii. 1).
Neither will I put myself before others unfairly or
unjustly, but will follow the advice of Our Saviour: "But
when thou art invited, go sit down in the lowest place:
that when he who inviteth thee cometh, he may say to
thee, Friend, go up higher. Then shalt thou have
glory before them that sit at table with thee" (Luke
xiv. 10).
And when pride and vanity are trying to enter my
heart and mind, I will always remember my nothing-
ness and say : "Why is earth and a.shes proud ? " (Ecclus.
x. 9).
If ever I have authority, or am in an honorable position,
I will never treat those under me as my inferiors, but
I will carry out the spirit of Our Saviour's instructions,
where He says: "Whoever shall be the greater among
you, let him be your minister, and he that shall be first
among you shall be your servant" (Matt. xx. 26, 27).
Thus I shall avoid the punishment of the proud,
and receive the reward of the humble: "And whoso-
ever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and he that
humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Matt, xxiii. 12).
I am determined to be fully resigned to God's will,
and in all that happens to say from my heart in every
sorrow and misfortune, "Not my will, but Thine, be
done" (Luke xxii. 42).
I promise to leave myself and my future with child-
480 Various Exercises for Holy Communion.
like trust and confidence in God's hands, and to banish
all fear, anxiety, and restlessness about what may happen.
I firmly resolve, with God's grace, never wilfully to
commit any venial sin, whether of pride, vanity, anger,
jealousy, revenge, uncharitableness, or untruthfulness,
and if I fail, I am determined at once to ask God's for-
giveness by an act of sorrow.
It is my unshaken intention to correspond with the
inspirations of grace; and never to forget the injunction
of St. Paul: "And we exhort you not to receive the
grace of God in vain'' (2 Cor. vi. 1).
This is the way to lead good lives, to prepare for a
nappy death, and to save our souls. Then we shall be
so pleasing to God that He will guard us as the apple
of His eye, and protect us under the shadow of His
wings, and whenever we die a crown of eternal glory
will await us, for uHe that shall persevere unto the end,
he shall be saved" (Matt. x. 22).
JESUS, MASTER, TEACH ME.
EACH me, teach me, dearest Jesus,
In Thine own sweet loving way,
All the lessons of perfection
I must practice day by day.
Teach me meekness, dearest Jesus,
Of Thine own the counterpart;
Not in words and actions only,
But the meekness of the heart
Teach Humility, sweet Jesus,
To this poor, proud heart of mine,
Which yet wishes, O my Jesus,
To be modelled after Thine.
Teach me Fervor, dearest Jesus,
To comply with every grace,
So as never to look backwards,
Never slacken in the race.
Various Exercises for Holy Communion. 481
Teach me Poverty, sweet Jesus,
That my heart may never cling,
To whate'er its love might sever,
From my Saviour, Spouse, and King.
Teach me Chastity, sweet Jesus,
That my every day may see
Something added to the likeness
That my soul should bear to Thee.
Teach Obedience, dearest Jesus,
Such as was Thy daily food ,
In Thy toilsome earthly journey
From the cradle to the rood.
Teach Thy Heart, to me, dear Jesus,
Is my fervent, final prayer.
For all beauties and perfections
Are in full perfection there,
A SPECIAL REQUEST..
DEAREST Lord, whilst Thou art with me I have
one great favor to ask, which I am sure Thou
wilt grant, because it is for Thy greater glory and for
my good.
From to-day, and for the rest 0/ my life, I want to
love Thee with an unselfish, perfect love. .
I do not want to love Thee only for what gifts or
rewards I shall receive, or for the punishments I shall
avoid.
I do not desire to love Thee merely because I shall
thereby obtain heaven and avoid hell.
But I ardently wish to love Thee for Thine own dear
sake, because Thou art so infinitely good, beautiful,
powerful, rich, tender, compassionate, and loving.
Because there is no king or emperor can compare with
Thee, and imagination can not conceive any being that
can dimly approach Thee.
This, loving Jesus, is the request I now make with all
the fervor of my soul.
482 Various Exercises for Holy Communion.
Give me, I beseech Thee, this generous and unselfish
love. Intensify and deepen it day by day, and then
indeed my life will be happy and peaceful.
ST. FRANCIS XAYIER'S HYMN OF LOVE.
DEUS, ego amo Te!
Nec amo Te ut salves me,
Aut quia non amantes Te,
iEterno punis igne:
Tu, Tu, mi Jesu, totum me
Amplexus es in cruce.
Tulisti clavos, lanceam
Multamque ignominiam,
Innumeros dolores,
Sudores et angores,
OGOD, I love Thee for
Thyself
And not that I may heaven
gain,
Nor yet that they, who love
Thee not,
Must suffer hell's eternal
pain.
Thou, O my Jesus! Thou
didst me
Upon the cross embrace;
For me didst bear the nails
and spear
And manifold disgrace;
And griefs and torments
numberless,
And sweat of agony;
Ac mortem: et haec propter E'en death itself — and all
me,
Ac pro me peccatore!
Cur igitur non amem Te,
O Jesu amantissime?
Non ut in ccelo salves me,
Aut ne aeternum damnes me,
Nec praemii ullius spe;
Sed sicut Tu amasti me,
Sic amo et amabo Te,
Solum quia Rex meus es,
Et solum quia Deus es.
for one
Who was Thine enemy.
Then whv, O blessed Jesus
Christ,
Should I not love Thee well :
Not for the sake of winning
heaven,
Or of escaping hell;
Not with the hope of gaining
aught,
Not seeking a reward;
But, as Thyself hast loved me,
O ever-loving Lord?
E'en so I love Thee, and will
love,
And in Thy praise will sing ;
Solelv because Thou art my
God
And my eternal King
Various Exercises for Holy Communion, 483
AX ACT OF PRAISE.
^T^VEAREST Lord, praise is the outcome of a heart
filled with perfect love, gratitude, and admira-
tion.
Oh, I love and praise Thee for all Thy wondrous
deeds, Thy infinite love and goodness, and particularly
for giving Thyself to me in holy communion this day,
to be the food and nourishment of my soul!
Oh, that I could make all creatures and all creation
, love and praise Thee as Thou deservest!
Oh, that, like the four-and-twenty ancients, I could
ever continually repeat their prayer of praise: "Thou
art worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory, and
honor, and power! "
That as the angels sang over Bethlehem, I might keep
singing in my heart, " Glory to God in the highest."
That I might love to cry out like David, "Ye sun,
moon, and stars, ye young men and women, magnify
and glorify God for ever."
That with the three children in the burning furnace,
who walked in the midst of the flames, praising God
and blessing the Lord, in tribulation and adversity, I
might ever praise and bless Thee.
That, after the example of the Blessed Virgin, who
cried out, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my
spirit hath rejoiced in God, my Saviour," my soul might
be full of Thy praises.
That, imitating St. Francis and the saints in every age,
I might call on everything to praise the Lord, as they
used to cry out, "Praise the Lord, ye birds and swallows
and all living things!"
This is the way I will try to praise Thee, dear Lord, for
all Thy gifts, and especially for giving Thyself to me in
the holy communion.
484 Various Exercises for Holy Communion
PRAYER OF SAINT MARGARET MARY.
C\ MY God, I disavow with all my heart whalevei
passes within me contrary to Thy holy love. I
cheerfully accept all the painful dispositions in which
it is Thy pleasure to place me, and my wish is in all
things to conform myself to Thy holy will. AYhenever
I kiss Thy cross, it is to show that I submit to mine.
A PRAYER TO BECOME A EE RYE XT RELIGIOUS
IX calling me to the religious life, O God of my
heart! Thou hast called me to perfection; Thou
wishest that I should daily aspire to it, and Thou aflord-
est me the most abundant means for that purpose. But,
alas! how remote am I from that solid and perfect
virtue which should characterize Thy faithful spouse!
What a long journey still remains for me to arrive at
that happy term! Notwithstanding the many years I
have passed in religion, I find myself still subject to
the same defects, and I make no progress in virtue.
Instead of advancing, I very often fall back; instead
of correcting myself, of becoming more holy, of being
more faithful to my duties, of being more detached
from the world and myself, more mild and charitable,
more exact and fervent, more docile, submissive, more
poor in spirit and heart, I continue to be tepid and negli-
gent; averse to trouble and contradiction; hostile to mor-
tification, silence, and recollection; seeking in all things
my satisfaction, the gratification of my humor and
natural inclinations. O my God! shall I be always
an unfaithful soul, an imperfect Religious, a spouse
unworthy of Thee? How great a misfortune for me,
were death to take me by surprise! Vouchsafe, O
Spouse of my soul! to lend me Thy all-powerful hand,
draw me from my tepidity, inspire me with a holy zeal
for my perfection; and, in order to repair the lost time,
conduct me by rapid steps to the term of my vocation.
Various Exercises for Holy Communion, 485
I implore this favor of Thee through the intercession of
Mary and Joseph.
Pater, Ave.
MARKS OF A FERVENT RELIGIOUS.*
HE perfection of a Religious does not consist, as is some-
times imagined, in undertaking great things, in reciting
long prayers, or in sublime contemplation, in practicing
excessive austerities and mortifications, in performing heroic
acts of virtue; in a word, it does not consist in walking in
an extraordinary way and distinguishing one's self by a
singular mode of life, or by making one's self prominent
before the world. We are to seek perfection only in the
faithful keeping of our vows and in the strict observance
of our rules and constitutions. The following points are to
be remarked in the conduct of a fervent Religious:
1. In regard to God the fervent Religious punctually
performs all his exercises of piety in accordance with the
spirit of God and of his holy Institute. Or, to enter more
into details, he recites all his vocal prayers with attention,
makes his meditations with fervor and his spiritual reading
considerately, receives holy communion with due prepara-
tion, and performs all his actions with a pure intention,
solely to Dlease and serve God, with inviolable fidelity to
grace, with perfect conformity to the divine will, with the
most intimate union of his heart with the Sacred Heart of
Jesus Christ, Who deigned to call him to so holy and exalted
a state.
2. In regard to his neighbor he is full of respect and
esteem in accordance with the divine law and his own con-
science; he is charitable and obliging, meek, patient, and
indulgent toward others; bears their ill-humor Wth com-
posure, excuses their faults, sympathizes with them in their
sufferings and trials, forestalls their desires and wishes, most
carefully shuns all cutting remarks, bitter complaints, un-
pleasant retorts, all kinds of dissatisfaction, ail coldness and
unfeelingness. He seeks occasions to oblige them, to render
them service, and this without exacting gratitude in return-
* By Rev. Jos. Schneider, Sj,
486 Various Exercises for Holy Communion.
He is never more pleased than when he can befriend them,
He gives to all a good example, helps and consoles them,
and does all he can to contribute to the happiness of those
with whom he lives.
3. In regard to himself he is all humility, retirement, and
watchfulness. In him reigns a constant equanimity with
a cheerful peace of mind. He is always perfectly composed
and devoid of obstinacy, uneasiness, confusion, pride, and
arrogance. Without hypocrisy or duplicity he considers
himself as the servant of all, and sees in his neighbor Jesus
Christ Himself. He neither seeks human applause, nor
yields to the cravings of vanity, self-love, and self-compla-
cency, and cheerfully devotes himself to promoting the glory
of God in whatever place, employment, or rank, obedience
and divine Providence may place him.
Ir short, a fervent Religious shows in his whole conduct
and in his actions nothing singular or extraordinary, but
he imparts a sublime elevation and value to all his actions
and to his whole conduct by his exalted motives, by the
wholly divine exercise of an interior and recollected life
of walking in the presence of God, of desire for perfection,
and by his consideration and expectation of heavenly bliss.
Thus have many Religious lived, e.g., a St. Aloysius Gon-
zaga, in whose life there was seen nothing grand or extraor-
dinary, and who, by the exercises of an apparently ordinary
iife, raised himself to a very high degree of holiness. St.
Mary Magdalen de Pazzi once beheld him in a vision clothed
with brightest glory, at which sight she was so full of astonish-
ment and wonder that she fell into an ecstasy. How did
St Aloysius reach such a height of virtue and glory? By
constant fidelity to grace, by the faithful performance of all
his duties, by his ''inner and hidden life," so full of treasures
of merits, so unknown to the world, but so pleasing to God
and richly rewarded by Him.
This grand model urges us to lead a perfect life, and cor-
rects our many former errors concerning piety. It is very
consoling to timorous souls, who do not feel strong enough
to take a lofty flight like the eagle, but who can gather there-
from the hope of attaining, even step by step, that degree
of perfection to which they are called by their state and the
grace of God.
Various Exercises for Holy Communion, 487
Let us also keep in view this exalted model, that he may
serve us as a mirror wherein to contemplate how we may
trace in us all his traits and adapt to them our heart, our
sentiments, and our conduct.
Zbc flMcture of a (SooD IFlovuce,
A.ND THE MARKS BY WHICH IT MAY BE KNOWN WHETHER
HE WILL BECOME A GOOD AND FAITHFUL MEMBER OF
' HIS ORDER.*
PERFECT novice, who in time will become a true
Religious, may be known by the following signs:
1. He never commits a venial sin with full deliberation.
2. He conceals nothing from his Superiors, nor does he
wish that they should remain in ignorance of anything about
him whatever.
3. He bears it without bitterness if his faults are shown
to him.
4. He cheerfully does penance for failings which scarcely
deserve a. punishment.
5. He takes advantage of every chance to deny and mortify
himself.
6. He always speaks of matters that are in keeping with
his vocation.
7. He keeps so close a guard over his external conduct
that a searching eye finds hardly anything to blame.
8. Books that excite virtuous resolutions he reads with
greater fervor and relish than those which merely satisfy
curiosity and engage the mind.
9. He entertains no special friendship that rests on purely
natural grounds.
10. He steadily combats self-love by undertaking, with
the consent of his Superiors, whatever he dislikes.
11. He struggles with success against weariness at prayer,
reading, and other spiritual exercises.
12. He estimates the practical value of meditation, not
by the consolation he experiences, but by the amount of love
he acquires for virtue and the care he takes to avoid wilful
\mperfections.
* According to P. Dirkink, S.J.
488 Various Exercises for Holy Communion.
13. He longs for perfection, not to benefit self, but to
please God.
14. He avoids the smallest violation against the Rule and
holds nothing unimportant that bears on perfection.
15. He frequently consults his novice-master and submits
to his guidance to the intent:
(a) That he may be protected against the danger of mortally
offending God, and lessen the number of venial sins and
imperfections.
(b) That he may practice virtue with safety.
(c) That he may learn to perform his interior and exterior
actions more perfectly from day to day.
16. Of several good works he aims to choose the more
perfect.
17. He shows no preference for any occupation, office, or
place, but simply accommodates himself to every situation
and circumstance
18. He is always satisfied and cheerful, never ill-humore'd
or self-willed.
19. He is not easily worried about anything, and construes
matters in the best light; but things that may injure the
community, a wrong-doer, or a neighbor, he does not fail
to report.
20. A novice fashioned in this mould and rooted in solid
virtue, leaves the novitiate with such a dread of sin and imper-
fection, and such a love of virtue and perfection, that all
alone and without fear of reproof he will lead a life as vir-
tuous, pure, and guarded as if he were constantly under the
observing eye of a most venerated Superior.
I conclude with the short advice, " Do this and thou shalt
live." Yes, you will live in your Community with pleasure,
your life will be blameless, godly, and perfect, as becomes
a true follower of Christ. I entreat ycu, only make a brave
start; for "well begun is half done." "When you begin,"
ays St. Bernard, "begin well; if you do, you will soon
reach the end." And when, like the angels ascending, you
have mounted, as up a Jacob's ladder, the rounds of virtue,
you will find the Lord leaning upon the topmost round, and
you will be clasped in the blessed, outstretched arms of God.
Before and after Communion.
489
Reflections anfc praters before an& after
Communion for IReligious**
Gbri6t ©ur Xorfc ae Iking.
BEFORE COMMUNION.
/. Who comes ?
" *"p^ E, Who is King of kings, and Lord of lords " (Apoc.
xix.) ; "the King of glory" (Ps. xxiii.) ; " a power-
ful King and greatly to be feared, Who sitteth upon His
throne and, is the God of dominion" (Ecclus. i.); He of
Whom it is written: " On His head were many diadems"
(Apoc. xix.); "Thousands of thousands ministered to
Him, and ten thousand times a hundred thousand stood
before Him" (Dan. vii.); "And the armies that are
in heaven followed Him " (Apoc. xix.) ; " And the four-
and-twenty ancients fell down before Him and adored
Him — and cast their crowns before the throne " (Apoc.
iv.).
"Afterwards He was seen upon earth, and conversed
with men" (Baruch iii.).
"Art Thou a King then? ... I am a King. For
this was I born and for this came I into the world" (John
xviii.); "I am appointed King over Sion" (Ps. ii.).
Yet how little He parades His royalty. Among the
things that are so sweet in the character of Our King, is
the absence of condescension about Him. He says so
little about Himself. He comes so silently into our
midst. He drops so quietly into our ways that we
have to be continually reminding ourselves Who He is.
Kings never succeed in putting those around them quite
at their ease. They betray themselves unconsciously by
the attentions they exact. "Do you forget," said one,
* Bv Mother Mary Loyola.
490 Before and after Communion.
"that I am your king?" With the King of kings it is
not so. He does not show us that He is stooping to
come among us, that He feels our companionship try-
ing after what He has been used to, that our ways and
our rudeness jar on His infinite refinement. No, He
leaves St. Paul to speak about the annihilation of His
Incarnation: " Taking the form of a servant, being
made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a
man" (Phil. ii.). He Himself seems to be, if we might
venture to say so, proud of what He gained by His com-
ing. He loves to call Himself the Son of man. And
once among us, He tries to be like us as far as He can.
What we have to do and bear, He will do and bear, and
as we take our daily privations and troubles as a matter
of course, so will He. He speaks so seldom of Who He
is, that some have said, He has never told us plainly
that He is God. If He works miracles all day long
during the three years of the public ministry, it is for
our sakes, and He only speaks of them when our good
requires that He should speak. Of His frightful suffer-
ings He scarcely makes any mention — two or three
times, that is all — and so calmly, quite as a thing to
be looked for. When they were over, He .said they
were only what we ought to have expected our Messias
to do for us. Ought not Christ to have suffered these
things? " These things" (Luke xxiv.), as if the mock-
ing, and the scourging, and the crucifixion, which had
completely staggered the faith of His disciples, were
nothing so very wonderful after all.
" Cur igitur non amem Te
O Jesu amantissime! "
O dearest King, who will gi^e me a single reason
in the wide world why I should not love You, why I
should not dedicate to You every fiber of my being,
why I should not strive with all my heart and soul and
mind and strength to return You love for love?
Before and after Communion,
491
Faith.
" 'TT'T is a great glory to follow the Lord." I know it, O
«-*-» Lord, I know it. And I know how utterly unworthy
I am to be ranked among Your followers, Your per-
sonal attendants, Your friends. I can not understand
in the very least how You can have chosen me. But
I make my act of faith, without understanding, and
so come to Your feet, that by union with You I may
become a little less unworthy.
Love.
"<G\HOU also wast with Jesus of Nazareth" (Matt,
xxvi.). My King and my Leader, put into my
heart so strong a love of You, that I may be eager to
follow You everywhere, even to pain and shame. Let
the reproach which was flung at Peter be my glory.
Let my highest ambition here, let my happiness here-
after be, "Thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth."
II. To whom does He come ?
I SEE the King standing on a grassy plain near Jeru-
salem, surrounded by those who believe in Him
and love Him. He is fair and beautiful, and the hearts
of His servants go out to Him as He stands there in
their midst, on the green grass with the wild flowers
at His feet. I see Him calling a certain number, a
few to be His personal followers, His intimate com-
panions, His friends. He chooses them here and there;
He calls them by their names one by one. Shall I
say to my infinite surprise — shall I say to my extreme
confusion — shall I say to my intense joy, I hear my
own name called?
I see these so called stepping forth from the ranks
and forming a little inner circle round Him — His per-
sonal companions, His friends. "I will not now call
you servants, but friends" (John xv.). Such a call is
His free gift. He is Master of His gifts and He dis-
penses them as He chooses. He binds all men by the
492 Before and after Communion,
law of His commandments. He invites a few to the
following of His counsels — / am of that jew. Some
souls He designs for great gifts, others for greater, others
again for greatest — I am elected to the greatest.
Well may I cast down my eyes; well may I thank
Him that He does not go by goodness or by fitness, but
by His own glorious freedom of choice.
OGIFT of gifts, O gracious call,
My God, how can it be,
That Thou Who hast discerning love
Shouldst give that gift to me!
How many hearts Thou might' st have had
More innocent than mine,
How many souls more worthy far
Of that sweet touch of Thine.
Ah, grace! into unlikeliest hearts
It is Thy boast to come,
The glory of Thy light to find
In darkest spots a home.
Thy choice, O God of goodness! then
I lovingly adore;
O give me grace to keep Thy grace
And grace to merit more.
QUID RETRIBUAM? What shall I give Him?
Surely that for which He is looking — the corre-
spondence befitting such a vocation. By my profession I
am called to the special praise, reverence, and service of
God. I must see that He gets this from me. Like a
courtier living in the palace, always in the immediate
presence of royalty, there must be in my praise, rever-
ence, and service, a delicacy, an assiduity, an exactitude,
a generosity not called for from those outside. Mine
is a service more nearly observed and to be more glori-
ously requited.
God looks to Religious as to those with whom He
Before and after Communion. 493
may solace Himself. Repelled by the generality of
men, He turns to them — to open Himself to them.
Therefore no minimizing for me, no paring down of a
service, which when I have done my best, He must use
all His condescension to accept.
But there are degrees of devotedness even in the corps
d* elite. There are those who are content to fulfil their
engagements, to do their own work, to keep in view
the movements of their own division. But as to the
whole army, to the general interests, to following the
King closely — this has no attraction for them — they
are not eminent.
And there are those whose one desire is to follow
their King as closely as possible. Where the battle is
thickest — where the blows are hardest — where the
marches are longest — and the burdens heaviest — there
they will be because He is there. Mortifications that
are not necessary, pain, and injuries, and ignominy are
their choice because they were His.
" Always to do my very best for Him — all that I car
possibly do I will do for Him." This is the cry of
their hearts. It shall be my cry. He is a King to live
for — a King to die for — a King to Whom it should be a
joy to sacrifice personal interest, convenience, com-
fort, health, strength, time, talents, life itself.
Let me do all that lies in me, to make my Congre-
gation a stronghold in His cause, This it will be if
His principles reign supreme, if His service is the thought
paramount in every heart — not those around me, cer-
tainly not me, for the first and foremost consideration,
but everywhere and always the King — His interests.
His glory, His greater service.
" For oh, what is the single end
Of this life's mortal span,
Except to glorify the God
Who for our sakes was man ? "
494
Before and after Communion,
(qjHY KINGDOM COME !— in my own heart first,
and then in every heart that I can influence, in
diose near and dear to me, in those entrusted to me more
than all.
My own heart first. Yes, for all' strong, lasting influ-
ence for good must spring from the interior spirit. It
must come of personal devotion to you, of close union
with Your Sacred Heart. That Heart must win me
to detachment from comforts and convenience, to detach-
ment from honor and reputation, to detachment from
self in all its forms if I am to follow my Lord closely,
and win souls for Him.
I see Hirn holding out His hands and saying to me:
Will you corns? Asking for help, asking for personal
service, personal devotedness, personal sacrifice — such
as He has given to me. Will you come? Will you be
content with My food, with My cup, with My clothing,
content to share My labors and privations, content this
coming year with My food — the will of My Father, with
My cup — suffering, with My livery, — humiliations and
reproaches. W ill you come? Can I hesitate ?
O Sovereign and true Leader, I fall on my knees
before You. I am not worthy, I am most unworthy of
Your call. But take me as I am. I give myself up
into Your hands. "I will follow Thee whithersoever
Thou goest" (Luke ix.). "In what place soever Thou
shalt be, my Lord King, either in death or in life, there
will Thy servant be" (2 Kings).
Humility,
OW St. Francis Borgia prized his vocation! Per-
haps the humility and gratitude of that humble
heart may find its way into mine, if I use his words
and ask to feel as he felt:
"O my Lord, in Whom alone I put my trust, what
is there in me that Thou shouldst look upon me ? What
hast Thou found in me, that Thou shouldst call me to
Before and after Communion.
495
form one of the company of Thy chosen servants! For
they ought to be valiant, and I am a coward; they
ought to be despisers of the world, and I am a slave
to its opinion; they ought to be haters of themselves,
and I am full of self-love. What then didst Thou find
in me? Perhaps Thou didst perceive me to be bolder
than others in disobeying Thy commands, more indiffer-
ent to Thy glory, more wedded to my own interests.
Surely, if Thou didst seek these things, Thou didst
find them in me."
"Thy choice, O God of goodness! then
I lovingly adore,
Oh, give me grace to keep Thy grace,
And grace to merit more.,,
Contrition.
IN return for all Your favor, my God, You do not
ask much, but You do ask for faithfulness. And
I have been so unfaithful. There has been so little
alacrity in Your service, so much self-seeking, so many
shortcomings every way.
Yet I know You will not have me to be discouraged.
I know You are ready to take us up at any time. For-
give me all there is to forgive — You know, my God,
what that means. Could I ask it of any other than You ?
III. Why does He come?
E comes to fire my heart with the loyal love of
Him, with the devotion to His person, on which
the fervor of my service depends. He comes to be
near me, to put Himself within my reach, to unite Him-
self intimately to me, that so I may be able to appre-
ciate His character, to learn His ways, to know Him.
Not to know Him is darkness and death. To know
Him is light and life eternal. "This is eternal life, to
know Thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ, Whom
Thou hast sent" (John xvii.). He is the Model on the
49 6 Before and after Communion.
Mount, upon which all the elect are to be formed. The
knowledge of Him is the condition in the order of God's
providence for carrying out His mission in the world.
What God required in the apostles was not that they
should be learned men or able men, but that they
should know His Son. St. Peter, too, required it when
he proposed another to fill the place of Judas. "Of
these men who have companied with lis, all the time
that the Lord Jesus came in and went out amongst
us, . . . one of these must be made a witness with us"
(Acts L). The same personal knowledge was given
to St. Paul, revealed to him by Our Lord Himself.
The same is required in all those who by their voca-
tion are chosen to carry on the work of Jesus Christ.
It is the condition necessary to success. It is the train-
ing the soldiers must go through before they can be
let loose upon the enemy. An instrument, to be efficient,
must be united to the main agent; we must be united
to Our Lord, we must study Him, we must be like Him
in His character, in His ways, in His likings and dis-
likings, in His methods, in His principles, if we are to
influence others as He did. He drew all to Him, that
He might draw all to God. We must draw all to God
by giving them Jesus Christ.
Personal devotion to Him, familiarity with Him, is
then an obligation for us. It must be the fruit of study
and of prayer. We say of those whom we love, and
writh w^hom we are familiarly acquainted, "He would
say this, he would act in this way, this reminds me of
him, this is like him." So must we come to know
Christ our Lord, that we may conform ourselves to
Him and bring out His characteristics, some in one
way, some in another. This is the secret of finding an
easy way into the hearts of all. Those who have this
strong, personal devotion to Our Lord, have a tact, an
address, a facility of approach denied to others. For
those who know Him best love Him most, and are
Before and after Communion.
497
most blessed by Him. They are most near Him and
like Him here, and are to be most near Him and like
Him by-and-by.
This personal devotion to Our Lord is the one thing
needed by many souls to make them all that God wants,
and all that they require to be most useful in His service.
If this be true, 0 Lord, and I know that it is true,
then it is plain why You are coming to me. I shall
have much to talk to You about, much to ask, and
much to obtain from Your Heart.
at
is
Hope and Desire.
HO COMES?
The Word made flesh for me?
The Lord Who died for me,
The Love made food for me,
He comes!
To WHOM DOES He come?
To one redeemed by Him,
To one allied with Him,
To one who longs for Him,
He comes!
Why does He come?
To reign upon His throne,
To reign supreme alone,
To make me all His own,
He comes!
AFTER COMMUNION.
Adoration.
OW therefore your King is here, WTiom you
have chosen and desired." (i Kings xii.)
"f \ KING, live forever! " (Dan. vi.)
^ "I will extol Thee, O God, my King." (Ps.
cxliv.)
Thou alone art mv King and my God " ihe blessed
49$
Before and after Communion.
and only mighty, the King of kings, and Lord of lords"
(i Tim. vi.)j "my King Who is in His sanctuary''
(Ps. lxvii.).
"Sing praises to Our God, sing ye, sing praises to
Our King, sing ye." (Ps. xlyi.)
"For this is God, Our God unto eternity, and for ever
and ever; He shall rule for evermore." (Ps. xlvii.)
Thanksgiving.
" /^V BLESS Our God and make the voice of His praise
^ to be heard." (Ps. lxv.)
"I will cry to God, the most High, to God Who hath
done good to me." (Ps. lvi.)
"Bless the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, who
stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the
house of Our God." (Ps. cxxxiii.)
"Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us extol
His name together." (Ps. xxxiii.)
"Blessed be the Lord, for He hath shown His wonder-
ful mercy to me." (Ps. xxx.)
"Let them say so that have been redeemed by the
Lord, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the
enemy and gathered out of the countries." (Ps. cvi.)
"Oh, how hast Thou magnified Thy mercy, O God."
(Ps. xxxv.)
"What shall I render to the Lord for all that He
hath rendered to me? " (Ps. cxv.)
"Offer to God the sacrifice of praise and pay thy
vows to the Most High.7' (Ps. xlix.)
"I will pay my vows to the Lord in the courts of the
house of the Lord, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem."
(Ps. cxv.)
"Let all Thy works, O Lord, praise Thee, and let
all Thy saints bless Thee." (Ps. cxliv.)
"Praise the Lord, O my soul, in my life I will praise
±te Lord, I will sing to my God as long as I shall be.'*
(Ps. clxv.)
Before and after Commnnioji.
499
"What have I in heaven but Thee, and besides Thee
what do I desire upon earth? Thou art the God of
my heart, and the God that is my portion for ever."
(Ps. lxxii.)
"O Lord, my God, I will give praise to Thee for
ever and ever." (Ps. xxix.)
Love,
a <T""TEAR not, for I have redeemed thee and called
<-"--l thee by thy name: thou art Mine" (Is. xliii.).
Yes, I am Yours, my God, Yours wholly, Yours only.
I know that if it depended on Your will alone, my per-
severance and salvation would be assured. But there
is my own treacherous, inconstant will, ever ready to
play me false. On what rock can I anchor it, what
is there that will secure it against its own instability?
One thing only, a strong personal love of Him Whom
You have given me for my Redeemer and Saviour,
Of all motives a personal love of Jesus is the strongest
and lasts the longest. Others lose their force. The
Jove of God in a vague sort of a way will not stand the
test of time and trial; temptation comes, and those who
have relied on it fall away. But those who cling to Our
Lord with a deep, personal love remain steadfast to the
end.
That this love may be possible, I must believe firmly
in His personal love of me. I am not to say, "Of
course Our Lord can love this one or that, but I can
not see what He can find to love in me." My seeing
has nothing to do with it. I am to believe it heartily 5
like all other mysteries. He does love me and He wants
my love.
Nor must I say, "My heart is cold and hard. He
can not care for love such as mine." Our Lord wants
my love, such as it is, such as I can give Him. No
two hearts give Him the same kind of love. He does
aot ask me to give Him any one else's love, but my own.
500 Before and after Communion.
He wants of each what each can give. And so He asks
of me a love which only my heart can give, a love which
if I refuse Him He will never have.
0 Lord and Master, how can I refuse what is Yours
by every conceivable claim? How can I help bringing
to You with joy the little I have to give? Take, O
Lord, take all.
O Sovereign and true Leader, O Christ my King
I kneel before You here like a vassal in the old feudal
times to take my oath of fealty. I place my joined
hands within the wounded hands and renew the dear
vows of my Profession. And I bring up to You all
that depend on me to show You homage and allegiance.
All the powers of my soul, all the senses of my body,
all the affections of my heart — I offer them all to You.
Sume et suscipe — Take, take all, O Lord!
O ye angels, archangels, thrones and dominations,
principalities and powers, virtues of heaven, cherubim
and seraphim, adore Our God for me; thank Him, and
love Him with me. Patriarchs and prophets, apostles,
all ye martyrs of Christ, holy confessors, virgins of the
Lord, and all ye saints, adore Him, thank Him, love
Him with me.
Mother of God, adore your Son for me, thank Him,
and love Him for me.
O Heart of Jesus, be my adoration and my thanks-
giving to the three divine persons now dwelling within
me.
Eternal Father, look upon the face of Your Christ.
Through Him and witrl Him and in Him be to You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory.
Amen.
Petition.
HAT a joy it is, my God, to lay down my soul at
Your feet, and feel that You read it through
and through. I know what You see there. I know I
ought to fear Your all-holy glance. And yet I love to
Before and after Communion.
think of You as my inward Witness. It is a joy to
know that kbThou hast understood my thoughts'' (Ps.
cxxxviii.), that there is nothing I can hide from You,
even if I would. Bad as I am, I am content that You
know all. I have no secrets from You, my God.
And so I lay my heart here at Your feet, and open
it out before You. All its needs, all its miseries, all its
longings are known to You — what it is, what it ought
to be, what You want it to be. Take it into Your hands.
Put it right for me. You can, and You have the will.
You are its Maker; You know exactly what is wrong.
What springs to touch You know, and what to cleanse,
and what to renew.
" For Thou hast made this wondrous soul
All for Thyself alone;
Ah! send Thy sweet transforming grace
To make it more Thine own."
Your interest and Your intentions are mine, my
God, because they are Yours. I love and care for them
all, I pray for them every one. The interests of Your
greater glory; the accomplishment of Your will; the
extension of Your kingdom — for all this I pray. For
the Church suffering, the holy, waiting souls; for the
Church militant, and her almost infinite needs; for
the Holy See above all. I think of the weight of solici-
tude that day and night presses on the anxious head
of the Vicar of Christ, . . . and I pray for him. I pray
for all rulers in Church and State; for all who can much
advance or hinder the good of souls. I pray for all
laborers in Your vineyard, for all who are now bearing
the burden and heat of the day. And I beg for all Your
pity, Your blessing, and Your help.
Special Petition for Perseverance.
" E sent from on high and took me and drew me out
r*-b of many waters. He delivered me from my most
mighty enemy, and from them that hated me, for they
502
Before and after Communion.
were too strong for me. And He brought me forth
into a large place. He delivered me because I pleased
Him." (2 Kings xxii.)
" Therefore will I give thanks to Thee, O Lord, and
will sing to Thy name." (2 Kings xxii.)
My God, keep ever fresh in my heart the thanks-
giving with which it gave itself to You on the day You
called me from the world into Religion, on the day
You clothed me with Your livery, on the day You re-
ceived my vows. As long as that thanksgiving is there,
my vocation is safe. At least I was in earnest then.
At my Profession I chose You, I forsook all things for
You. It was not much, but like Peter I could say
it was all things; it was all I had, and if it had been a
thousand times more I would gladly have left it to follow
You, O Lord. All I had I gave You — body and soul,
and mind, and heart, and will, that I might be all Yours
and live only for You and for Your service. Has there
been rapine in the holocaust? Have I broken my
faith with You, my. God? Oh, give me grace to be
always what I was then, in my desires, in self-surrender,
in the sincerity of my oblation. " Confirm, O Lord,
what Thou hast wrought in us" (Ps. lxvii.). "Renew
our days as from the beginning" (Lament, v.).
0 God, Who called me then and gave me grace to
begin, give me now more abundant grace to perfect
my offering and make my election sure.
1 commend to You all whom You have loved with
me and sought out and gathered together with me into
the same religious family, all who are under the same
roof with me. You have Your designs on all and on
each. I offer them each and all to You. Because of
their merits, because of their company, in which I hope
to be found at my death, have mercy on me. You
have numbered me with Your chosen ones in this life,
number me with them in the life to come. Say to me
at judgment: "Thou art one of them" (Mark xiv.).
Before and after Communion. 5°3
Let it be said to each of our Superiors as to St. Paul:
"God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. . . .
And so it came to pass that every soul got safe to land "
(Acts xxvii.).
Oblation.
Y God, what can I give to You in return for all
You have given to me? I give You my heart,
I give You my love, I give You my body with all its
senses, my soul with all its powers, my heart with all
its affections. I give You my vows. I give You all
I have and am, now and always in time and eternity.
I bring to You all I love, all my treasures, all who are
dear to me, all who are in any way entrusted to me,
and I give them all into Your keeping.
I trust to You my temptations, my graces, my respon-
sibilities, my opportunities. I trust to You my progress
in the way of perfection, my desire of a closer, more
uninterrupted union with You. Bring me up to the
ideal You had in Your divine mind when You created
my soul. I could not bear, my God, to fall short of
Your designs after all You have done for me; I could
not bear to be a disappointment to You throughout
eternity.
" Jesu, quern velatum nunc aspicio,
Oro, fiat illud, quod tarn sitio,
Ut, Te revelata cernens facie,
Visu sim beatus Tuae gloriae."
" O Jesu, Whom by faith I now descry,
Shrouded from mortal eye,
When wilt Thou slake the thirsting of my heart
To see Thee as Thou art,
Face unto face in all Thy glad array,
Tranced with the glory of that everlasting day?"
Say the prayer before a crucifix, "Look down upon me,
good and gentle Jesus," as on p. 213.
504 Exercise for Holy Communion.
H li)er£ Commendable Ejercise for 1bolg
Communion: /IDostls from tbe lpra^ers
of St* Gertrude and ©tber Saints*
preparation for Communion,
CONTRITION, HOPE, CONFIDENCE, DESIRE.
f~\ JESUS, most sweet and loving Spouse of my
soul, behold, the longed-for moment draws near:
the rapturous moment, in which I, Thy unworthy
creature, shall receive the Most Holy Sacrament of
Thy body and blood, as the most effectual remedy for
all my miseries. For the love of Thee I grieve most
bitterly for every one of my sins and my negligences,
whereby I have offended Thy tender goodness, and
defiled my soul, which Thou didst ransom with Thine
own most precious blood. How shall I presume to
receive Thee into a heart all set around with briars
and thorns, reeking with foul and unwholesome vapors
of worldliness and vain desires! But, my merciful
Jesus, though I am sick of soul, I remember the words
which fell from Thine own gracious lips — that they who
are whole need not the physician, but they who are sick —
and this gives me confidence. Good Jesus, Who didst
invite the blind and the lame, the poor and the needy, to
Thy supper, behold, as one of them, yea, even as the
poorest and most wretched of them all, I will draw-
near to the most sacred feast of Thy body and blood,
the Banquet of the angels, not in presumption, but with
a contrite and humble heart, with lowly confidence,
with hope in Thy goodness and mercy, with love for
all the love that Thou hast shown to me, with vehement
desire to please Thee, to be all Thine, and to live hence-
forth for Thee alone.
Exercise for Holy Communion.
TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Prayer oj St. Gertrude before communion, the efficacy
of which Our Lord revealed to her.
f~\ MOST loving Lord Jesus Christ, I beseech Theey
by all the love of Thy sweetest Heart, that Thou
wouldst vouchsafe to offer for me all that perfection
wherewith Thou didst stand arrayed in the presence
of God the Father when Thou didst ascend on high
to enter into Thy glory; and through Thy sinless and
unspotted manhood to render my polluted soul pure
and free from every sin, \nd through Thy most glorious
divinity to endow and a lorn it with every virtue, and
through the virtue of that love, which has forever united
Thy supreme divinity to Thine immaculate humanity,
to furnish it befittingly with Thy best gifts. Amen.
TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.
Prayer, which the Blessed Virgin herself taught SL
Gertrude .
OMOST chaste Virgin Mary, I beseech thee by that
unspotted purity .wherewith thou didst prepare
for the Son of God a dwelling of delights in thy virginal
womb, that by thy intercession I may be cleansed from
every stain.
O most humble Virgin Mary, I beseech thee by that
most profound humility whereby thou didst merit to
be raised high above all the choirs of angels and of saints,
that by thy intercession all my negligences may be
expiated.
O most amiable Virgin Mary I beseech thee, by that
ineffable love which united thee so closely and so in-
separably to God, that by thy intercession I may obtain
an abundance of all merits. Amen.
506 Exercise for Holy Communion.
INVITATION TO JESUS.*
Love and Desire.
f~\ JESUS, surpassingly sweet, Who hast said witL
Thine own gracious Hps that Thy delights are to
be with the children of men, my soul longeth for Thee,
my heart yearneth now toward Thee. Wherefore I
invite Thee to come unto me with all that devotion and
that love wherewith any loving soul hath ever invited
Thee to itself. Come, then, O most beloved Spouse of
my soul; come, my only love; come and turn aside
awhile into the poor and wretched hovel of my heart.
Come, Thou heavenly Physician, come and heal my
stricken soul. Come, O Friend, a thousandfold above
all others beloved, come and enrich my utter poverty.
Come, Thou bright and genial Sun, and scatter the
thick darkness which hangs upon my heart. Come,
Thou sweetest Manna, and satisfy my soul's exceed-
ing hunger. Come, O Jesus, incomparable in Thy
loveliness; come, Thou beloved of my heart's vows;
come and sup with me in the chamber of my heart.
And although I have made ready nothing that is worthy
of Thy dazzling magnificence, yet wilt Thou find therein
one dish of savory meat such as Thou lovest, a will
which tends to Thee alone, and affections wholly Thine.
O Thou my only Love, I long for Thy coming with
most eager desire, I await Thy coming with yearning
love. O Thou fairest of the sons of men, O spring
of inexhaustible sweetness, O Thou sweeter than all
sweetest delights, come, oh, come unto me, and disdain
not Thy poor and needy servant. Amen.
Invocations,
f\ MARY, my sweet Mother! Jesus is coming to
me; hasten to my assistance; do thou prepare
my heart as thou didst prepare thine own for the recep-
* St. Gertrude.
Exercise for Holy Communio?i.
tion of thy beloved Son in the Holy Eucharist. Adorn
the sanctuary of my soul with all those dispositions
which thou knowest will make it a pleasure for Jesus
to take up His abode therein.
Dear St. Joseph, beloved father mine! prepare my
heart as thou didst prepare so lovingly the crib of Bethle-
hem; for the same divine Infant will soon repose there.
My holy guardian angel, blessed patron saints — and
all ye blessed spirits who surround the altar-throne
of Our Lord in profound adoration, pray for me with
St. Thomas Aquinas, "that I may receive the body
of the only-begotten Son of God, Our Saviour Jesus
Christ — the very body which He took of the Virgin
Mary — in such a manner, that I may be truly incor-
porated into His mystical body and so numbered among
its members."
May the prayer of the angelic doctor be fulfilled in
me: "Most gracious God, grant that I may receive
the Bread of angels, the King of kings, and Lord of lords
with such contrition and devotion, such purity and
faith, such good-will and intention, as may avail to
the welfare and salvation of my soul. O most loving
Father, grant that I may at last behold with open face
and for evermore this same beloved Son of Thine,
Whom I now purpose to receive in my pilgrimage,
beneath the sacramental veils."
VENI, DOMTNE JESU!
O JESUS, hidden God, I cry to Thee;
O Jesus, hidden Light, I turn to Thee;
O Jesus, hidden Love, I run to Thee;
With all the strength I have I worship Thee;
With all the love I have I cling to Thee;
With all my soul I long to be with Thee,
And fear no more to fail, or fall from Thee.
O Jesus, deathless Love, Who seekest me,
Thou Who didst die for longing love of me.
508 Exercise for Holy Communion.
Thou King, in all Thy beauty, come to me,
White-robed, blood-sprinkled, Jesus, come to me
And go no mere, dear Lord, away from me.
My soul is dark away from Thee, my own-,
My eyes are dim in seeking Thee, my own;
My flesh doth pine away for Thee, my own;
My heart leaps up with joy to Thee, my own;
My spirit faints receiving Thee, my own.
Where in the height of heaven is light like Thee?
Where in the breadth of heaven is bliss like Thee?
Where in the depth of heaven is peace like Thee?
Where in the home of love is love like Thee ?
With all my heart I give myself to Thee,
And waiting wait, O King and Spouse, for Thee,
Till I am one forevermore with Thee.
O sweetest Jesus, bring me home to Thee,
Free me, O dearest God, from all but Thee,
And all the chains that keep me back from Thee;
Call me, O thrilling Love, I follow Thee;
Thou art my All, and I love nought but Thee.
O hidden Love, Who now art loving me;
O wounded Love, Who once wast dead for me,
O patient Love, Who weariest not of me —
O bear with me till I am lost in Thee;
O bear with me till I am found in Thee.*
"dear lord, have mercy." t
VT^\EAR Lord, have mercy on me; take" pity on me5
«"*-^ and do not let me disappoint any longer the
desires of Thy Sacred Heart. Give me the grace to be
at last what Thou hast a right to expect me to be, favored
as I have been in such unspeakable ways. May 1
receive Thee into the poor dwelling of my heart in this
morning's communion, and in every communion that
* By Father Rawes.
■V By Father Russell.
Exercise for Holy Communion. 509
may still be before me, and especially in my last com-
munion— may I receive Thee, O my Lord, with such
dispositions that that last communion may place me in
safety before Thy judgment-seat. Thou wilt be my
Judge then; now Thou comest as my Saviour. O
merciful Jesus, come now and possess my heart, that
then Thou mayest be able to say to me: "Come and
possess My kingdom." Thy kingdom come, O King of
my heart! Come, Lord Jesus.
Bfter Commumom
FAITH, ADORATION, PRAISE, THANKSGIVING, PETITION.
/^V JESUS, my Lord my God, and my All! Jesus,
my life, my love, Thou art really mine! Thou
art truly within me, Thou art all mine! With the
angels and saints I adore Thee. In union with the
most blessed Virgin on the day of Thy Incarnation, and
when later she received Thee in the Most Holy Sacra-
ment, I adore Thee with the liveliest faith, the most
ardent devotion, and the most profound respect. "My
soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced
in God my Saviour, for He hath regarded the humility
of His handmaid " (Luke i.).
I praise Thee, I thank Thee, I will glorify Thee
for evermore.
" That He Who lay on Mary's knee,
Who still'd the waves of Galilee,
Was the dear Guest at Bethany,
And bled and died on Calvary,
That He in truth abides with me
I hold with faith's sure certainty.
O God, O hidden Deity,
Profoundly I here worship Thee,
Rabboni!
" O God, most wonderful in all Thy ways,
Most in this mystery of love, upraise
My heart to Thee in canticles of praise.
Rabboni!
510 Exercise for Holy Communion.
" And since my hungry soul this day is fed
With 'meat indeed/ with Thee the living Bread,
Give me to live by Thee as Thou hast said,
Rabboni!"
" JESUS, MY LORD." *
fi/ESUS, my Lord, fill my heart now with all the
J virtues which ought to have been there to wel-
come Thee. Give me more faith and love, more hope
and more contrition, more humility and patience and
piety, a stronger will and a purer heart. I believe
all that Thou hast in any way revealed to us; but,
dearest Lord, make my faith more living, more loving,
more vivid, more strong. I grieve for all my sins,
offences, and negligences, from my first sin long ago
down to the faults and shortcomings of yesterday and
to-day. I grieve, too, over the dulness, coldness, and
ingratitude of this heart which is now Thy tabernacle.
I hope in Thee, O Lord, Who wilt never let me be con-
founded. I thank Thee for this supreme gift, and
for all the gifts of Thy goodness, particularly for all
the graces which, in spite of my miserable unworthiness,
I have received in this Sacra-ment so often since the
happy day of my first communion; and I beg of Thee,
O Lord, the grace never more to abuse Thy graces.
And now, adoring Thee in this deepest mystery of
Thy condescension, and loving Thee above all in this
Sacrament of Thy love, I lay all the wounds and wants
of my soul before Thee, O my merciful and loving
Redeemer! See the wretched plight to which I am
reduced: faith so dull, hope so dim, love so cold. Look
upon me, and pity me, and heal me, and I shall be
healed. I ask Thy loving Heart, now so close to mine,
for all that I need and desire. But I need only Thy-
self, O Lord; I desire none but Thee. I do not dare
to ask for more grace, but I ask for more courage and
* By Father Russell.
Exercise for Holy Communion.
5*1
generosity in making use of all Thy graces. During
all the hours that follow of this day, my thoughts, my
words, and my deeds must be the thoughts and words
and deeds that are fitting one on whom so many graces
are showered hour by hour, the latest being this sacra-
mental communion. And so from day to day, from
communion to communion, may I sanctify my soul
and serve Thee, my almighty and all-merciful God,
my Creator, my Redeemer, my Judge — from day to
day, and from communion to communion, on to the last
communion which I hope to receive as my Viaticum.
May that Viaticum conduct my soul, pure from sin,
safe to the feet of my Jesus, Who has just now come
to me as my Saviour, but then must be my Judge, O
Jesus, my Saviour, be to me indeed a Saviour then
and now and for ever. Amen.*
Love.
IN Thy excess of love, O divine Lord! Thou hast
given Thyself to me. Tell me, O Jesus! what
Thou desirest of me. Is there any sacrifice Thy love
demands of me? Speak, Lord! for Thy child, Thy
servant, listeneth, and, with Thy gracious assistance,
will accomplish Thy divine pleasure. I love Thee, O
my God! I love Thee, and love Thee alone: I love all
Thy creatures for Thee and in Thee; and, with St.
Paul, I will labor to become all to all, in order to gain
all to Thee, O sweetest Jesus, O most amiable, most
loving Lord Jesus. Strengthen me with Thy grace,
hide me within Thine adorable Heart, and there let me
live and die as a victim of Thy pure and perfect love.
* The " Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity before the Blessed
Sacrament " (respectively by Father Ramiere, Father de la
Colombiere, and Saint Margaret Mary) which will be found
among the prayers in honor of the Blessed Sacrament in the latter
part of this book, may be appropriately recited here. Attention
is also called to the Acts of Consecration and other prayers among
iie same devotions, many of which are most serviceable after holy
eommunion.
512 Exercise for Holy Communion.
Set] -immolation*
GOD of my heart! behold this heart which is
Thine; behold, I offer Thee all my love through
the hands of Thy tender Mother. O Mary, my Mother,
accept this offering; guard my heart; obtain that it may
never be ruled by any other love than that of Thy
divine Son. " All in Him and Him in all" Sacred
fire of the Heart of Jesus, consume in me all that is con-
trary to the pure love of Thee!
A PRAYER FOR THE FULFILLING OF THE WILL OF GOD.
RANT me Thy grace, most merciful Jesus, that
it may be with me, and labor with me, and con-
tinue wTith me to the end.
Grant me always to desire and will that which is
most acceptable to Thee and wrhich pleaseth Thee best.
Let Thy will be mine, and let my will always follow
Thine, and agree perfectly with it.
Let me always will and not wrill the same with Thee;
and let me not be able to will or not will anything ex-
cept what Thou wiliest or wiliest not. Amen.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a dav. — Leo XIII., Feb. 27,
1886.
OFFERINGS AND THANKSGIVINGS FROM THE PRAYERS OF
ST. GERTRUDE.
Offering to God the Father, of Exceeding Efficacy.
£\ MOST holy Father, behold I, Thy most unworthy
servant, trusting only in Thine ineffable com-
passion, have received Thy beloved Son, Our Lord
Jesus Christ, and even now hold Him in my heart as
my own possession, most intimately united with me.
Wherefore, receiving this Thy Son into my arms, even
as did holy Simeon, I offer Him to Thee wTith all that
love and that fulness of intention wherewith He offered
* According to St. Francis de Sales.
Exercise for Holy Communion. 513
Himself to Thee for Thine everlasting glory, while
lying in the manger, and when He was hanging upon
the cross. Look, O compassionate Father, on this
offering, which I, Thine unworthy servant, make to
Thee, my living and true God, to Thine everlasting
praise and glory, for Thine infinite rejoicing and delight.
I offer to Thee the same, Thy Son, for myself, and for
all those for whom I am accustomed or bound to pray;
in thanksgiving for all the benefits Thou hast bestowed
on us, and in supply of all those virtues and good works
which, of our own mere negligence, we have failed to
practice. I offer Him to Thee to obtain Thy grace
and Thy mercy, that we may be preserved and delivered
from all evil and sin, succored in every necessity of
body or of soul, and brought forth through a happy
death into everlasting joys. Finally, I offer Him to
Thee for the remission of all my sins, and in satisfaction
for that huge debt which I can not pay Thee, seeing that
it far exceeds even ten thousand talents; and therefore,
casting myself at Thy feet, O most merciful Father, I
acknowledge and plead my utter poverty, in union
with the bitterness of the Passion of Thy most sinless
Son, in Whom Thou hast declared Thyself well pleased;
and in and through Him I make Thee full reparation
and satisfaction for my sins, offering Thee all His sor-
rows, griefs, and tears, and all that expiation which He
made upon the cross for the sins of the wThole world.
Remember also, O Lord, Thy servants who have
gone before us with the sign of faith, and sleep the
sleep of peace : for all and each of whom (and especially
for N) I offer Thee that saving Victim Whom I have
now received, the body and blood of Thy beloved Son;
beseeching Thee, that through His infinite dignity and
worth, and through the merits of all saints, Thou wouldst
grant them pardon of all their sins, and merciful
release from all their pains. Amen.
i
514 Exercise for Holy Communion*
Offering to the Saints.
You may form an idea of the efficacy of this offering frcm
the vision vouchsafed to St. Gertrude when she had offered
this Sacrament in honor of the holy angels; she saw these
blessed spirits entranced with joy and gladness and overflow-
ing with abundant and thrilling delights, as though they had
never known bliss before.
r\ MOST blessed Virgin Mary, behold, I most hum-
bly and lovingly set before thee thy Son, Whom
thou didst conceive in thy spotless womb, didst bring
forth, and nourish at thy breasts, and press to thy heart
with most tender and thrilling embraces; Him in Whose
countenance Thou didst ever joy, and find ever fresh
delights, and Who has this day given Himself to me
in the ineffable condescension of His divine love. I
offer Him to thee that thou mayest fold Him in thine
arms, and kiss Him with the kisses of thy mouth, and
love and worship Him for me and together with me,
and offer Him, in deepest adoration, to the Most Holy
Trinity for my sins and the sins of all the world; so
that the prerogative of thy great dignity may obtain
for me what I dare not presume to hope of myself.
O all ye saints of God, and ye especially, my most
beloved patrons, behold Jesus Christ, your Lord and
Spouse, Whom while ye lived in the flesh ye loved with
all your heart and all your strength; for in and through
Him Whom I have now received in the Most Holy
Sacrament, I salute you all and each of you, and offer
Him to you for the signal increase of your joy, your glory,
and your blessedness, with all the lcve and the faith-
fulness which He showed you in time, and now showeth
you evermore in eternity, beseeching you all to worship
and adore Him for me, and to offer Him to the Most
Holy Trinity with all your consummate devotion on
behalf of my necessities and those of the whole Church,
and in thanksgiving for all the benefits He has ever
Exercise for Holy Communion .
bestowed upon me. And whatever I am unable to obtain
of myself, do you impetrate for me, through your merits
and intercessions. Amen.
ET my heart and my soul, together with all my
senses, and all my powers of mind and body,
give praise and thanks to Thee, 0 sweetest Jesus, in
union with all the creatures of Thy hand, for the con-
descending mercy which Thou, 0 most faithful Lover
of our salvation, hast deigned to show me, most un-
worthy, in this sacred banquet of Thy body and
blood. Acknowledging my utter insufficiency, I offer
unto Thee, O Most Blessed Trinity, all the praises and
thanksgivings which the most sacred humanity of Our
Lord Jesus Christ rendered Thee throughout His whole
earthly life, and especially when He instituted this
Sacrament. Receive also, O compassionate Father,
all those thanksgivings which the Blessed Virgin Mary
and all Thy saints have ever rendered Thee with ah
their heart and all their soul, and especially when they
have received this Sacrament; and mercifully gran*
that all my insufficiencies and my negligences may be
supplied and satisfied for by their abundance and per-
fection. Amen.
OFFERING OF ALL ONE'S ACTIONS TO THE SACRED HEART
OF JESUS.*
/X|OST Sacred Heart of Jesus, I offer thee my will,
* » that thou mayest strengthen it; my understand-
ing, that thou mayest enlighten it; my memory, that
thou mayest occupy it; and all my desires and affec-
tions, that thou mayest purify them. I offer thee also
all my projects, that they may be guided by thee; my
toils and labors, that they may be blessed by thee;
Thanksgiving of St. Gertrude.
* St. Mechtilde of the Blessed Sacrament,
5i6 Exercise for Holy Communion.
and all my interior and exterior occupations, that they
may be sanctified by Thee. Thy Divine Heart, 0 Jesus,
shall possess all that I have and all that I am. In the
love which Thou dost bear me, I place all my hope
and confidence. O Jesus, hear my prayer and grant
that I may never be separated from Thee. Amen.
ACT OF CONSECRATION BY SAINT MARGARET MARY ALACOQTJE.
I, N. N., give and consecrate to the Sacred Heart of
Our Lord Jesus Christ my person and my life,
my actions, penances, and sufferings, not wishing to
make use of any part of my being for the future except
in honoring, loving, and glorifying that sacred Heart.
It is my irrevocable will to be entirely His, and to
do everything for His love, renouncing with my whole
heart whatever might displease Him.
I take Thee, then, 0 most sacred Heart, as the
sole object of my love, as the protector of my life, as the
pledge of my salvation, as the remedy of my frailty
and inconstancy, as the repairer of all the defects of
my life, and as my secure refuge in the hour of death.
Be then, 0 Heart of goodness, my justification
before God the Father, and remove far from me the
thunderbolts of His just wrath. 0 Heart of love, I
place my whole confidence in Thee. While I fear all
things from my malice and frailty, I hope all things
from Thy goodness.
Consume, then, in me whatever can displease or be
opposed to Thee, and may Thy pure love be so deeply
impressed upon my heart that it may be impossible that
I should ever be separated from Thee, or forget Thee.
I implore Thee, by all Thy goodness, that my name
may be written in Thee, for in Thee I wish to place all
my happiness and all my glory, living and dying in
very bondage to Thee. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Jan. 13, 1898;
PiusX, May 30, 1908.
Exercise for Holy Communion,
517
PETITIONS OE ST. AUGUSTINE.
OLORD Jesus, let me know myself, let me know Thee,
And desire nothing else but only Thee.
Let me hate myself and love Thee
And do all things for the sake of Thee.
Let me humble myself, and exalt Thee,
And think of nothing else but Thee.
Let me die to myself, and live in Thee,
And take whatever happens as coming from Thee,
Let me forsake myself and walk after Thee,
And ever desire to follow Thee.
Let me nee from myself, and turn to Thee,
That so I may merit to be defended by Thee.
Let me fear for myself, let me fear Thee,
And be amongst those who are chosen by Thee.
Let me distrust myself, and trust in Thee,
And ever obey for the love of Thee.
Let me cleave to nothing but only to Thee,
And ever be poor for the sake of Thee.
Look upon me, that I may love Thee;
Call me, that I may see Thee
And forever possess Thee. Amen.
Indulgence of 50 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., Sept. 25^
1883.
PETITIONS.
OGOD, Who out of Thy immense love hast given
to the faithful the most Sacred Heart of Thy
Son, Our Lord, as the object of Thy tender affection;
grant, we beseech Thee, that we may so love and honor
this pledge of Thy love on earth, as by it to merit the
love both of Thee and Thy gift, and be eternally loved by
Thee and this most blessed Heart in heaven. Through
the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Thy Son, Who liveth
and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end. Amen.
Through Thy Sacred Heart, O Jesus, overflowing
with all sweetness, we recommend to Thee ourselves
and all our concerns; we recommend to Thy tender
518 Indulgenced Prayers for Communion,
mercy and protection the whole Catholic Church, our
Holy Father, N.N., our bishop, our priests, our con-
fessor, and in particular our Superiors N.N. ; bless
our friends and enemies, our relatives and benefactors,
and all those for whom we have promised to pray;
take under Thy protection our Community, this house,
city, and country; extend this Thy care to all such as
are under any affliction, and to those who labor in the
agony and pangs of death; cast an eye of compassion
on the obstinate sinner, and more particularly on the
poor suffering souls in purgatory, as also on those who
are engaged and united with us in honoring and wor-
shipping Thy Sacred Heart in the Blessed Sacrament
Bless these in particular, O bountiful Jesus, and bless
them according to the extent of Thy infinite love.
Amen.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY, MOTHER OE CONFIDENCE.
r\ IMMACULATE Mary, when we venerate thee
under the gracious title of Mother of Confidence,
how our hearts overflow with the sweetest consolation,
how we are moved to hope for every good gift from
thee! That such a name should have been given to
thee is a sign that none have recourse to thee in vain.
Receive, then, with a mother's compassion these acts
of homage, with which we earnestly pray thee to be
propitious to us in every necessity. Above all we ask
thee to make us live ever united to thee and thy divine
Son, Jesus. Under thy escort we shall safely walk
along the straight .road; and so shall it be our lot to
hear on the last day of our lives those consoling words:
Come, 0 faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy
Lord. Amen.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Jan. 26, 1901.
Indulgenced Prayers and Ejaculations. 519
UnOulgenceD praters anfc Ejaculations.
PRAYER TO THE MOST HOLY TRINITY.
I adore Thee, O my God — one God in three Persons; I
annihilate myself before Thy majesty. Thou alone art
being, life, truth, beauty, and goodness. I glorify Thee, I
praise Thee, I thank Thee, and I love Thee, all incapable and
unworthy as I am, in union with Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ,
our Saviour and our Father, in the mercifulness of His Heart
and through His infinite merits. I wish to serve Thee, to
please Thee, to obey Thee, and to love Thee always, in union
with Mary Immaculate, Mother of God and our mother, loving
also and serving my neighbor for Thy sake. Therefore, give
me Thy holy Spirit to enlighten, correct, and guide me in the
way of Thy commandments, and in all perfection, until we
come to the happiness of heaven, where we shall glorify Thee
for ever. Amen.
300 days, every time. — Pius X, April 18, 1906. •
EJACULATION OF SAINT MARGARET MARY
O Heart of love, I place all my trust in Thee: for though
I fear all things from my weakness, I hope all things from
Thy mercies.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, June 3, 1908.
EJACULATION TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.
Jesus in the most holy Sacrament, have mercy on us.
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pius X, July 6, 1909.
EJACULATORY PRAYER TO OUR LORD.
Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, light of the world,
I adore Thee, for Thee I live, for Thee I die. .
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius X, July 1, 1909.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Oholy Spirit, divine spirit of light and love, I consecrate
to Thee my understanding, heart and will, my whole
520 Indulgenced Prayers.
being# for time and eternity. May my understanding be always
submissive to Thy heavenly inspirations, and to the teaching
of the Catholic Church, of which Thou art the infallible
guide; may my heart be ever inflamed with love of God
and of my neighbor; may my will be ever conformed to the
divine will, and may my whole life be a faithful imitation of
the life and virtues of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
to Whom with the Father and Thee be honor and glory for
ever. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius'X, June 5, 1908.
EJACULATION.
TT'esus. Mary, and good Joseph, bless us, now and in the
J agony of death.
Indulgence of 50 days. — Pius X, June 9, 1906.
prayer; ,(o dulcissime jesu."
For the Increase of Daily Communion.
O sweetest Jesus. Who earnest into this world to enrich
the souls of all with Thy grace, and Who, in order
to preserve and increase it in them, didst in the most august
sacrament of the Eucharist give Thyself to be a salutary
remedy for our infirmities and divine food to sustain our
weakness: we humbly beg of Thee mercifully to pour out
upon all men Thy holy Spirit, which may enable them, if
stained with any mortal guilt, to recover the life of grace
lost by sin. and return to Thee; while those who through
Thy great mercy are still united with Thee may daily, so far
as each may be able, approach Thy heavenly Table, where
they may find strength, and an antidote for their daily faults,
may nourish the life of grace within them, and, being more
and more purified, may attain to everlasting happiness in
heaven. Amen.
An indulgence of 300 days, once a day, for the recital of the
above prayer.- — Pius X, June 3, 1905.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OP THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.
O virgin Mary, our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, glory
of the Christian people, joy of the universal Church, sal-
Indulgenced Prayers.
521
vation of the world, pray for us and awaken in all the faithful
devotion to the Holy Eucharist in order that they may render
themselves worthy to receive it daily.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius X, Jan. 23, 1907.
PRAYER i'OR THE CONVERSION OF SINNERS.
OLord Jesus, most merciful Saviour of the world, we beg
and beseech Thee, through Thy most sacred Heart, that
all wandering sheep may now return to Thee, the shepherd
and bishop of their souls, Who livest and reignest with
God the Father and the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Nov. 22, 1905.
ACTS OF CONSECRATION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY FOR THE
MEMBERS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY SODALITY.
By St. John Berchmans.
oly Mary, Mother of God, and virgin, I choose thee
this day for my queen, patron, and advocate, and
firmly resolve and purpose never to abandon thee, never to
say or do anything against thee, nor to permit that aught
be done by others to dishonor thee. Receive me, then, I
conjure thee, .as thy perpetual servant; assist me in all my
actions and do not abandon me at the hour of my death.
Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, for each recitation. — Pius X, Nov. 17,
1906.
By St. Francis de Sales.
ost holy Mary, virgin Mother of God, I (full name),
most unworthy though I am to be thy servant, yet touched
by thy motherly care for me and longing to serve thee, do, in
the presence o.{ my guardian angel, and all the court of heaven
choose thee this day to be my queen, my advocate, and my
mother, and I firmly purpose to serve thee evermore myself
and to do what I can that all may render faithful service to
thee.
Therefore, most devoted mother, through the precious blood
thy Son poured out for me, I beg thee and beseech thee, deign
522 Indulgencea Prayers.
to take me among thy clients and receive me as thy servant
for ever.
Aid me in my every action, and beg for me the grace never,
by word or deed or thought to be displeasing in thy sight and
that of thy most holy Son.
Think of me, my dearest mother, and desert me not at the
hour of death. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, for each recitation. — Pius X, Nov. 17,
1906.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY.
O Virgin Mary, grant that the recitation of thy Rosary
may be for me each day, in the midst of my manifold
duties, a bond of unity in my actions, a tribute of filial piety,
a sweet refreshment, an encouragement to walk joyfully along
the path of duty. Grant, above all, 0 Virgin Mary, that the
study of thy fifteen mysteries may form in my soul, little by little,
a luminous atmosphere, pure, strengthening, and fragrant,
which may penetrate my understanding, my will, my heart,
my memory, my imagination, my whole being. So shall I
acquire the habit of praying while I work, without the aid
of formal prayers, by interior acts of admiration and of sup-
plication, or by aspirations of love. I ask this of th$e, O
Queen of the Holy Rosary, through St. Dominic, thy son of
predilection, the renowned preacher of thy mysteries, and the
faithful imitator of thy virtues. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius X, March 15, 1907.
INDULGENCED PRAYERS IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF THE MOST
BLESSED SACRAMENT.
i. ^^UR Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us!
Indulgence of 300 days to those who recite this invocation
before the Blessed Sacrament exposed. — Pius X, Dec. 30, 1905.
2. O Virgin Mary, our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
who art the glory of Christians, the joy of the universal Church,
and the hope of the world, pray for us! Stir up in all the
faithful devotion to the most holy Eucharist, that they may
render themselves worthy to communicate every day.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius X, Dec. 9, 1906.
Indulgenced Prayers.
523
3. Let us with Mary immaculate adore, thank, supplicate, and
console the most sacred and beloved eucharistic Heart of Jesus!
Indulgence of 200 days foreach recital. — Pius X, Dec. 19, 1904.
PRAYER TO OUR LORD IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.
Our sins, 0 Lord, darken our minds, and we lose the benefit
of loving Thee as Thou deservest. Enlighten us with a
ray of Thy bright light. Thou art friend, redeemer, father
of all who turn repentant to Thy Heart; and we return to Thee
sorrowing. Save us, O Jesus; provide out of Thy infinite bounty
for our miseries. O Jesus, we hope in Thee because we know
that our salvation cost Thee Thy life, sacrificed upon the cross,
and induced Thee to dwell continuously in the Blessed Sac-
rament, in order to be united with us as often as we desire.
We, O Lord, to thank Thee for the great love Thou bearest us,
promise with the help of Thy grace to receive Thee in the
Blessed Sacrament as often as possible; to declare Thy praises
in church and in every place, without human respect. O Lord,
confiding in Thy sacred Heart, we beseech Thee, to preserve
in Thy love those who love thee and to invite all to receive
Thee daily at the altar in accordance with Thy burning desire.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, July 6, 1906.
O divine Heart of Jesus, grant, we beseech Thee, eternal
rest to the souls in purgatory, the final grace to those who
shall die to-day, true repentance to sinners, the light of the Faith
to pagans, and Thy blessing to me and mine. To Thee, O most
compassionate Heart of Jesus, I commend all these souls, and I
offer to Thee on their oehalf all Thy merits, together with the
merits of Thy most holy Mother and of all the sairrts and
angels, and all the sacrifices of the holy Mass, communions,
prayers, and good works which shall be accomplished to-day
throughout the Christian world.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, March 13, 190 1.
INDULGENCED ACTS LN HONOR OE THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.
Reverent Genuflection and Devoid Invocation Before the Blessed
Sacrament.
1. * a "TOR reciting in any language the invocation "Jesus, my
God, I adore Thee here present in the sacrament of
Thy love," whilst devoutly genuflecting before the
Blessed Sacrament enclosed in the tabernacle, one hundred days'
indulgence, each time.
524 Indulgenced Prayers.
2. For reciting the same invocation whilst adoring with a
double genuflection the Blessed Sacrament solemnly exposed,
three hundred days, each time.
3. For making an exterior act of reverence in passing by
a church or oratory where the Blessed Sacrament is kept, one
hundred days, each time.
Pius X (S. Cong. Indul., July 13, 1908).
Blessed be God!
Indulgence of fifty days, every time, if said devoutly
hearing a blasphemy. — Pius X, Nov. 28, 1903.
CONSECRATION OF THE FAMILY TO THE SACRED HEART.
acred Heart of Jesus, Who didst manifest to Blessed
Margaret Mary the desire of reigning in Christian families,
we to-day wish to proclaim Thy most complete dominion over
our own. We would live in future with Thy life, we would
cause to nourish in our midst those virtues to which Thou hast
promised peace here below, we would banish far from us the
spirit of the world which Thou hast cursed: and Thou shalt
reign over our minds in the simplicity of our faith, and over
our hearts by the whole-hearted love with which they shall
burn for Thee, the flame of which we shall keep alive by the
frequent reception of Thy Holy Eucharist.
O divine Heart, deign to preside over our assemblings, to
bless our enterprises, both spiritual and temporal, to dispel
our cares, to sanctify our joys, to alleviate our sufferings. If
ever one or other of us should have the misfortune to afflict
Thee, semind him, O Heart of Jesus, that Thou art good and
merciful to the penitent sinner. And when the hour of separa-
tion strikes, when death shall come to cast mourning into our
midst, we will all, both those who go and those who stay, be
submissive to Thy eternal decrees. We shall console ourselves
with the thought that a day will come when the entire family,
reunited in heaven, can sing for ever Thy glories and Thy
mercies.
May the immaculate heart of Mary and the glorious patriarch,
St. Joseph, present this consecration to Thee, and keep it in our
minds all the days of our life. All glory to the Heart of Jesus,
our King and our Father.
Plenary indulgence on the day of consecration, and every
year on the day of renewal (on the usual conditions). — Pius Xr
June 15, 1908.
Indulgenced Prayers . 525
PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS.
Ogood Jesus! O most tender Jesus! O most sweet Jesus!
O Jesus, Son of Mary the Virgin, full of mercy and kind-
ness! O sweet Jesus, according to Thy great mercy, have pity
on me! O most merciful Jesus, I entreat Thee by that precious
blood of Thine which Thou didst will to pour forth for sinners,
to wash away all my iniquities, and to look upon me, poor
and unworthy as I am, asking humbly pardon of Thee, and
invoking this holy name of Jesus. O name of Jesus, sweet
name! Name of Jesus, name of joy! Name of Jesus, name
of strength ! Nay, what meaneth the name of Jesus but Saviour?
Wherefore, 0 Jesus, by Thine own holy name, be to me Jesus,
and save me. Suffer me not to be lost — me, whom Thou didst
create out of nothing. O good Jesus, let not my iniquity destroy
what Thy almighty goodness made. O sweet Jesus, recognize
what is Thine own, and wipe away from me what is not of
Thee! O most kind Jesus, have pity on me while it is the time
of pity, and condemn me not when it is the time of judgment.
The dead shall not praise Thee, Lord Jesus, nor all those who
go down into hell. 0 most loving Jesus! O Jesus most longed
for by Thine own! O most gentle Jesus! Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,
let me enter into the number of Thine elect. 0 Jesus, salvation
of those who believe in Thee; Jesus, consolation of those who
fly to Thee. Jesus, Son of Mary the Virgin, pour into me grace.,
wisdom, charity, chastity, and humility, that I may be able
perfectly to love Thee, to praise Thee, to enjoy Thee, to serve
Thee, and to glory in Thee, together with all those who invoke
Thy name, which is Jerus. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Nov. 26, 1876.
PRAYER, u DIVINE JESUS."
^T^V ivine Jesus, incarnate Son of God, Who for our salvation
JLJ didst vouchsafe to be born in a stable, to pass Thy life
in poverty, trials, and misery, and to die amid the sufferings
of the cross, I entreat Thee, say to Thy divine Father at the
hour of my death: Father, forgive him; say to Thy beloved
mother: Behold thy Son; say to my soul: This day thou shall
be with Me in paradise. My God, My God, forsake me not
in that hour. / thirst; yes, my God, my soul thirsts after
Thee, Who art the fountain of living waters. My life passes
like a shadow; yet a little while, and all will be consummated.
Wherefore, O my adorable Saviour! from this mpment, for
526 Indulgenced Prayers.
all eternity, into Thy hands I commend my spirit. Lord Jesus,
receive my soul. Amen.
His Holiness, Pope Pius IX, by a decree of the Sacred Congre-
gation of Indulgences, June 10, 1856, confirmed an indulgence of
three hundred days, to be gained by all the faithful every time that
they shall say this prayer with contrite heart and devotion.
EJACULATIONS TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
I.
ucharistic Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, July 26, 1907.
II.
acred Heart of Jesus, Thy kingdom come!
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, May 4, 1906.
HI.
I^Vyixe Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying,
set free the holy souls in purgatory.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Nov. 6, 19,06.
PRAYER TO JESUS, LOVER OF CHILDREN.
/j Jesus, friend of children, Who from Thy most tender
years didst grow visibly in wisdom and in grace before
God and men; Who at the age of twelve wast seated in the
Temple, in the midst of the Doctors, listening to them attentively,
humbly asking them questions, and exciting their admiration
by the prudence and wisdom of Thy discourse; Who didst
receive so willingly the children, blessing them and saying
to Thy disciples: Let them come to Me, for of such is the Kingdom
of Heaven, inspire me as Thou didst inspire the Blessed Peter
Canisius, model and guide of the perfect catechist, with a
profound respect and a holy affection for childhood, a taste
and a marked devotion for instructing them in Christian doc-
trine, a special aptitude in making them understand its mysteries
and love its beauties. I ask this of Thee, through the inter-
cession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius X, March 15, 1906.
Indtdgenced Prayers.
PRAYER TO JESUS DEAD.
O Jesus, Who in Thy bitter passion didst become the reproach
of men and the man of sorrows, I venerate Thy sacred
face, on which shone the grace and sweetness of the Divinity;
now for my sake changed into the likeness of a leper. But
under this deformity I perceive Thy infinite love, and I am
overwhelmed with the desire of loving Thee and making Thee
beloved by all men. The tears which stream from Thy eyes
seem as precious pearls, which I love to gather up, in order to
purchase with their infinite value the souls of poor sinners.
O Jesus, Thy face is the only beauty which ravishes my
heart. I am content not to see here below the sweetness of
Thy look, not to feel the ineffable delight of a kiss of Thy
mouth; but oh! I beseech Thee, print on me Thy divine
likeness, and inflame me with Thy love, so that it may rapidly
consume me, and I may soon come to see Thy glorious face
in heaven. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Feb. 16, 1906.
INDUE GENCED PRAYERS IN HONOR OE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST.
glorious St. John the Baptist, of those born of women
the greatest of prophets (Luke vii. 28); thou, though
sanctified from thy mother's womb and most innocent, didst
nevertheless will to retire into the desert, there to practise
austerities and penance; obtain for us from Our Lord the grace
to be detached, at least in the affections of our hearts, from
all earthly treasure, and to practise Christian mortification
with interior recollection and a spirit of holy prayer. Pater,
Ave, and Gloria.
most zealous apostle, who, without working any miracle
on others, but solely by the example of thy life of penance
and the power of thy words, didst draw after thee the crowds, in
order to prepare th^rn to worthily receive the Messias, and
listen to His heavenly teaching; grant that it may be given
to us also, by the example of a holy life and the practice of good
works, to lead many souls to God, and above all, those who
have been enveloped in the darkness of error and ignorance7
and led astray by vice. Pater, Ave, Gloria.
528 Indulgenced Prayers.
Ounconquered martyr, who for the honor of God, and
the salvation of souls, didst, with heroic constancy, and
at the cost of life itself, withstand the impious Herod, reproving
him openly for his bad and dissolute life; obtain for us a brave
and generous heart, so that, overcoming all human respect,
we may boldly profess our faith, and follow the teaching of
our divine Master, Jesus Christ. Pater, Ave, Gloria.
V. Pray for us, St. John the Baptist.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
OGod, Who hast made this day worthy of honor in the
nativity (commemoration) of St. John, grant to Thy people
the grace of spiritual joys, and direct the minds of all the faith-
ful into the way of eternal salvation; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Indulgences: i. 200 days, once a day. ii. 300 days, once a
day, during a triduum or novena. iii. Plenary, once during the
triduum or novena, or within eight days, on the usual conditions.
— Pius X, Jan. 11, 1904.
EJACULATIONS.
ucharistic Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, June 27, 1907.
ig^ACRED Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee!
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, June 27, 1906.
lessed be God!
Indulgence of fifty days, every time. (If said devoutly on
hearing a blasphemy.) — Pius X, Nov. 28, 1903.
|T\y God, unite all minds in the truth and all hearts in
%JL£% charity.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Jan. 21, 1905;
May 30, 1908.
Indulgenced Prayers, 529
^I^vivine Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying,
JLJ set free the holy souls in purgatory.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Nov. 6, 1906.
^^tjr Lady of Good Studies, pray for us!
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius IX, May 22, 1906.
ESUS, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto
Thine.
Indulgence of 30 N days, every time. — Pius X, Sept. 15, 1905.
^^ur Lady of the Sacred Heart, pray for us !
Indulgence of 100 days, every time. — Pius X, July 9, 1904.
JT'esus, Mary, Joseph.
Indulgence of sev^n years and seven quarantines. — Pius X,
June 16, 1906.
ary, our hope, have pity on us.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Jan. 8, 1906.
ary, most sorrowful mother of all Christians, pray for us.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, June 27, 1906.
53 o Indidgenced Prayers.
PRAYERS DURING A PROCESSION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father. Then say
ten times:
V. Let us every moment praise the Most Holy Sacrament.
R. May our God, present in the Sacrament, be now and ever
praised.
Repeat Our Father, Hail Mary, etc., while the procession is
in progress.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, Aug. 11, 1906.
EJACULATIONS.
^^ur Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Nov. 9, 1907.
other of love, of sorrow, and of mercy, pray for us.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, May 30, 1908.
VENI SANCTE SPIRITUS.
aOME, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and
kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, May 8, 1907.
DEVOTION TO THE HOLY NAME.
For saying: Glory be to the Father, etc., and May the Holy
Name of Jesus be infinitely blessed, five times, the following
indulgences are granted on the usual conditions:
I. Three hundred days, each time.
II. Plenary, on the Sunday after the Epiphany, if said daily,
all who visit a church where the Feast of the Holy Name
being celebrated.
III. Plenary, to all who assist at the annual requiem for those
who were devout to the Holy Name. — Pius X, Nov. 26, 1906.
Indulgenced Prayers. 53 1
TO BE SAID IN REPARATION FOR BLASPHEMIES.
ternal Father, by the most precious blood of Jesus
Christ, glorify His most holy name, according to the inten-
tion and the desires of His adorable Heart.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, Jan. 27, 1908.
PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART.
For the Church and the Supreme Pontiff, for Friends, Relatives,
and Benefactors; and for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
Omost sacred Heart of Jesus, pour down Thy blessings
abundantly upon Thy Church, upon the Supreme Pontiff,
and upon all the clergy; give perseverance to the just, convert
sinners, enlighten unbelievers, bless our parents, friends, and
benefactors, help the dying, free the souls in purgatory, and
extend over all hearts the sweet empire of Thy love. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius X, June 16, 1906.
EJACULATIONS.
esus, Mary, and good Joseph, bless us, now and in the
agony of death.
Indulgence of fifty days. — Pius X, June 9, 1906.
esus! Mary!
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Oct. 10, 1904.
PEA YE R TO BE SAID AT THE BEGINNING OF MASS.
ternal Father, I unite myself with the intentions and
affections of our Lady of Sorrows on Calvary, and I offer
Thee the sacrifice which Thy beloved Son Jesus made of Himself
on the cross, and now renews on this holy altar: 1. To adore
Thee and give Thee the honor which is due to Thee, confessing
53 2 Indulgence*! Prayers.
Thy supreme dominion over all things, and the absolute depend-
ence of everything upon Thee, Thou who art our one and last
end. 2. To thank Thee for innumerable benefits received.
3. To appease Thy justice, irritated against us by so many sins,
and to make satisfaction for them. 4. To implore grace and
mercy for myself, for . . , for all afflicted and sorrowing, for poor
sinners, for all the world, and for the hoy souls in purgatory.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time; also a plenary indulgence
once a month, if said on every Sunday and holyday of obligation,
on the usual conditions. — PiusX, July 8, 1904.
EJACULATIONS.
esus, my God, I love Thee above all things.
Indulgence of 50 days, every time. — Pius IX, May 7, 1854.
esus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto
Thine.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Sept. 15, 1905.
ay the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere!
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Sept. 23,
i860.
Bweetest Jesus, grant me an increase of faith, hope, and
charity, a contrite and humble heart.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Sept. 13, 1893.
ay the Heart of Jesus in the most blessed sacrament be
praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection, at every
moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of
time. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Feb. 29, 1868.
O sweetest Heart of Jesus! I implore
That I may ever love thee more and more.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius IX, Nov. 26, 1876.
PRAYER TO ST. PAUL.
jT\ glorious St. Paul, who from a persecutor of the Christian
name, didst become an apostle of burning zeal, and who,
in order that Jesus Christ might be known to the furthermost
bounds of the earth, didst joyfully suffer imprisonment, scourg-
ing, stoning, shipwreck, and every kind of persecution, and
who didst finally shed thy blood to the last drop; obtain for
us the grace of accepting, as divine favors, the infirmities,
torments, and calamities of this life, so that we may not be
drawn from the service of God by the vicissitudes of this our
exile, but on the contrary may prove ourselves more and more
faithful and fervent. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius X, Jan. 18, 1905.
Indulgenced Prayers, 533
PRAYER TO OUR LADY.
ary, mother of mercy, mother and daughter" of Him Who
is the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation,1
dispenser of the treasures of thy Son,2 handmaiden of God,3
mother of the supreme High-priest, Christ, at once priest and
altar,4 immaculate treasure-house of the word of God,5 mistress
of all the apostles and disciples of Christ;6 protect the Supreme
Pontiff, intercede for us and for our priests, that the High-priest
Jesus Christ may purify our consciences, so that we may worthily
and piously approach His holy banquet.
0 immaculate virgin, who not only gavest us Christ, to be
our bread from heaven, for the remission of sins,7 but art thyself
a most acceptable victim offered to God,8 and the glory of the
priesthood,9 who according to the testimony of thy most blessed
servant St. Antoninus, although thou didst not receive the
Sacrament of Order, art rilled with whatever of dignity and grace
is conferred by it; wherefore deservedly art thou proclaimed
virgin priest;10 look down upon us and on the priests of thy
Son; purify, sanctify, save us, that receiving the ineffable gifts
of the sacraments, we may deserve to obtain the eternal sal-
vation of our souls. Amen.
Mother of mercy, pray for us.
Mother of the eternal priest, Christ Jesus, pray for us.
Queen of the clergy, pray for us.
Mary, virgin priest, pray for us.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Jan. 9, 1907.
1 Richard of St. Laurence.
2 St. Bernard.
3 Bernard de Busto.
4 St. Epiphanius.
5 Blosius.
6 St. Thomas of Villanova.
7 St. Epiphanius.
8 St. Andrew of Crete.
9 St. Ephrem.
10 Br. of Pius IX, August 25, 1873.
EJACULATIONS.
3esus, my God, I adore Thee here present in the sacrament
of Thy love.
Indulgence or 100 days, every time before the tabernacle;
indulgence of 300 days, at exposition, every time. — Pius X,
July 3, 1908.
534 Indtdgenced Prayers.
y God, unite all minds in truth and all hearts in charity >
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, May 30, 1908.
ll for Thee, most sacred Heart of Jesus!
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Nov. 26, 1908.
EJACULATION
terxal Father! I offer Thee the precious blood of Jesus
in satisfaction for my sins and for the wants of holy
Church.
Indulgence of 100 days, every time. — Pius VII, Sept. 22, 1817.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY " REPARATRICE."
Immaculate Virgin, the refuge of sinners, thou who, to
repair the outrages committed against God, and the evil
inflicted on man by sin, didst resign thyself to the death of thy
divine Son, be ever propitious to us, and carry on thy work
of zeal and love for us in heaven, where thou reignest so gloriously.
We wish to be thy children, do thou show thyself a Mother to
us; obtain from the divine restorer, Jesus, that by applying
to our souls the fruits of His passion and death He may free
us from the bonds of our iniquities. May He be our light in
the darkness, our strength in weakness, our help in danger,
so that after He has consoled us by his grace and love in time,
He may permit us to see, possess, and love Him in eternity.
Amen.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Pius X, Aug. 24, 1904.
PRAYER OF ST. ALPHOXSUS FOR PURITY.
Ave Maria thrice, and after each:
By thy immaculate conception, 0 Mary, make my b 1 *
pure and my soul holy.
Indulgence of 300 days, twice a day; morning and evenin
Pius X. Dec. v. igo4.
Prayers for the Dead or Dying.
535
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH.
O glorious St. Joseph! model of all those who are devoted to
labor, obtain for me the grace to work in a spirit of penance
for the expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously 9
putting the call of duty above my inclinations; to work with
thankfulness and joy, considering it an honor to employ and
develop by means of labor the gifts received from God; to
work with order, peace, moderation, and patience, never shrinking
from weariness and trials; to work, above all, with purity of
intention, and with detachment from self, keeping unceasingly
before my eyes death and the account I must give of time lost,
talents unused, good omitted, and vain complacency in success,
so fatal to the work of God.
All for Jesus, all through Mary, all after thy example, 0
patriarch Joseph; such shall be my watchword in life and in
death. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius X, Nov. 25, 1906.
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH.
O Joseph, virgin father of Jesus, most pure spouse of the
Virgin Mary, pray for us daily to the Son of God, that,
armed with the weapons of His grace, we may fight as we
ought in life, and be crowned by Him in death.
Indulgence of 100 days, twice a day. — Pius X, Nov. 26, 1906.
EJACULATIONS.
nyrviNE Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying,
U deliver the holy souls from purgatory!
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Nov. 6, 1906.
pra^ere for tbe S)eaD or S)£mg*
Indulgenced by Pope Pius Tenth
ALL SOULS' DAY.
plenary indulgence, toties quoties. This indulgence,
like that of the Portiuncula, may be gained as often
as a person visits a church or public chapel of the Bene-
dictines, whether monks or nuns, between first Vespers on Nov
53<$
Prayers for the Dead or Dying.
i and sunset on Nov. 2. Communities and those dwelling with
them may use a semipublic chapel.
Those who wear a duly blessed medal of St. Benedict and
are hindered from visiting a church or public chapel of the
Benedictines by infirmity, enclosure, or distance (more than
a mile), may gain the same indulgence by visiting any church
or public chapel.- — Pius X, Feb. 27, 1907;^ 'Sept. 2 and 11, 1907.
PLENARY INDULGENCE IN ARTICULO MORTIS.
To all who, on any day they may choose, will receive the sacra-
ments of Penance and Holy Eucharist and make this act for the
love of God.
OLord, my God, I now, at this moment, readily and willingly
accept at Thy hand whatever kind of death it may please
Thee to send me, with all its pains, penalties, and sorrows.
— Pius X, March 9, 1904.
PRAYER TO OUR LORD ON THE CROSS.
y crucified Jesus, mercifully accept the prayer which
I now make to Thee for help in the moment of my death,
when at its approach all my senses shall fail me.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius X, Sept. 4, 1903.
PRAYER FOR A HAPPY DEATH.
|£Xlessed are the dead who die in the Lord. O my God,
I have certainly to die, but I know not when, how, or
where I shall die; this only I know: that if I die in mortal
sin, I shall be lost forever. Amen.
Most blessed Virgin Mary, Holy Mother of God, pray for
me, a sinner, now and at the hour of my death. Amen.
OFFERING OF MASSES FOR THE DYING.
y God, I offer Thee all the Masses which are being cele-
brated to-day throughout the whole world, for sinners
who are in their agony and who are to die this day. May the
precious bloodfof Jesus, their Redeemer, obtain mercy for them.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, December 18, 1907.
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. 537
. PRAYING FOR THE DYING
mHis may be gained by priests saying Mass, or the laity
assisting thereat, who commend to God all the sinners of
the world who are "at that moment m their agony, or who afe
to die that day."
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pius X, Dec. 10, 1907.
6
VERSICLES AND RESPONSES FOR THE DEAD.
ternal rest give unto them, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time, applicable only to the
dead. — Pius X, Feb. 13, 1908.
benediction of tbe JBieeeeb Sacrament.
o salutaris hostia.
Q SALUTARIS Hostia,
Quae coeli pandis ostium;
Bella premunt hostilia :
Da robur fer auxilium:
Uni trinoque Domino,
Sit sempiterna gloria:
Qui vitam sine termino,
Nobis donet in patria.
Amen.
O SAVING Victim, open-
ing wide
The gate of heav'n to man
below !
Our foes press on from every
side;
Thine aid supply, Thy
strength bestow.
To Thy great name be end-
less praise,
Immortal Godhead, one in
three.
Oh, grant us endless length
of days
In our true native land
with Thee. Amen.
tantum ergo sacramentum.
'ANTUM ergo sacramen- ^J^XOWN in adoration fall-
turn, \J ing,
Veneremur nernui : L,o ! the sacred Host we hail;
538 Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
Et antiquum documentum,
Novo cedat ritui;
Praestet fides supplementum,
Sensuum defectui.
Genitori, Genitoque,
Laus et jubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque,
Sit et benedictio:
Procedenti ab utroque,
Compar sit laudatio. Amen.
V. Panem de coelo praesti-
Nti eis.
R. Omne delectamentum
*e habentem.
Lo! o'er ancient forms de*
parting, .
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith for all defects supply-
ing,
Where the feeble senses fail.
To the everlasting Father,
And the Son Who reigns on
high,
With the Holy Ghost pro-
ceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honor, blessings
Might and endless majesty.
Amen.
V. Thou hast given them
bread from heaven.
R. Replenished with all
sweetness and delight.
Prayer.
tf^KUS, qui nobis, sub sa-
«-L^ cramento mirabili, pas-
sionis tuae memoriam reliqui-
sti, tribue quaesumus, ita nos
corporis et sanguinis tui sa-
cra mysteria venerari, ut re-
demptionis tui fructum in no-
bis jugiter sentiamus. Qui
vivis et regnas in saecula saecu-
lorum. Amen.
OGOD, Who hast left us
in this wonderful Sac-
rament a perpetual memorial
of Thy Passion : grant us, we
beseech Thee, so to venerate
the sacred mysteries of Thy
body and blood that we may
ever feel within us the fruit
of Thy redemption: Who liv-
est and reignest world without
end. Amen.
AT THE BLESSING.
f \ SACRAMENT most holy! O Sacrament divine!
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment
Thine.
Bless me, O Lord! *%* in the name of the Father?
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
DEVOUT ACTS OF PRAISE-
BLESSED be God.
Blessed be His holy name.
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
539
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the name of Jesus.
Blessed be His most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the
Altar.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be her holy and immaculate conception.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste Spouse.
Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints.
Indulgence of 2 years for every public recital after Mass or
Benediction.
TB DEUM I^AUDAMUS.
E Deum laudamus: Te
Dominum conntemur.
Te aeternum Patrem, omnis
terra veneratur.
Tibi omnes Angeli: tibi cceli,
et universae potestates:
Tibi cherubim et seraphim
incessabili voce proclamant :
Sanctus. sanctus, sanctus, Do-
minus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt cceli et terra ma-
jestatis gloriae tuae.
Te gloriosus apostolorum cho-
rus:
Te prophetarum laudabilis
numerus :
Te martyrum candidatus lau-
dat exercitus;
Te per orbem t err arum sancta
confitetur Ecclesia.
Patrem immensae majestatis;
Venerandum tuum verum et
unicum Filium.
Sanctum quoque Paraclitum
Spiritum.
Tu Rex gloria?, Christe.
E praise Thee, O God!
we acknowledge Thee
to be Our Lord.
All the earth worships Thee,
the Father everlasting
To Thee all the angels cry
aloud; the heavens, and all
the heavenly powers:
To Thee the cherubim and
seraphim continually do
cry:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God
of Sabaoth.
Heaven and earth are full of
the majesty of Thy glory.
The glorious choir of the
apostles praise Thee.
The admirable company of
the prophets praise Thee.
The noble army of the mar-
tyrs praise Thee.
The holy Church throughout
the world acknowledges
Thee.
The Father of infinite majesty ;
Thy adorable, true, and only
Son;
Also, the Holy Ghost, the
Comforter.
Thou, O Christ, art the King
of glory
GDC
A
54o Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
Tu Patris sempiternus es
Filius.
Tu ad liberandum susceptu-
rus hominera, non horruisti
Virginis uterum.
Tu devicto mortis aculeo,
aperuisti credentibus regna
coelorum.
Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes in
gloria Patris.
judex crederis esse venturus.
* Te ergo quaesumus, tuis fa
mulis subveni, quos preti-
oso sanguine redemisti.
iEterna fac cum Sanctis tuis
in gloria numerari.
Saivum fac populum tuum,
Domine, et benedic here-
ditati tuae.
Et rege eos, et extolle illos
usque in aeternum.
Per singulos dies, benedici-
mus Te.
Et laudamus nomen tuum in
saeculum, et in saeculum
saeculi.
Dignare, Domine, die isto sine
peccato nos custodire.
Miserere nostri Domine, mise-
rere nostri.
Fiat misericordia tua, Do-
mini, super nos: quemad-
modum speravimus in Te.
In Te, Domine speravi; non
confundar in aeternum.
Thou art the everlasting Son
of the Father.
When Thou tookest upon
Thee to deliver man, Thou
didst not disdain the Vir-
gin's womb.
Having overcome the sting of
death, Thou didst open the
kingdom of heaven to all
believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand
of God, in the glory of the
Father.
We believe that Thou shalt
come to be Our Judge.
We therefore pray Thee to
help Thy servants, whom
Thou hast redeemed with
Thy precious blood.
Make them to be numbered
with Thy saints in glory
everlasting.
Save Thy people, O Lord,
and bless Thy inheritance.
Govern them, and raise them
up forever.
Every day we bless Thee.
And we praise Thy name
for ever and ever.
Vouchsafe. O Lord, this day,
to keep us without sin.
Have mercy on us, O Lord,
have mercy on us.
Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be
upon us, as we have hoped
in Thee;
In Thee, O Lord, I have
hoped; let me never be
confounded.
On occasions of solemn thanksgiving the following prayers are
added :
* During this petition it is usual to kneel.
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
54i
V. S|J>ENEDICTUS es,
Domine, Deus,
Patrum nostrorum.
R. Et laudabilis, et glori-
□sus in saecula.
V. Benedicamus Patrem et
Filium, cum Sancto Spiritu.
R. Laudemus et superexal-
temus cum in saecula.
V. Benedictus es, Domine
Deus, in firmamento coeli.
R. Et laudabilis et glorio-
sus, et superexaltatus in sae-
cula.
V. Benedic, anima mea,
Dominium
R. Et noli oblivisci omnes
retributiones ejus.
V. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
\reniat. /
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
Oremus.
*T^VEUS, cujus misericordiae
\J non est numerus, et
bonitatis infinitus est the-
saurus: piissimae majestati
tuae pro collatis donis gratias
agimus, tuam semper cle-
mentiam exorantes: ut qui
petentibus postulata concedis,
eosdem non deserens, ad prae-
mia futura disponas.
33,
V. ^fZ> LESSED art
rMLJ Thou, O Lord,
the God of our fathers.
R. And worthy to be
praised, and glorious forever.
V. Let us bless the Father
and the Son, with the Holy
Ghost.
R. Let us praise and mag-
nify Him for ever.
V. Blessed art Thou, O
Lord, in the firmament of
heaven.
R. And worthy to be
praised, glorified, and ex-
alted for ever.
V. Bless the Lord, O my
soul.
R. And forget not all His
benefits.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Whose mercies
are without number,
and the treasure of Whose
goodness is infinite; we ren-
der thanks to Thy most
gracious Majesty for the gifts
Thou hast bestowed upon us,
evermore beseeching Thy
clemency: that as Thou
grantest the petitions of those
who ask Thee, Thou wilt
never forsake them, but wilt
prepare them for the rewards
to come.
REFLECTIONS ON BENEDICTION.
ELIGIOUS, in particular, ought to be grateful
for the many opportunities they have of assisting
542 Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and they
ought to show this gratitude by the fervor of their devo-
tion, and by ever seeking to make this expression of
their love of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist and this tribute
of their praise and adoration as splendid as the circum-
stances will permit. Jesus must be pleased with this
devotion. As though it were too long for His burning
love to remain hidden all day in the tabernacle, He
permits His priests to take Him out at evening and
place Him aloft on His altar-throne, that He may look
down upon us, love us with His Sacred Heart, and,
loving us infinitely, bless us. O, how good is our
gentle Jesus! How many tender inventions of love
has He devised to show His love to us and win our
love in return! When thus, in Benediction, He is
raised on high before us amid starry lights and fragrant
flowers and sweet-smelling incense, let us lift up our
hearts to Him and ask Him very ardently to make us
love Him. Let us tell Him all our wants, thank Him
for all His love, ask Him that one day we may see His
divine face in heaven, which is now veiled under the
appearance of the little round white Host. Long ago,
when on earth, having first embraced them, He blessed
the little children who pressed around Him; so, too,
He loves us, if we are innocent of heart, and will bless
us at Benediction.
Ask the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph, and your guardian
angel to aid you in assisting worthily at Benediction.
PRAYERS AT BENEDICTION.
I.
O JESUS, Who art about to give Thy Benediction
to me,' and to all who are here present, I humbly
beseech Thee that it may impart to each and all of us
the special graces we need. Yet more than this I ask.
Let Thy blessing go forth far and wide. Let it be felt
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. 543
in the souls of the afflicted who can not come here to
receive it at Thy feet. Let the weak and tempted
feel its power wherever they may be. Let poor sinners
feel its influence, arousing them to come to Thee. Grant
to me, O Lord, and to all here present, a strong, per-
sonal love of Thee, a lively horror of sin, a higher esteem
of grace, great zeal for Thy honor and glory, for the
interest of Thy Sacred Heart, for the salvation of souls,
for our sanctification and that of all those confided
to our care, and grant that in our intercourse with others
we may lead many souls to Thee. Amen.
II.
r\ DIVINE Redeemer of our souls, Who of Thy
great goodness hast been pleased to leave us
Thy precious body and blood in the Most Holy Sac-
rament of the Altar, we adore Thee with the most pro-
found respect, and return Thee our most humble thanks
for all the favors Thou hast bestowed upon us, espe-
cially for the institution of this Most Holy Sacrament.
As Thou art the source of every blessing, we entreat
Thee to pour down Thy benediction this day upon us,
and upon all those for whom we offer our prayers.
And that nothing may interrupt the course of Thy
blessing, take from our hearts whatever is displeasing
to Thee. Pardon our sins, O my God, which, for the
love of Thee, we sincerely detest; purify our hearts,
sanctify our souls, and bestow a blessing on us like
that which Thou didst grant to Thy disciples at Thy
Ascension into heaven; grant us a blessing that may
change us, consecrate us, and unite us perfectly to
Thee, and fill us with Thy spirit, and be to us in this
life a foretaste of those blessings which Thou hast pre-
pared for Thy elect in Thy heavenly kingdom. Amen.*
* For Compline, see p. 157, after Evening Prayers.
544
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
HI.
Hcts of H&oration an& UbanfcsgMng to tbe
Blessed ZxxwXVq*
OST holy Trinity. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be-
hold us prostrate in Thy divine presence. We humble
ourselves profoundly, and beg of Thee pardon for our sins.
We adore Thee, omnipotent Father, and with the out-
pouring of our hearts we thank Thee for having given us Thy
divine Son Jesus to be our redeemer, and for having left Him
with us to the consummation of the world in the most
august sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, in which mystery
of faith and love he reveals to us the wonders of His sacred
Heart. Gloria Patri.
O DIVINE Word, most adorable Jesus, we adore Thee in
Thy sacrament, and with the outpouring of our hearts
we thank Thee for having taken human flesh and for having
made Thyself, for our redemption, priest and victim in the
sacrifice of the cross, a sacrifice which, by an excess of the
love of Thy adorable Heart, Thou dost renew every moment
on our altars throughout the world. 0 supreme priest, O
divine victim, grant that we may honor the sacrifice of the
most holy Eucharist with the united homage of most holy
Mary and of all Thy Church, in triumph, in suffering, and
in warfare. We offer ourselves wholly to Thee, and since
Thou dost deign to have victims associated with Thee, accept
our off ering, and, uniting it with Thine, bless us. Gloria Patri.
O DIVINE Spirit and Paraclete, we adore Thee, and
with the outpouring of our hearts we thank Thee for hav-
ing with so much love for us wrought the ineffable blessing
of the incarnation of the divine Word, a benefit which is
continually being extended and increased in the most holy
Eucharist. By this adorable mystery of the love of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant to us and to all sinners Thy
grace; pour out upon us and upon all redeemed souls Thy
holy gifts, but in a special manner bestow them upon the
holy Church, the spouse of Jesus Christ and our Mother, upon
its visible head the Supreme Pontiff, upon all the cardinals,
the bishops, and pastors of souls, on all priests, and on all
the other ministers of the sanctuary. Amen. Gloria Patri.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius X, March 22, 1905.
BOOK HI.
Xttanfes, 1*o\>enast 1Infculgence& praters,
©ffices, an& praters for particular ©o
easterns*
Gbe meek SanctiffeD.
COMMENDABLE practice of piety consists in con-
secrating each day of the week to some particular
devotion.
Besides honoring the mystery or the saint of each day,
and reciting the prayers assigned for it, you should take
as the object of your endeavors and prayers the correction
of the principal fault of which you accused yourself in your
last confession.
Select some prayers and ejaculations, from the following
part of this book, appropriate to the devotions assigned
to each particular day, and say them in connection with
your daily visit to the Blessed Sacrament.*
* In the following part we have endeavorea, for the sake of
method, to group and classify in seven sections, under the head-
ings given for the sanctiflcation of the week, namely, Sunday,
the Holy Trinity: one God; Monday, the Holy Ghost and the
Holy Souls; Tuesday, the Holy Angels; Wednesday, St. Joseph;
Thursday, the Blessed Sacrament and the Sacred Heart; Friday,
the Sacred Heart and the Passion of Our Lord and Saviour,
and Saturday, the Blessed Virgin, — all the prayers and devotions
appropriate to the various seasons of the whole year. The
Noveiias, however, will be found in a separate group. In regard
to the devotions of the Sacred Heart and the Blessed Sacrament,
given under Thursday, the Holy Hour and the Hour of Adora-
tion, i.e., the former in honor of the Suffering Heart of Jesus (to
render Christ homage in the extreme anguish He suffered on the
night of His Passion), and the latter in honor of the Blessed
Sacrament, are kept by Communities mostly on Thursday after-
noon or evening, and prayers to the Sacred Heart as well as to
547
Sunday . The holy Trinity.
L
THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.
Make the sign of the cross, 'b saying:
'N the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
► the Holy Ghost. Amen.
This sacred sign may be regarded as a compendium of all
the mysteries of our faith, as a homage rendered to the three
Persons of the adorable Trinity, as an act of gratitude for all
that the Godhead, — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, — ■
ha=> condescended to do in favor of man.
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pius IX., March 23, 1876.
PRAYERS TO THE MOST HOLY TRINITY TO BE SAID AT
THE END AND AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR.
Pope Pius IX., by a brief, December 5, 1876, granted to all the
faithful, who, with at least contrite heart, during the last half
hour of the year and the first half hour of the following year5
shall pray to the Most Holy Trinity in thanksgiving for benefits
received; beseeching the same Holy Trinity for peace among
Christian nations, for concord among Christian princes, for the
conversion of sinners, and for the triumph of holy Mother
Church and its visible head, the Roman Pontiff, an indulgence of
7 years.
THE CANTICLE OF THE SERAPHIM.
OLY, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts! the earth
is full of Thy glory. Glory be to the Father,
glory be to the Son, glory be to the Holy Ghost
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day; three times every- Sunday
and during the Octave of the festival of the Most Holy Trinity. — -
Clement XIV., 1769 and 1770.
the Blessed Sacrament are then used by the pious adorers before
the Sacred Host exposed upon the altar. That is why bom are
included under Thursday. Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament
generally unite prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus with devo-
tions in honor of the sublime Mystery of the altar. Friday is
given to the Sacred Heart as well as to the Passion, but the
prayers for Sacred Heart devotions will be found, as we have
said, under Thursday.
Sunday : The Holy Trinity. 549
PRAYER FOR SUNDAY TO THE BLESSED TRINITY.
0 BLESSED Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
the Source and Fountain of all good, I most -
firmly believe in You, I most humbly adore You, and
thank You with a grateful heart for all the blessings
and benefits I have received from Your infinite good-
ness. I most fervently consecrate and offer to You
an unreserved sacrifice of my whole being. O my God,
Who hast a right to every day, hour, and moment of
my existence, accept the thoughts, words, and actions
of this day, which I offer Thee in testimony of my
sincere desire to satisfy my obligation of keeping it
holy and as the first-fruits of the week; mercifully
assist me to spend it in such a manner as may draw
down Thy blessing. Increase in my soul the heavenly
virtues of faith, hope, and charity, which I received
at baptism, and teach me to make faith the rule of my
conduct, that thereby it may avail me to life everlasting.
Eternal Father, take possession of my memory; efface
from it all images of vanity, and engrave therein the
recollection of Thy adorable presence. Eternal Son,
enlighten my understanding, and conduct me in the
path of salvation by the fight of faith. Holy Spirit,
sanctify my will by the most ardent love ; render it sub-
missive under the contradictions of this life, and never
permit that by attachment to my own ideas or judg-
ment, I should forfeit the blessings of peace offered
to men of good- will and obedient minds. Holy, ador-
able, undivided Trinity, by Whose power, mercy, and
providence I was created, redeemed, regenerated, and
preserved to this moment, receive the oblation of my
whole being, and take me out of the world rather than
permit me to efface Your sacred image in my soul by
mortal sin. I adore You, O Holy Trinity, I worship
You, I most humbly give You thanks for having revealed
to man this glorious, this incomprehensible mystery,
55° Sunday: The Holy Trinity.
and for granting to those who persevere until death
in the faithful profession of it, the reward of beholding
and enjoying in heaven, what we now believe and
adore upon earth, one God in three Persons, the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Aspiration.
#£>fLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to
the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is
now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Xttang of tbe %ovc of <3oD**
(Composed by His Holiness Pope Pius VI.)
Thou Who didst first love me,
Thou Who commandest me to love Thee3
With all my heart,
With all my soul, ^
With all my mind, §
With all my strength, -
Above all possessions and honors, . §
Above all pleasures and enjoyments, ' c
More than myself, and everything belonging to me, g
More than all my relatives and friends, ~
More than all men and angels, ?
Above all created things in heaven or on earth,
Only for Thyself,
Because Thou art the sovereign Good,
Because Thou art infinitely worthy of being loved,
■ * * Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven,
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity? one God,
Thou Who art Infinite Love,
ORD, have mercy on us.
s
* For private devotion onlv.
Monday : The Holy Ghost.
55*
Because Thou art infinitely perfect,
Even hadst Thou not promised me heaven,
Even hadst Thou not menaced me with hell,
Even shouldst Thou try me by want and misfortune
In wealth and in poverty,
In prosperity and in adversity,
In health and in sickness,
In life and in death,
In time and in eternity,
In union with that love wherewith all the saints and all
the angels love Thee in heaven,
In union with that love wherewith the Blessed Virgin
Mary loveth Thee,
In union with that infinite love wherewith Thou lovest
Thyself eternally,
Prayer,
Y God, Who dost possess in incomprehensible
abundance all that is perfect and worthy of
love! Annihilate in me all guilty, sensual, and undue
love for creatures, kindle in my heart the pure fire of
Thy love, so that I may love nothing but Thee or in
Thee, until, being entirely consumed by holy love of
Thee, I may go to love Thee eternally with the elect
in heaven, the country of pure love. Amen.
XCbe 1bots Gbost
HYMN AND SEQUENCE OF THE HOLY GHOST.
Hymn
NI Creator Spiritus, f^i OME, Holy Ghost, Cre-
at or, come,
Mentes tuorum visita, From Thy bright, heavenly
throne ;
Imple superna gratia Come, take possession of our
souls,
Quae tu creasti pectora. And make them all Thine
own.
552 Monday :
Qui diceris Paraclitus,
Altissimi donum Dei,
Fons vivus, ignis, charitas,
Et spiritalis unctio.
Tu septiformis munere,
Digitus paternae dexterae,
Tu rite promissum Patris,
Sermone ditans guttura.
Accende lumen sensibus,
Infunde amorem cordibus,
Infirma nostri corporis
Virtute firmans perpeti.
Hostem repellas longius,
Pacemque dones prounus:
Duct ore sic Te praevio,
Vitemus omne noxium
Per Te sciamus da Patrem
Noscamus at que Filium,
Teque utriusque Spiritum
Credamus omni tempore.
Deo Patri sit gloria,
Ft Filio, qui a mortuis
Surrexit, ac Paraclito,
In saeculorum saecula.
Amen.
? Holy Ghost.
Thou Who art called the
Paraclete,
Best gift of God above;
The living spring, the living
fire,
Sweet unction and true
love.
Thou Who art sevenfold in
Thy grace,
Finger of God's right hand;
His promise, teaching little
ones
To speak and understand.
Oh! guide our minds with
Thy blest light,
With love our hearts in-
flame;
And with Thy strength which
ne'er decays,
Confirm our mortal frame.
Far from us drive our hellish
foe,
True peace unto us bring;
And through all perils lead
us safe
Beneath Thy sacred wing.
Through Thee may we the
Father know,
Through Thee, th' eternal
Son,
And Thee, the Spirit of them
both,—
Thrice-blessed Three in one.
All glory to the Father be,
And to His risen Son,
The like to Thee, great Para-
clete,
While endless ages run.
Amen.
Monday.- The Holy \Jhost.
553
Sequence.
VENI Sancte Spiritus, *T< OLY Spirit! Lord of
rLfc light!
Et emitte coelitus From Thy clear celestial"
height,
Lucis tuae radium. Thy pure, beaming radiance
give:
Veni pater pauperum, Come, Thou Father of the
poor!
Veni dator munerum, Come, with treasures which
endure !
Veni lumen cordium. Come, Thou light of all
that live!
Consolator optime,
Dulcis hospes animae,
Dulce refrigeriurn.
In labore requies,
In aestu temperies,
In rletu solatium.
O lux beatissima,
Reple cordis intima
Tuorum fidelium.
Sine tuo numine
Nihil est in homine,
Nihil est innoxium.
Lava quod est sordidum,
Riga quod est aridum,
Sana quod est saucium.
Flecte quod est rigidum,
Fove quod est frigidum,
Rege quod est devium.
Thou, of all consolers best,
Visiting the troubled breast.
Dost refreshing peace be
stow:
Thou in toil art comfort
sweet ;
Pleasant coolness in the heat ;
Solace in the midst of woe
Light immortal ! light divine t
Visit Thou these hearts of
Thine,
And our inmost being fill:
If Thou take Thy grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay ;
All his good is turn'd to ill.
Heal our wounds — our
strength renew;
On our dryness pour Thy dew ;
Wash the stains of guilt
away:
Bend the stubborn heart and
will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill ;
Guide the steps that go
astray.
554
Monday: The Holy Ghost.
Da tuis fidelibus
In Te confitentibus
Sacrum septenarium.
Da virtutis meritum,
Da salutis exitum,
Da perenne gaudium.
Amen.
Thou, on those who evermore
Thee confess and Thee adore,
In Thy sevenfold gifts de-
scend :
Give them comfort when they
die ;
Give them life with Thee on
high;
Give them joys which never
end. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days each time for reciting either the hymn
or the sequence. — Pius VI., May 26, 1796.
Versicle, Response, and Prayer to the Holy Ghost.
V. CfMITTE Spiritum V. ^END forth Thy
tuum et crea- }s^7 Spirit, and they
buntur. shall be created.
R. Et renovabis faciem ter- R. And Thou shalt renew
rae. the face of the earth.
Oremus.
*T^VEUS, qui corda fidelium
JLy Sancti Spiritus illu-
stratione docuisti, da nobis
in eodem Spiritu recta sa-
pere, et de ejus semper conso-
latione gaudere. Per Chris-
tum, etc.
R. Amen.
Let us pray.
OGODS Who hast taught
the hearts of the faith-
ful by the light of the Holy
Spirit ; grant that, by the gift
of the same Spirit, we may be
always truly wise, and ever
rejoice in His consolation.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
CHAPLET OF THE HOLY GHOST.
IGN of the Cross. Short Act 01 Contrition. Solemn
invocation (the hymn) "Come, Holy Ghost, Creator,
come," V., R., and Prayer "O God, Who hast taught the
hearts of the faithful."
1 . By the Holy Ghost is Jesus conceived of Mary. (Luke i.
35-)
Our Father, once; Hail Mary, once; Glory be, seven
times
Monday: The Holy Ghost.
555
Practice: Conformity to Jesus by the aid of the divine
Spirit through Mary's intercession.
2. The Spirit o) the Lord rests upon Jesus. (Matt. iii. 16.)
Our Father, once; Hail Mary, once; Glory be, seven times.
Practice: Esteem the gifts of the Holy Ghost and culti-
vate them assiduously; live as becomes a child of God, and
practice the virtues of faith, hope, and charity.
3. By the Spirit is Jesus led into the desert. (Luke iv. 1, 2.)
Our Father, once; Hail Mary, once; Glory be, seven
times.
Practice: Distrust self, and in all your ways yield yourself
to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
4. The abiding presence 0} the Holy Ghost in the Church.
(Acts ii.)
Our Father, once; Hail Mary, once; Glory be, seven times.
Practice: Devotion to the Holy See, the mouthpiece of the
Holy Ghost.
5. The Holy Ghost within the soul of the just man. (1 Cor.
vi. 19.)
Our Father, once; Hail Mary, once; Glory be, seven
times.
Practice: Interior recollection, purity of heart and constant
devotion to the Holy Ghost. Be ever mindful of the personal
presence of the Holy Ghost within you. Cultivate purity
of soul and body, for you are the temple of the Holy Ghost.
Correspond faithfully with the inspirations of the Holy
Spirit, so that His twelve fruits may spring forth and flourish in
your soul, namely: " Charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity,
goodness, longanimity, mildness, faith, modesty, continency,
chastity" (Gal. v. 22).
Our Father, Hail Mary, the Creed for the intention of the
Pope.
Leo XIII., in a brief of approval, dated March 24, 1902, speaks
of the "Chaplet of the Holy Ghost" as a "salutary exercise/' and
hopes that by it " devotion toward the Paraclete may be more
widely diffused." The indulgence granted for its public as well
as private recital are seven years and seven quarantines for each
recitation.
556
Monday: The Holy Ghost.
THE PRACTICE OF THE SEVEN GLORIA PATRIS IN HONOR OF
THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Indulgence of 7 days. — Pius IX., March 12, 1857.
INDULGENCES GRANTED FOR THIS NOVENA TO THE HOLY
GHOST.
Pope Leo XIII., May 9, 1897, decreed that a novena to the
Holy Ghost should be made every year in preparation for the
Feast of Pentecost, and granted an indulgence of seven years
and seven quarantines for each day of the novena, and plenary
indulgence any one day of the novena on the usual conditions.
The same indulgences may be gained any day of the week between
Pentecost and Trinity Sunday.
IFkwena to tbe Ibolg <3bost in ©reparation for tbe
3feast of Pentecost*
(Commencing on Ascension Day.)
HE novena of the Holy Spirit is the chief of all the
. novenas, because it was the first that was ever cele-
brated, and that by the holy apostles and the most holy
Mary in the supper-room, being distinguished by so many
remarkable wonders and gifts; principally by the gift of
the same Holy Spirit, a gift merited for us by the Passion
of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus Himself made this known
to us when He said to His disciples that if He did not die
He could not send us the Holy Ghost: " If I go not, the Para-
clete will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to
you" (John xvi. 7). We know well by faith that the Holy
Ghost is the love that the Father and the Eternal Word bear
one to the other; and therefore the gift of love, which the
Lord infuses into our souls, and which is the greatest of all
gifts, is particularly attributed to the Holy Ghost. As St.
Paul says, "The charity of God is poured forth in our hearts
by the Holy Ghost, Who is given to us" (Rom. v. 5). In
this novena, therefore, we must consider, above all, the
great value of divine love, in order that we may desire to
obtain it, and endeavor, by devout exercises, and especially
by prayer, to be made partakers of it, since God has promised
•
Monday : The Holy Ghost.
557
it to him who asks for it with humility: "Your Father from
heaven will give the good Spirit to them that ask Him" (Luke
xi. 13) *
PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR THE CHURCH.
C\ HOLY Spirit, Creator, propitiously help the
Catholic Church, and by Thy supernal power
strengthen and confirm it against the assaults of the
enemy; by Thy charity and grace renew the spirit of
Thy servants whom Thou hast anointed, that in Thee
they may glorify the Father and His only-begotten Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., Aug. 26, 1889.
SHORT INDULGENCED PRAYER TO THE HOLY GHOST.
OLY Spirit, Spirit of truth, come into our hearts ;
give to all peoples the brightness of Thy light,
that they may be well-pleasing to Thee in unity of faith.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIIL, July 31, 1897.
VARIOUS PRAYERS SUITABLE FOR A NOVENA TO THE
HOLY GHOST.
Prayer for the Feast of Pentecost.
{\ HOLY Spirit, O my God, I adore Thee, and
acknowledge, here in Thy divine presence, that
I am nothing and can do nothing without Thee. Come,
great Paraclete, Thou Father of the poor, Thou Com-
forter the best, fulfil the promise of our blessed Saviour,
Who would not leave us orphans, and come into the
mind and the heart of Thy poor, unworthy creature,
as Thou didst descend on the sacred day of Pentecost
on the holy Mother of Jesus and on His first disciples.
Grant that I may participate in those gifts which Thou
* During this novena no particular form of prayer is of obli-
gation. Any prayer to the Holy Ghost will suffice.
558 Monday: The Holy Ghost.
didst communicate to them so wonderfully, and with
so much mercy and generosity. Take from my heart
whatever is not pleasing to Thee, and make of it a
worthy dwelling-place for Thyself. Illumine my mind>
that I may see and understand the things that are for
my eternal good. Inflame my heart with pure love of
Thee, that it may be cleansed from the dross of all
inordinate attachments, and that my whole life may
be hidden with Jesus in God. Strengthen my will, that
it may be made conformable to Thy divine will, and
be guided by Thy holy inspirations. Aid me by Thy
grace to practice the divine lessons of humility, pov-
erty, obedience, and contempt of the world, which Jesus
taught us in His mortal life.
Oh, rend the heavens, and come down, consoling
Spirit! that inspired and encouraged by Thee, I may
faithfully comply with the duties of my holy state,
carry my daily cross most patiently, and endeavor to
accomplish the divine will with the utmost perfection.
Spirit of love! Spirit of purity! Spirit of peace! sanctify
my soul more and more, and give me that heavenly
peace which the world can not give. Bless our Holy
Father, the Pope, bless the Church, bless our bishops,
our priests, all Religious Orders, and all the faithful,
that they may be filled with the spirit of Christ, and
labor earnestly for the spread of His kingdom.
O Holy Spirit, Thou Giver of every good and perfect
gift, grant me, I beseech Thee, the intentions of this
no vena. May Thy will be done in me and through
me. Mayest Thou be praised and glorified for ever-
more! Amen.
ACT OF OBLATION TO THE HOLY GHOST.
S~\ GOD the Holy Ghost, infinite love of the Father
and of the Son, through the hands of Mary, Thy
immaculate spouse, I offer myself this day, and all the
days of my life, upon Thv chosen altar, the Divine Heart
Monday: The Holy Ghost..
559
of Jesus, as a holocaust to Thee, O Thou consuming
fire, being firmly resolved, now more than ever, to hear
Thy voice, and to do, in all things, Thy most holy and
adorable will.
I am resolved to foster a special devotion to Thee, to
love Thee more perfectly, to adore Thee more fervently,
and to make Thee everywhere more known and loved.
OFFERING TO THE HOLY GHOST.
f^VN my knees, before the multitude of heavenly
witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body, to Thee,
Eternal Spirit of God! I adore Thee, great God, and
acknowledge Thy dominion over me.
Thou art the light and the strength of my soul. In
Thee I live and move and have my being. I desire
never to grieve Thee by unfaithfulness to grace, and
I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest
sin against Thee. Make me faithful in every thought,
and grant that I may always listen to Thy voice, watch
for Thy light, and follow Thy gracious inspirations.
I cling to Thee, and give myself to Thee, and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced feet of Jesus, and looking at His
five wounds, and trusting to His precious blood, and
adoring His open side and stricken Heart, I implore
Thee, adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, so to
keep me in Thy grace that I may never sin against
Thee with the sin which Thou canst not forgive. Give
me grace, O Holy Ghost, Spirit of the Father and the
Son, to say to Thee, always and everywhere, " Speak,
Lord, for Thy servant heareth."
Prayer.
RANT, we beseech Thee, almighty and merciful
God, that Thy Holy Spirit may come to us, and
make us to be a temple worthy of the habitation of His
560
Monday : The Holy Ghost,
glory, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son; Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the
same Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.
Xtttle ©ffice ot tbe 1bol£ (Bbost,
AT MATINS.
the grace of the Holy
Spirit enlighten our
minds and our hearts.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, open Thou our
lips.
R, And our mouths shall
show forth Thy praise.
V. O God, come tc my
assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to
help me.
V. Glory be to the Father.
Alleluia.
From Septuagesima to Easter, instead of Alleluia, Laus tibi
Domine, Rex aeternae gloriae; Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King
of everlasting glory, etc., is said:
Q^PIRITUS Sancti gratia
illuminet sensus et cor-
da nostra.
R. Amen.
V. Domine labia mea ape-
ries.
R. Et os meum annuntia-
bit laudem tuam.
V. Deus in adjutorium me-
um intende.
R. Domine, ad adjuvan-
dum me festina.
V. Gloria Patri. Alleluia.
Hvmn.
'T^OBIS Sancti Spiritus
rl-5 gratia fit data
De qua Virgo virginum fuit
obumbrata,
Cum per sanctum angehim
fuit salutata.
Verburn caro factum est,
Virgo fecundata.
Ant. Veni Sancte Spkitus
reple tuorum corda fidelium,
et tui amoris in eis ignem
accende.
V. Emitte, Spiritum tuum,
et creabuntur.
R. Et renovabis faciem
terrse.
Oremus,
%J I'DSIT nobis, quaesumus,
tJ<-1-, Domine, virtus Spiri-
/T\AY the Spirit of glory
^ His grace on us pour,
Whose presence o'ershadowed
The Virgin of yore:
When she the archangel's
Glad embassy heard,
And conceived in the flesh
The ineffable Word.
Ant. Come, O Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of Thy faithful,
and kindle in them the fire ot
Thy love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit,
and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew
the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
E beseech Thee, O
Lord, that the
Monday: The Holy Ghost.
56i
tus Sancti, quae et corda
nostra clementer expurget et
ab omnibus tueatur adversis.
Per Dominum, etc.
power of Thy Holy Spirit
may be with us of His mercy,
to cleanse our hearts, and
defend us from all adversi-
ties. Through Our Lord, etc.
AT prime.
TPIRITUS Sancti gratia
illuminet sensus et cor-
8a nostra. Amen.
V. Deus, in adjutorium me-
um intende.
R. Gloria Patri. Alleluia.
03
I AY the grace of the Holy
Spirit enlighten our
minds and our hearts. Amen.
V. O God, hasten to my
aid.
R. Glory be to the Father.
Alleluia.
DE Maria Virgine Christus
fuit natus;
Crucifixus, mortuus atque
tumulatus,
Resurgens Discipulis fuit de-
monstratus.
Et ipsis cernentibus in coelos
elevatus.
Ant. Veni, Sancte Spirit us,
etc. V. et R. cum Oratione
ut supra.
Hymn.
*T£)URE offspring of Mary's
r I Immaculate womb;
Lifted high on the cross —
Submerged in the tomb;
Lo ! Christ from His bondage
Doth quickly arise,
And in sight of His brethren
Ascend to the skies!
Ant. Come, O Holy Spirit,
etc. V. and R. with the
Prayer as above.
AT TIERCE.
^PIRITUS Sancti gratia
^5 illuminet sensus et
corda nostra. Amen.
V. Deus, in adjutorium
meum intende.
R. Gloria Patri. Alleluia.
QAY the grace of the Holy
Spirit enlighten our
minds and our hearts. Amen.
V. O God, hasten to my
aid.
R. Glory be to the Father.
Alleluia.
Hymn.
SUUM Sanctum Spiritum
Deus delegavit,
In die Pentecostes Apostolos
confortavit,
Et de Unguis igneis ipsos in-
flammavit,
Relinquere orphanos eos de-
ne^ravit.
*Tp\ IS brethren He wills
As orphans to leave,
And on Pentecost morn
_His Spirit doth give.
Descending in power
Their hearts to inspire,
In semblance of tongues
Of miraculous fire,
562 Monday: The Holy Ghost.
Ant. Veni, Sancte Spiritus,
etc. V. et R. cum Oratione,
ut supra.
Ant. Come, O Holy Spirit,
etc. V. and R. with the
Prayer as above.
AT SEXT.
B1
[PIRITUS Sancti gratia
illuminet sensus et
corda nostra. Amen.
V. Deus, in adjutorium.
meum intende, etc.
R. Gloria Patri. Alleluia.
AY the grace of the
Holy Spirit enlighten
our minds and our hearts.
Amen
V. O God, hasten to my
aid, etc.
R. Glory be to the Father.
Alleluia.
s
Hymn.
EPTIFORMEM gratiam
tunc acceptaverunt,
Quare idiomata cuncta cog-
no verunt,
Ad diversa climata mundi re-
cesserunt,
Et Fidem Catholicam tunc
prsedica verunt.
Ant. Veni, Sancte Spiritus,
etc. V. et R. cum Oratione,
ut supra.
STRAIGHT, wholly re-
plenished
From Wisdom's high throne,
Earth's languages all,
Are to them as their own;
And nothing accounting
Of danger, or death,
They spread through the na-
tions
The Catholic faith.
Ant. Come, O Holy Spirit,
etc. V. and R. with the
Prayer as above.
AT NONE.
0
PIRITUS Sancti gratia
illuminet sensus et cor-
5a nostra. Amen.
V. Deus, in adjutorium
meum intende.
R. Gloria Patri. Alleluia.
(T\ AY the grace of the Holy
^L>S Spirit enlighten our
minds and our hearts. Amen
V. O God, hasten to my
aid.
R. Glory be to the Father
Alleluia.
s1
Hymn
r PIRITUS Paraclittis fuit
appellatus,
t)onum Dei, charitas, fons,
vivificatus,
Spiritualis unctio, ignis in-
flammatus,
SPIRIT of charity,
o Virtue, and might!
Anointed by Whom
They fought the good fight
Our sevenfold Treasure!
And Lifespring divine!
Monday: The Holy Ghost, 563
Septiformis gratia, charisma
vocatus.
Ant. Veni, Sancte Spiritus,
etc. V. et R. cum Oratione,
ut supra.
Dread finger of God!
All glory be Thine.
Ant. Come, O Holy Spirit,
etc. V. and R. with the
Prayer as above.
AT VESPERS.
J31
TPIRITUS Sancti gratia
illuminet sensus et cor-
<Ia nostra. Amen.
V. Dens, in adjutorium me-
um intende.
R. Gloria Patri. Alleluia.
I AY the grace of theHoly
Spirit enlighten our
minds and our hearts. Amen.
V. O God, hasten to my
aid.
R. Glory be to the Father.
Alleluia.
Hymn.
cp\EXTER^3 Dei Digitus,
JLJ Virtus spiritalis,
Nos defendat, eruat ab omni-
bus malis,
Ut nobis non noceat daemon
inf ernalis :
Protegat et nutriat, fove-
atque, sub alis.
Ant. Veni, Sancte Spiritus,
etc. V. et R. cum Oratione,
ut supra.
C~^(0 lovingly named
ji* By the lips of the Lord,
Our Comforter, Guide,
And Consoler adored,
From Satan, from sin,
And from all evil things,
Deliver us under
Thy fostering wings.
Ant. Come, O Holy Spirit,
etc. V. and R. with the
Prayer, as above.
AT COMPLINE.
^PIRITUS Sancti gratia
^5 illuminet sensus et cor-
da nostra. Amen.
V. Converte nos, Deus sa-
lutaris noster.
R. Et averte iram tuam a
nobis.
V. Deus, in adjutorium
meum intende.
R. Gloria Patri. Alleluia.
|T^AY the grace of the
%U% Holy Spirit enlighten
our minds and our hearts.
Amen.
V. Turn us, O God our
Saviour.
R. And take away Thine
anger that is towards us.
V. O God, hasten to my
aid.
R. Glory be to the Father.
Alleluia.
Hymn.
BPIRITUS Paraclitus nos (T)AY
velit juvare,
Thy splendor en-
lighten
Our minds with its ray;
5^4
Monday: The Holy Ghost.
Gressus nostros regere et illu-
minare,
Ut cum Deus venerit omnes
judicare,
Nos velit ad dexteram omnes
appellare.
Ant. Veni, Sancte Spirit us,
•etc. V. et R. cum Oratione,
ut supra.
Thy guidance direct us
Along the true way;
So when at the solemn
Tribunal we stand,
The Saviour may set us
Upon His right hand.
Ant. Come, O Holy Spirit,
etc. V. and R. with the
Prayer as above.
COMMENDATION.
" [^J AS horas canonicas cum
r-l— £ de votione ,
Tibi, Sancte Spiritus, pia ra-
tione
Dixi, ut nos visites inspira-
tion,
Et vivamus jugiter in coeli
regione. Amen.
^^HIS holy devotion,
Vz) My Paraclete dear
I render to Thee
From a bosom sincere;
And in hope by Thy grace,
When I slumber to rest,
To merit a place
In the land of the blest!
flMous Bspirations for Obtaining tbe Seven Gifts ot
tbe 1bol£ <3bo6t.
^^ENI Sancte Spiritus
Et emitte ccelitus,
Dona tuae gratiae, etc.
VENI, O Spiritus Sapien-
tial! Instrue cor meum,
ut sciam aestimare et amare,
bona ccelestia eaque terre-
nis omnibus anteponere.
Monstra insuper viam, qua
ilia consequi, aeternumque
possidere valeam.
Pater noster, etc.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus, etc.
VENI, O Spiritus Intel-
lectus ! Illumina men-
tern, ut omnia salutis my-
; teria, percipiam et amplectar,
careque tandem in lumine
Tug lumen aeternum videre,
OOME, Holy Ghost, send
down those beams
Which sweetly flow in silent
streams,
From Thy bright throne
above, etc.
aOME, O Spirit of Wis-
dom ! Dispose my
heart, so that I may know
how to value and love the
good things of heaven, and
prefer them before all earthly
delights. Show me, more-
over, the way whereby I
may obtain and possess them
for ever.
Our Father, etc.
Come, Holy Ghost, etc.
[OME, O Spirit of Under-
standing ! Enlighten
my mind, that I may appre-
hend and embrace all the
mysteries of salvation, and
at length may deserve to be-
cr
Monday: The Holy Ghost. 565
plenamque Tui, Patrisque ac
Filii cognitionem obtinere
merear.
Pater noster, etc.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus, etc.
VENI, O Spiritus Consilii!
Assiste mihi in omni-
bus instabilis hujus vitae ne-
gotiis, mentem in bonum
inclina, et a mala absterre,
meque per rectum mandato-
rum tuorum tramitem ad
optatam salutis seternae me-
tam dirige.
Pater noster, etc.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus, etc.
TENI, O Spiritus Fortitu-
dinis! Da robur cordi
meo illudque in omni pertur-
batione, et adversis casibus
confirma, virtutemque contra
noxios inimicorum meorum
conatus largire, ne umquam
victus, a Te Deo sum mo
bono meo separer.
Pater noster, etc.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus, etc.
VENI,0 Spiritus Sciential
Fac, ut caduca hujus
mundi bona eorumque vanita-
tem perspiciam, et contem-
nam, neque aliter its utar,
quam ad Tuam unius glori-
am. meamque salutem; Tua
vero aeterna praemia omni-
bus rebus terrenis antepo-
nam.
Pater noster, etc.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus, etc.
VENI, O Spiritus Pietatis!
Cor meum ad veram
pietatem, et sanctum Do-
hold the Light eternal in Thy
light, and to attain the full
knowledge of Thee, and the
Father, and the Son.
Our Father, etc.
Come, Holy Ghost, etc.
aOME, O Spirit of Cottn-
self Be Thou with me
in all the affairs of this pass-
ing life, incline my soul unto
good, withhold it from evil,
and guide me through ■ the
straight path of Thy com-
mandments to the wished-
for goal of everlasting salva-
tion.
Our Father, etc.
Come, Holy Ghost, etc.
aOME, O Spirit of Might!
Give strength to my
heart, and establish it in
every trouble and mishap;
"grant me power against the
baneful efforts of mine ene-
mies, lest being overcome, I
be ever parted from Thee, O
God, the sovereign Good.
Our Father, etc.
Come, Holy Ghost, etc.
aOME, O Spirit of Knowl-
edge! Grant I may
see through the fragile goods
of this world, and their
emptiness, that so I may
despise them, nor ever use
them but for the glory of
Thee alone, and mine own
salvation, and may prize
Thine everlasting treasures
beyond all earthly things,
Our Father, etc.
Come* Holy Ghost, etc.
aOME, O Spirit of God-
liness! Stir up my
heart to true godliness, and
566
Monday: The Holy Ghost
mini Dei mei amorem impelle,
ut hunc in omni devotione
mea semper quaeram et in
vera dilectione inveniam.
Pater noster, etc.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus, etc.
VENT, O Spiritus Timoris
Domini! Confige ti-
more Tuo carnes meas, ut
provideam Te Dominum De-
um meum in conspectu meo
lemper, omniaque sollicite
aveam quae purissimis di-
/inae Majestatis Tuae oculis
displicere possunt.
Pater noster, etc.
V. Veni, Sancte Spiritus,
reple Tuorum corda fidelium.
R. Et Tui amoris in eis ig-
nem accende.
V. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
Oremus.
/T^ENTIBUS nostris, quae-
sumus, Domine, Spiri-
tum Sanctum benignus in-
funde, cujus et sapientia
conditi sumus, et providentia
gubernamur. Per Dominum.
V. Divinum auxilium ma-
neat semper nobiscum.
R. Amen.
to a holy love of the Lord
my God, that I may ever
seek Him in all my devotions,
and may find Him in true
love.
Our Father, etc.
Come, Holy Ghost, etc.
aOME, O Spirit of the
Fear of the Lord! Make
my flesh to tremble with fear
of Thee, that I may set the
Lord before me always, and
may carefully avoid whatever
may displease the most pure
eyes of Thy divine Majesty.
Our Father, etc.
V. Come, O Holy Ghost, fill
the hearts of Thy faithful.
R. And kindle in them the
fire of Thy love.
V. Lord, hear my prayer.
R And may my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
^pXO Thou, of Thy loving
JLJ kindness, we beseech
Thee} O Lord, pour into our
hearts the Holy Spirit, by
Whose wisdom wTe have been
fashioned, and by Whose
providence we are guided.
Through Christ, etc.
V. May the divine help
abide ever with us.
R. Amen.
THE HOLY GHOST AND RELIGIOUS ORDERS.
•■fT) ELIGIOUS should ever bear in mind that the .great
rJu^ Orders and Congregations of the Church are the
special work of the Holy Ghost, and that their personal
call to the holy state of life in which they are living is a
special grace of the Divine Spirit, to Whom, therefore, they
Monday: The Holy Ghost.
567
should have or cultivate a special devotion. To the soul of
every Religious, these words of the Holy Ghost may be
applied in a particular manner: ' 'Behold, I will allure her,
and I will lead her into the wilderness; and I will speak to
her heart."
Father Marianus Fiege, O.M.Cap., writes on this sub-
ject in "The Paraclete ":
You who are a Religious, tell me, who "allured" you
away from the vanities of a deceitful world? Who "led''
you to your abode of sweet seclusion and retirement? Who
first "spoke to your heart" of the peaceful service of God
in the cloister? Who encouraged and strengthened you to
"leave all things and follow Christ?" Who enabled you
io consummate the sacrifice, when by the three vows of
poverty, chastity, and obedience, you made of yourself a
whole burnt-offering, and fastened yourself, so to speak,
with Jesus to the cross? Who has ever since that moment
enabled you to be faithful to the solemn promises you then
made, and to be diligent in the discharge of the sublime
duties of your noble calling? Who still aids you to lead
that ;ife of prayer and recollection, so necessary to you?
Who \s the source and fount of the interior life you now
lead — a life utterly unknown to the lovers of the world?
Who gives you strength to practice the virtues befitting your
exalted state? Who encourages and comforts you amidst
the many trials and hardships incident to your mode of life ?
"I will speak, and do thou answer me." Is not all this the
special work of the Holy Ghost, Who has singled you out
from among the rest of mankind and called you to this blessed
state of life?
Religious soul! How can you be conscious of all you owe
to the Holy Ghost, without cultivating a special devotion
to Him in yourself, and others under your influence? Let
the Spirit of God reign entirely in your hearts; let the fire
of His love purify your hearts; let His will dominate your
energies; then you will live, labor, and suffer for Him; then
you will be filled with zeal for the glory of God and the sal-
vation of souls.
Make a daily act of consecration to the Holy Ghost; trust
in Him; love Him; think of Him; pray to Him in every
important undertaking; beseech Him for a more perfect
568 Monday: The Hoh Ghost.
following of Christ, and being yourself filled with the Divine
Spirit, make known His gracious attributes everywhere, so
that all may come under the sweet empire of His love and
mercy, thus rinding rest to their soul's eternal salvation.
A PRAYER FOR THE CONVERSION OF UNBELIEVERS.
OHOLY Spirit of truth, we beseech Thee to enlighten the
minds of unbelievers in the midst of us, to incline their
hearts to receive Thy word, and to believe the teachings of
Thy Church; give them courage to accept the faith and
openly profess it; that they may come into union with Thee
and the Father, through Christ our Lord, Who liveth and
reigneth for ever and ever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
THANKSGIVING, CONSECRATION, AND PRAYER TO THE HOL/S
GHOST.
OLY Spirit, divine Consoler! I adore Thee as my true
God. I bless Thee by uniting myself to the praises
Thou dost receive from the angels and the saints. I offer
Thee my whole heart, and I render Thee heartfelt thanks
for all the benefits that Thou hast bestowed and dost
unceasingly bestow upon the world. Thou, Who art the
Author of all supernatural gifts and Who didst enrich with
immense favors the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the
Mother of God, I beseech Thee to visit me by Thy grace
and Thy love, and to grant me Thy sevenfold gift, in order
that I may with constant love and perseverance walk in
the way of my eternal salvation.
PRAYERS TO THE HOLY GHOST IN CONNECTION WITH DEVO-
TIONS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.*
I. • v J
OHOLY Ghost, help me to receive Jesus with love and
reverence. Thou art my Teacher and my Sanctifier,
and by Thee I live. Thou givest light and strength to my
soul. ' Jesus, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament, is my Saviour
and my God. I long to be with Him, that He may abide
more in me and I in Him. He is the Bread of life, the
true Bread of God. I long to feed with adoration on that
living Bread. Be with me, O Blessed Spirit, as in this great
light I draw near to the altar, and give me always more
faithfulness to Jesus and more love for Him.
* From Father Rawes' " Bread of Life."
Monday : The Holy Ghost. 569
II.
IN the light of the tabernacle I ask Thee, 0 Holy Ghost,,
to fill my heart with pure desire for Jesus, the living
Bread. Give me grace to adore Him with the holy angels,
that His will may be done on earth as it is in heaven, and
that His will may be done in my soul. Help me to thank
Him for all His gifts, and most of all for Himself. By this
Holy Sacrament He strengthens souls on earth, and gives
rest to souls in purgatory, and gladdens souls in heaven.
He is the hidden Manna, promised by Himself to all who
overcome. Thy grace will bring me in safety to God. May
I taste the sweetness of Jesus! May my soul be kept by
Thee very bright for the coming of my Spouse!
III.
OLEANSE my heart, O Holy Spirit, by this heavenly food,
wherein Jesus gives me Himself. Strengthen my faith,
that I may see Jesus in this Sacrament of His body and
blood. There is in me a law by which I am in danger of
falling into the captivity of sin. I have often to go on my
heavenward way through darkness and many temptations,
but Thou art my light and my strength. In Thee I trust.
By Thy grace I can do all things that Jesus wishes me to
do. Be ever in my soul as the dew of the light. With
utter trust I rest upon Thee, and believe the testimony
which Thou givest. Set up more and more Thy kingdom
in my soul, that I may keep my body under, and bring it to
subjection, lest I should be a castaway from Jesus and from
Thee.
IV.
OHOLY Ghost, let my life be hidden with Jesus in
God. Give me grace to live for God only, and tc
use creatures in Him and for His sake. Let the beauty
of God blind me to the beauty of the world, and let the
light of God blind me to the light of earth. Thou, O my
God, art brighter than all things and sweeter. Take away
from my soul all the dross, and purify it, giving it light
and strength. To Thee, Spirit of deathless love, I turn
for help. Take from me all human respect; for wrong
regard of creatures blights the soul, so that its fruits are
withered. Help me to be more faithful to Jesus, my Love,
Who is coming to me from His altar. He is my life, as Thou
art my life, and as the eternal Father is my life. Give me
more love, that I may welcome Jesus as He comes to me
in the hidden light, and the freshness of the morning dew.
S7o
Monday: The Holy Ghosi\
V.
OH0LY Ghost, fill me with the fear of the lord, and
drive far from me all thoughts of presumption.
Save me from guilt like this. Keep me from offending
God; and keep me from the wounds of His anger. Make
me feel His goodness, and fill my heart with thankfulness.
If I am faithful to Thee, Thou wilt give me much grace; if
I am unfaithful, Thou wilt give me little grace, or, it may
be, none at all. Dwell in my soul more and more, that I
may be faithful with a great faithfulness, and inherit the
fulness of Thy promises.
VI.
OHOLY Ghost, give me a great hunger for the Bread
of life. Do Thou, by that Bread which is Jesus, satisfy
my soul, and strengthen it, and make it full of life. I am
needy with a great need; but this Bread of heaven is the
life of the poor; let it be my life. I am very poor and
needy; but Thou, my own Lord, dost always care for me.
Without Thee, Blessed Spirit, I can not say, Jesus: without
Thee, Helper of the needy, I can not feed on Him Who is
the Bread from heaven.
O Spirit of peace, give me a great love for the holy sac-
rifice of the Mass.
O Spirit of reconciliation, help all darkened souls, and
bring them back to life.
O Spirit of mercy, help the souls that are now suffering
in the fire of purgatory. I ask Thee, by Thine own good-
ness, to give them refreshment and joy and white robes of
consoling love.
O most pitiful Spirit, give me a great joy in this Sacra-
ment of love. Thou dwellest in me, and by Thee I live
to God. Thou makest me a temple of Thyself and of the
Father and the Son. Thou makest me an heir of God.
Bring me now, dear Spirit, in light to the altar; bring me
in light to my grave; bring me in light to the city of the
King and the song of the morning stars.
VII.
^"STERNAL Father, wash me from my sins in the blood
vJl of Jesus.
Eternal Son, fill me with the fire of Thy Heart.
Eternal Spirit, make me glad with the sweetness of the soul
of Jesus.
O eternal Father, crush all the powers of evil under my feet.
Let me walk upon the asp and the basilisk; let me trample
under foot the lion and the dragon by the blood of Thy Son.
Monday: The Faithful Departed.
571
O eternal Son, pour into my soul abundant gifts of grace.
Thou didst die for me on. the cross. There Thou didst
merit for me the treasures of grace which now Thou givest.
Thou didst give me Thyself in shedding of blood and in
dimness of death. Now Thou givest me Thyself in out-
pouring of gladness and in Thy deathless life. Thou wast
dead, and art alive for ever.
O eternal Spirit, hide me more and more with God, and
let there be in me more and more of the mind of Jesus.
Touch the Hps of my soul and give me a taste for this Bread
of God, that I may know the graciousness of my Jesus, and
the sweetness of His blood. The love of God is shed abroad
in my heart, for Thou, O Holy Ghost, art given to me. Oh,
lift me up, dear Spirit, from the dust. Oh, bring me in
Thine own good time to the pavement of pure gold as clear
as crystal. Fill my soul with Thy dew ; fill it with Thy fire.
There is no dew like Thine; and there is no fire like Thine.
They mingle together in the fruitfulness of the garden of
the Spouse. They mingle with the blood of Jesus, and
with the water from His side. Oh, fire of the Holy Ghost,
gentle and sweet as dew! Oh, dew of the Holy Ghost, pierc-
ing and cleansing as fire ! O Holy Ghost, Whom I love, lift
Thy little one to Thine uncreated Heart.
O Blessed Trinity, show me the hidden things of the
blood of Jesus, the holy mystery of Thy Church. 0 Blessed
Trinity: O Blessed Trinity: O Blessed Trinity.
2Devotions for tbe jfattbful BeparteO*
THE HEROIC ACT OF CHARITY.
An offering of all ivorks of satisfaction and of all the suffrages
in behalf of the souls in purgatory.
HIS heroic act of charity in behalf of the souls in purgatory
consists in a voluntary offering made in their favor to
the divine Majesty, by any one of the faithful, of all works of
satisfaction done by him in his life, as well as of all the suf-
frages which shall be offered for him after his death. Many
of the faithful, devout to the Blessed Virgin, have followed
the praiseworthy practice, introduced, or at least much
spread since the last century, by F. D. Gaspar Oliden, Thea-
tine, of placing them in the hands of the Blessed Virgin,
that she may distribute them in behalf of those souls whom
it is her good pleasure to deliver sooner from the pains of
purgatory. This heroic act of charity has been enriched
with many indulgences.
572 Monday: The Faithful Departed.
As the " New Raccolta " tells us, a plenary indulgence, appli-
cable only to the departed, is granted to all the faithful who
shall have made this offering, whenever they go to holy
communion, provided they visit a church or public oratory,
and pray there, for some time, for the intention of his Holiness.
A plenary indulgence, every Monday, to all who hear Mass
in aid of the souls in purgatory, provided they fulfil the
other conditions mentioned above.
All indulgences granted or to be granted, which are to be
gained by the faithful who have made this offering, may be
applied to the holy souls in purgatory.
Although this act of charity is called Jieroic vow of charity in
some printed sheets, in which also is given a formula for
making the offering, no inference is to be drawn therefrom
that this offering binds under sin; neither is it necessary
to make use of the said formula, or any other, since, in order
to share in the said indulgences, no more is required than
a heartfelt act of the will.
The heroic act of charity is not a vow ; nor does this offer-
ing prevent the maker of it from praying for himself, for
his friends, or any other like intention, as by it he only
foregoes that special fruit of his good works, which would
belong to himself, as a satisfaction for the temporal punish-
ment deserved by him on account of his sins.
" It is sometimes objected," we read in Murray's " Guide to
Indulgences," "that this act of charity does an injustice to
ourselves, because it takes away what is necessary to satisfy
God's justice for our sins, and so leaves us much more suffering
to endure in purgatory than would otherwise fall-to our share.
"The answer to this is, that even if this lengthening of
our own punishment was an assured fact, it would be a
small price to pay for the immense reward that God would
bestow in heaven on those who performed such an heroic
act of charity. But it is not true that those who make
this offering will suffer more on account of it, for we may
be sure that God would not have it so. On the contrary,
He will reward those who are so generous by enkindling such
a great love for Himself in their hearts that it will result
in a full forgiveness not only of sin, but also of its tem-
poral punishment; and, moreover, He has still the right to
make their souls, if they go to purgatory, the beneficiaries
of those prayers and good works which the living are con-
tinually offering Him."
Besides, those souls who may be released from their suffer-
ings by these heroic offerings will not prove ungrateful,
but rather will they constantly intercede for those to
Monday: The Faithful Departed.
573
whom they owe their deliverance, and will not cease their
prayers until the latter are either brought straight to heaven,
or released from purgatory.
REFLECTIONS.
IT would seem like carrying coals to Newcastle, or water
to the river, to exhort Religious to exercise charity
by offering their suffrages in behalf of the poor, holy souls
in purgatory.
The true and zealous Religious will not fail to offer the
holy sacrifice of the Mass and holy communion very fre-
quently for the faithful departed. The Way of the Cross,
the Rosary, Novenas, and Litanies are good devotions for
the same purpose. The De Profundis, besides other indul-
genced prayers and ejaculations, should be made use of
daily and frequently during the' day in aid of the poor souls.
The good Religious will nourish the most tender com-
passion for those who are now absolutely incapable of assist-
ing themselves, and who must remain separated from God un-
til the last farthing is paid, either by their own sufferings,
or by the interposition of the faithful. Many powerful
motives should induce you to be most fervent in assisting
them: By this spiritual work of mercy you prove your love
for God, you benefit your neighbor, and acquire great merit
for yourself. You prove your love for God by interceding
for those holy souls who are so dear to His divine Majesty,
and whom He so ardently longs to glorify for ever. You
perform an act of the greatest charity toward these suffer-
ing, holy souls, by endeavoring to shorten their banish-
ment where they are tortured by a fire far more terrible
than any earthly fire, and deprived of the sight of God, a
torment more excruciating than all other pains. And you
essentially serve your own soul by providing for yourself
powerful advocates who will not forget you when they
stand before God.
Let these considerations animate you to do all you can
for the souls in purgatory. Devote fervently many prayers,
good works, and various actions and mortifications to their
relief, and endeavor to gain many indulgences for their
benefit. Offer up, in particular, the holy sacrifice of the
Mass on Mondays for this intention. But you should par-
ticularly impress on your mind that sloth or negligence in
the prayers or actions which you offer for the suffering souls
would make you very unworthy of being heard, and, far
from benefiting those for whom you pray, you would only
expose yourself to a severe purgatory hereafter in the same
fire which torments them.
574 Monday; The Faithful Departed.
PRAYER TO BE SAID ON MONDAY.
OGOD of all holiness, infinitely pure and adorable Being!
how great must be Thy horror of the least stain of sin,
since Thou punishest so rigorously in the flames of purgatory
the venial faults of those whom Thou so tenderly lovest.
Ah! mercifully enlighten my understanding, that the tor-
ments Thou inflictest on the least offence in the other world,
may teach me the enormity of sin, and penetrate my heart
with compassion for those souls who are now enduring inex-
pressible pains for such failings as perhaps I too often look
on as trivial. My God, though Thy justice banishes them
from that kingdom where nothing defiled can enter, yet
surely Thy mercy has not forgotten them; no, Thou art
too good, too compassionate to abandon the work of Thine
own hands. Though the season for merit and repentance
is now past for them, yet Thou hast left them a resource
in the prayers of Thy servants on earth. Despise not, then,
O Lord, the supplication which I, Thy unworthy child,
now make for those who can no longer implore Thy mercy
for themselves. Remember, O infinite Goodness, that they
are all the work of Thy hands, redeemed by the precious
blood of Thine only Son; consider that they are the objects
of Thine infinite love, who burn with the most ardent desire
to be united to Thee. Have mercy on them, then, O infinite
Mercy! and for Thine own sake stretch forth to their relief
those sacred hands by which they were formed, and apply
to them once more the merits of that adorable blood by
which they were redeemed. I most humbly offer up, to
implore this favor, the adorable sacrifice of the Mass, in
union with all the Masses which will be celebrated through
out the world to-day.
In union, also, with the infinite merits of Jesus Christ, J
offer all my prayers, works, and sufferings this day for the
relief of the holy souls.
Mercifully accept this oblation, O Lord, on behalf of
all who now suffer in purgatory, particularly those for
whom Thou desirest I should pray — those who are most
dear to me — those to whose sufferings I may have been in
any respect accessory — those who are most forgotten by
others, and who have no one to pray for them. Give them
all speedy repose and eternal rest, 6 merciful Father of all
mankind, and give me the grace to spend this day in such a
manner that through Thy infinite goodness, I may obtain
the relief of these suffering and blessed souls.
Monday : The Faithful Departed. 575
A SHORT INDUIvGENCED PRAYER IN BEHALF OF THE HOLY
SOULS IN PURGATORY.
V. *ia BQUIEM seter- V. Cf TERNAL rest
1-1-^3 nam dona eis, ^1 give to them, O
Domine ; Lord ;
R. Et lux perpetua luceat R. And let perpetual light
eis. shine upon thern.
Indulgence, applicable to the poor souls alone, 50 days each
time. — Leo XIII., March 22, 1902.
THE CHAPLET OR THE ROSARY FOR THE DEAD.
*^-*HIS chaplet for the dead is composed of four decades,
V*) that is to say, forty beads, in honor and memoTy
of the forty hours that Our Lord Jesus Christ passed in
limbo, to deliver and conduct to heaven all the souls of the
saints who died before Him.
Begin with the De Profundis. (Those who do not know
it can say an Our Father and Hail Mary instead.)
On the large beads say: Eternal rest give to them, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in
peace. Amen. O my God, I believe in Thee, because Thou
art truth itself ; I hope in Thee, because Thou art infinitely
merciful; I love Thee with my whole heart, and above all
things, because Thou art infinitely perfect, and I love my
neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I am truly sorry
for having sinned, because Thou art infinitely good, and
sin displeases Thee. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy
grace, never more to offend Thee. Amen.
On each of the small beads say:
Sweet heart of Mary, be my salvation. Conclude with
the De Profundis.
Indulgence of 60 years each time, applicable to the souls in
purgatory.
lpra^ere for 3Evet£ Dag in tbe TDdeeft in Bifc of tbe
Soule in ffmrgatorg*
FOR SUNDAY.
^T-'ORD God almighty, I beseech Thee, by the precious
t * -X blood which Thy divine Son Jesus shed in the garden,
deliver the souls in purgatory, and amongst them all, espe-
1
576 Monaay: The Faithful Departed.
daily that sou/ which is most destitute of aid; and bring it
to Thy glory, there to praise and bless Thee forever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, and the De Projundis.
FOR MONDAY.
^Tp'ORD God almighty, I beseech Thee, by the precious
r' ■ blood which Thy divine Son Jesus shed in His cruel
scourging, deliver the souls in purgatory, and amongst them
all, especially that soul which is nearest to its entrance into
Thy glory; that so it may soon begin to praise and bless Thee
for ever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, and the De Projundis,
FOR TUESDAY.
— 'ORD God almighty, I beseech Thee, by the precious
« * * blood which Thy divine Son Jesus shed in His bitter
crowning with thorns, deliver the souls in purgatory, and in
particular, amongst them all, deliver that one which would
be the last to issue from those pains, that it tarry not so long
a time before it comes to praise Thee in Thy glory and bless
Thee for ever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, and the De Projundis.
FOR WEDNESDAY.
*T~*ORD God almighty, I beseech Thee, by the precious
t ■ A blood which Thy divine Son Jesus shed through the
streets of Jerusalem when He carried the cross upon His sacred
shoulders, deliver the souls in purgatory, and especially that
soul which is richest in merits before Thee; that so, on that
throne of glory which awaits it, it may magnify Thee and
bless Thee for ever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, and the De Projundis.
FOR THURSDAY.
*| * ORD God almighty, I beseech Thee, by the precious
rl * body and blood of Thy divine Son Jesus, which He
gave with His own hand upon the eve of His Passion to His
beloved apostles be their meat and drink, and which He
left to His whole Church to be a perpetual sacrifice and life-
Monday : The Faithful Departed. 577
giving food of His own faithful people, deliver the souls in
purgatory, and especially that one which was most devoted
to this mystery of infinite love; that, with Thy divine Son,
and with Thy Holy Spirit, it may ever praise Thee for this
Thy wondrous love in Thy eternal glory. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, and the De Projundis.
FOR FRIDAY.
*"| !ORD God almighty, I beseech Thee, by the precious
* ' * blood which Thy divine Son shed on this day, upon
the wood of the cross, from His most sacred hands and feet,
deliver the souls in purgatory, and especially that soul for
which I am most bound to pray; that the blame rest not
with me that Thou bringest it not forthwith to praise Thee in
Thy glory and to bless Thee for ever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, and the De Projundis.
FOR SATURDAY.
*"| . ORD God almighty, I beseech Thee, by the precious
A — * blood which gushed forth from the side of Thy divine
Son Jesus, in the sight and to the extreme pain of His most
holy Mother, deliver the souls in purgatory, and especially
that one amongst them all which was ever the most devout
to this great Lady; that it may soon attain unto Thy glory,
there to praise Thee in her, and her in Thee, world without
end. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, and the De Projundis.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XII., Nov. 18, 1826.
THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER.
IS Holiness, Leo XIII., January 17, 1888, granted to
the faithful who shall perform some pious practice
for the relief of the souls in purgatory, every day during
the whole month of November, whether in public or in
private, an indulgence of seven years and as many quaran-
tines on each day of the month; a plenary indulgence, once
during the same month, on any day of the month, on the
usual conditions: confession and communion, and a visit
to a church or public oratory, and there praying for the
intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.
578
Tuesday : The Holy Angels,
III.
Bewtions to tbe Hngels
BnD in particular to tbe angel ©uarOlan.
PRAYER TO THE ANGEL GUARDIAN.
Yf NGELE Dei, qui custos Vi" NGEL, of God, my guar-
cJCJL% es mei, me tibi com- cJZ-L, dian dear,
missum pietate superna illu- To whom His love commits
mina, custodi, rege, et gu- me here,
berna. Amen. Ever this day be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule
and guide. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days; plenary indulgence on the feast of the
holy guardian angels (Oct. 2), to those who shall have said this
prayer, morning and evening, throughout the year, on usual con-
ditions; plenary indulgence at the hour of death. — Pius VI.,
Oct. 2, 1795; June 11, 1796. Pius VII., on May 15, 182 1, granted
a plenary indulgence, once a month, to all the faithful who shall
have said it every day for a month, as above directed.
A PRAYER TO THE GUARDIAN ANGEL.
O ANGEL of God, my blessed protector, to whose care
I have been committed by my Creator from the moment
of my birth, unite with me in thanking the Almighty for having
given me a friend, an instructor, an advocate, and a guardian
in thee. Accept, O most charitable guide, my fervent thanks-
giving for all thou hast done for me; particularly for the
charity with which thou didst undertake to accompany me
through life; for the joy with which thou wert filled when
I was purified in the waters of Baptism; and for thy anxious
solicitude in watching over the treasures of my innocence.
Thou knowest the numberless graces and favors which my
Creator has bestowed on me through thee, and the many
dangers, both spiritual and temporal, from which thou hast
preserved me. Thou knowest how often thou didst deplore
my sins, animate me to repentance, and intercede with God
for my pardon. Ah! why have I so little merited a con-
tinuance of thy zealous efforts for my salvation ? Why have
I so often stained my soul by sin, and thereby rendered
myself unworthy of the presence and protection of an angel,
Tuesday: The Holy Angels,
579
of so pure a spirit as thou art, who never sinned? But,
as my ingratitude and thoughtlessness have not lessened
thy charitable interest for my salvation, so neither shall they
diminish my confidence in thy goodness, nor prevent me
from abandoning myself to thy care, since God Himself has
entrusted thee with the charge of my soul. Penetrated with
sorrow for the little progress I have made in virtue, though
blessed with such a Master, and sincerely determined to
correspond in future with thy exertions for my salvation, I
most earnestly entreat thee, O protecting spirit, to continue
thy zealous efforts for my eternal interest; to fortify my
weakness, to shield me from the innumerable dangers of
the world, and to obtain by thy powerful prayers that my
life may rather be shortened, than that I should live to com-
mit a mortal sin. Remember, O most happy spirit, that it
was one act of profound humility, and one transport of ardent
love for thy Creator, that caused God to establish thee forever
in glory; obtain that those virtues may be implanted in my
soul, and that I may seriously endeavor to acquire docility,
obedience, gentleness, and purity of heart. Conduct me
safely through this world of sin and misery; watch over me
at the awful hour of my death; perform for my soul the last
charitable office of thy mission, by strengthening, encouraging,
and supporting me in the agonies of dissolution, and then, as
the angel Raphael conducted Tobias safely to his father,
do thou, my good angel and blessed guide, return with me
to Him Who sent thee, that we may mutually bless Him, and
publish His wonderful works for a happy eternity. Amen.
Aspiration.
f \ MY dear angel guardian, preserve me from the mis-
fortune of offending God.
SLttartE of tbe OuarDian BngeL*
*T~! ORD, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
<J — * Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
* For private devotion only.
58o
'Tuesday: The Holy Angels.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us,
God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Queen of Angels,
Holy Angel, my guardian,
Holy Angel, my prince,
Holy Angel, my monitor,
Holy Angel, my counsellor,
Holy Angel, my defender,
Holy Angel, my steward,
Holy Angel, my friend,
Holy Angel, my negotiator,
Holy Angel, my intercessor,
Holy Angel, my patron,
Holy Angel, my director,
Holy Angel, my ruler,
Holy Angel, my protector,
Holy Angel, my comforter,
Holy Angel, my brother,
Holy Angel, my teacher,
Holy Angel, my shepherd,
Holy Angel, my witness,
Holy Angel, my helper,
Holy Angel, my watcher,
Holy Angel, my conductor,
Holy Angel, my preserver,
Holy Angel, my instructor,
Holy Angel, my enlightener,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare
us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, gra-
ciously hear us, O Lord !
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have
mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
V. Pray for us, 0 holy angel guardian,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
Vj'LMIGHTY, everlasting God, Who, in the counsel of
Thine ineffable goodness, hast appointed to z& the
faithful, from their mother's womb, a special guardian angel
of their body and soul; grant that I may so love and honor
him whom Thou hast so mercifully given me, that, protected
by the bounty of Thy grace, and by his assistance, I mav
Tuesday ; The Holy Angels.
merit to behold, with him and all the angelic host, the glory
of Thy countenance in the heavenly country. Who livest
and reignest, world without end. Amen.
ANOTHER PRAYER TO ONE'S GUARDIAN ANGEL.
OMOST faithful companion, appointed by God to be
my guardian, my protector, and defender, and who
never leavest my side; how shall I thank thee for thy faith-
fulness and love, and for all the benefits which thou hast
conferred upon me? Thou watchest over me while I sleep;
thou comfortest me when I am sad; thou liftest me up when
I am down; thou avertest the dangers that threaten me;
thou warnest me of those that are to come; thou withdrawest
me from sin, and excitest me to good, thou exhortest me to
penance when I fall, and reconcilest me to God. Long ago
should I have been thrust down into hell, unless by thy
prayers thou hadst turned away from me the anger of God.
Leave me not, nor forsake me ever, I beseech thee; but still
comfort me in adversity, restrain me in prosperity, defend
me in danger, assist me in temptations, lest at any time I
fall beneath them. Offer up in the sight of the divine
Majesty my prayers and all my works of piety, and make
me to persevere in grace until I come to everlasting life.
Amen.
Xlttle Office ot tbe 1bolg angels*
AT MATINS.
Ant. /^fOD hath given His angels charge of thee, that
\£) they keep thee in all thy ways. Amen.
O Lord, open Thou my lips,
And my tongue shall declare Thy praise.
O God, incline unto my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, etc. Alleluia.
m Hymn.
OLORD, permit us here to raise our voice.
And waft before Thy throne our feeble praise.
And thank Thee for those angels whom Thy choice
Hath lent our weakness to direct its ways,
And free us from the envious foes that lurk
To spoil the beauty of Thy cherished work.
582
Tuesday : The Holy Angels.
Ant. O holy angels, our guardians, defend us in the com-
bat, that we perish not in the dreadful judgment.
V. In the sight of the angels I will sing to Thee, my God.
R. I will adore at Thy holy temple, etc.
Prayer.
OGOD, Who, with unspeakable providence, hast vouch-
safed to appoint Thy holy angels to be our guardians,
grant to Thy humble suppliants to be always defended by
their protection, and to enjoy their everlasting society,
through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and
reigneth, etc, Amen.
AT PRIME.
Ant. fSOD hath given His angels charge of thee, that
they keep thee in all thy ways. Amen.
O God, incline unto, etc.
O Loid, make haste, etc.
Glory be to the Father, etc. Alleluia.
Hymn.
HOR Satan, driven from the happy land
Where once he shone in splendor, ill can brook
The kindly justice of the Almighty hand,
That gives to man the throne that he forsook;
And seeks to drag into his own disgrace
Poor mortals thus design' d to fill his place.
Ant. O holy angels, our guardians, etc.
V. In the sight of Thy angels I will sing unto Thee, my
God.
R. I will adore at Thy holy temple, and confess to Thy
name.
Prayer.
O God, Who with unspeakable providence, etc.
AT TIERCE.
Ant. (p?{OT) hath given His angels, etc.
V&) O God, incline unto my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, etc. Alleluia.
Hymn. __. „
BRIGHT Spirit! whom a God supremely wise
Hath given to be the guardian of this land,
Come, arm'd with all thy power from the skies,
And bear its children harmless in thy hand —
Safe from all evil that defiles the soul,
Safe from disunion's withering control.
Tuesday : The Holy Angels.
Ant. O holy angels, etc.
V. In the sight of Thy angels, etc.
R. I will adore at Thy holy temple, etc.
Prayer.
O God, Who with unspeakable providence, etc.
AT SEXT.
Ant. f~>{QT> hath given His angels, etc.
\§) O God, incline unto my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, etc. Alleluia.
Hymn.
O JESUS! glory of the angelic choirs,
Light of their brightness, sweetness of their bliss
Thou Who didst leave a world where nothing tires,
To taste the pains and miseries of this;
Be these same pains, endured to set us free,
The germ of endless happiness with Thee.
Ant. O holy angels, our guardians, etc.
V. In the sight of Thy angels, etc.
R. I will adore at Thy holy temple, etc.
Prayer.
O God, Who with unspeakable providence, etc.
AT NONE.
Ant. /^5fOD hath given His angels charge over, etc.
\£> R. Amen.
V. O God, incline unto my aid.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, etc. Alleluia.
Hymn.
NGEL of peace! come, Michael, to our aid,
Thou who didst once chase discord from the sk}
Come, calm those boisterous passions that have made
Such havoc here as they have made on high;
Drive strife and rancor to their kindred gloom,
To hell, their fitting, their eternal tomb.
Ant. Holy angels, our guardians, defend, etc.
■ V. In the sight of Thy angels I will sing to, etc.
R. I will adore at Thy holy temple, etc.
Prayer.
O God, Who with unspeakable providence, etc.
5^4
Tuesday : The Holy Angels.
AT VESPERS.
Ant. g~*{ OD hath given His angels charge over, etc.
%G) V. O God, incline unto my aid.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, etc. Alleluia.
Hymn.
PIRIT of might! O Gabriel, display
Thy matchless power against our ancient foes;
Visit those sacred temples where we pray —
'Twas at thy potent word those temples rose ;
Whose worship raised these shrines throughout the earth
Thou wert the herald of His future birth.
Ant. O holy angels, our guardians, etc.
y. In the sight of Thy angels, etc.
Prayer.
O God, Who with unspeakable providence, etc.
AT COMPLINE.
Ant. f~^(OT) hath given His angels, etc.
V. Convert us, O God our Saviour.
R. And avert Thy anger from us.
O God, incline unto my aid
Glory be to the Father, etc. Alleluia.
Hymn.
ND Raphael! of the glorious seven who stand
Before the throne of Him Who lives and reigns;
Angel of health! the Lord hath filled thy hand
With balm from heaven to soothe or cure our pains,
Heal or console the victim of disease,
And guide our steps when doubtful of our ways.
Ant. O holy angels, etc.
V. In the sight of Thy angels, etc.
R. I will adore at Thy holy temple, etc
Prayer.
O God, Who with unspeakable providence, etc,
COMMENDATION.
OHOLY guardian! at thy feet
This wreath of humble flowers I lay;
O that their odor were as sweet
As he desires, who sings the lay,
Protect me at death's awful hour,
Receive my soul to thy embrace,
Wednesday: St. Joseph.
335
Pdch with the wonders of thy power,
To thank, to praise thee, face to face. Amen.
ANTIPHON TO THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL.
SANCTE Michael Arch- *Tp^ OLY archangel Michael,
angele, defende nos in defend us in battle,
praelio, ut non pereamus in that we may not perish in the
tremendo judicio. tremendous judgment.
Indulgence of 100 days. — Leo XIII., Aug. 19, 1893.
PRAYER TO ST. RAPHAEL, ARCHANGEL.
LORIOUS archangel, St. Raphael, great prince of the
heavenly court, illustrious by thy gifts of wisdom and
grace, guide of travelers by land and sea, consoler of the
unfortunate and refuge of sinners, I entreat thee to help me
in all my needs and in all the trials of this life, as thou didst
once assist the young Tobias m his journeying. And since
thou art the " physician of God/' I humbly pray thee to heal
my soul of its many infirmities and my body of the ills that
afflict it, if this favor is for my greater good. I ask, espe-
cially, for angelic purity, that I may be made fit to be the living
temple of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days. — Leo XIII., June 21, 1890.
PRAYER TO THE ARCHANGEL GABRIEL.
O BLESSED archangel Gabriel, we beseech thee, do
thou intercede for us at the throne of divine Mercy
in our present necessities, that, as theu didst announce to
Mary the mystery of the Incarnation, so through thy prayers
and patronage in heaven we may obtain the benefits of the
same, and sing the praise of God for ever in the land of the
living. Amen.
IV.
Devotions in Ibonor of St* Josepb*
DEVOTION OP THE SEVEN SUNDAYS IN HONOR OF ST.
JOSEPH.
HE Sovereign Pontiffs who have so gloriously occupied
the chair of St. Peter in later days have enriched
with great indulgences this tender devotion, in order to
stimulate the faithful to its oractice.
S86
Wednesday: St. Joseph.
In virtue of a concession of Pope Gregory XVI. we may
gain an indulgence of 300 days on each of the first six Sun-
days, and a plenary indulgence on the seventh Sunday, for
saying the prayers of the Seven Sorrows and Joys of St.
Joseph on any seven consecutive Sundays of the year.
On February 1, 1847, Pope Pius IX., of holy memory,
wishing to extend this devotion, added to the indulgences
already granted a plenary indulgence on each Sunday, appli-
cable to the souls in purgatory.
On March 2 2d of the same year his Holiness extended
this indulgence to those who, owing to some good cause,
being unable to recite the prayers of the Seven Sorrows and
Joys of St. Joseph, say seven Our Fathers, seven Hail Marys,
and seven Glorias, fulfilling the usual conditions for gaining
a plenary indulgence, namely, confession, communion, and
prayers for our holy mother the Church.
The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VII., Dec. 9, 18 19, granted an
indulgence of 100 days, once a day; an indulgence of 300 days,
every Wednesday in the year, and on every day of the two novenas
preceding the feasts of St. Joseph, viz., the principal feast, March
19, and the feast of the patronage, the third Sunday after Easter.
A plenary indulgence, on these two feasts, to all those who, more-
over, being truly penitent, shall have gone to confession and com-
munion. A plenary indulgence, once a month, to all those who
shall have said them every day for a month, on the day when,
being truly penitent, they shall go to confession and communion.
DEVOUT EXERCISE IN HONOR OF THE SEVEN SORROWS AND
SEVEN JOYS OF ST. JOSEPH.
1. 'T^JURE husband of most holy Mary, glorious St.
A— Joseph, great was the travail and anguish of
thy heart when, in sore perplexity, thou didst feel inclined
to put away thy stainless spouse; but unspeakable was thy
joy when the angel revealed to thee the high mystery of the
Incarnation.
By this, thy sorrow and thy joy, we pray thee, comfort
our souls now and in their dying agony with the sweet con-
solation of a well-spent life, and a death like unto thine own,
in the embrace of Jesus and of Mary.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
2. Thrice happy patriarch, glorious St. Joseph, chosen
to be the foster-father of the Word made man, keen was the
pain thou didst feel when thou didst see the infant Jesus born
in abject poverty; but thy pain was suddenly changed into
Wednesday : St. Joseph,
587
heavenly joy when upon thee burst the harmony of the angel-
choirs, and thou didst behold the glory of that refulgent
night.
By this thy sorrow and thy joy, we pray thee, obtain for
us that, when the journey of our life is over, we too may
pass to that blessed land where we shall hear the angel-
chants, and enjoy the brightness of celestial glory.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father-
3. O thou who wast ever most obedient in fulfilling the
law of God, glorious St. Joseph! when, at His circumcision,
the infant Saviour's precious blood was shed, thy heart was
pierced through and through; but with the name of Jesus
came again to thee new life and heavenly joy.
By this thy sorrow and thy joy, obtain for us that, freed
in life from the vile yoke of sin, we too may die with joy,
with the sweet name of Jesus in our hearts and on our lips.
Cur Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
4. P'aithful saint, who wast admitted to take part in man's
redemption, glorious St. Joseph, Simeon's prophecy of the
coming woes of Jesus and of Mary filled thy soul with agony
like death: but thy soul was filled with blessedness when
he foretold salvation and glorious resurrection to innumerable
souls.
By this thy sorrow and thy joy, help us with thy prayers
to be of those who, by the merits of Jesus and His virgin
Mother, shall be partakers of the glorious resurrection.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
5. Watchful guardian, bosom-friend of the Incarnate Son
of God, glorious St. Joseph, how didst thou toil to nurture
and to serve the Son of the Most High, especially in the
flight into Egypt; but far greater was thy joy in having with
thee God Himself, and in seeing Egypt's idols fall to the
earth!
By this thy sorrow and thy joy, obtain for us to keep aloof
from the infernal tyrant, quitting all dangerous occasions,
that all earthly idols may be cast out from our hearts, and
that, employed in the service of Jesus and Mary, we may
ever live for them alone, and with them calmly die.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
6. Angel on earth, glorious St. Joseph, while thou didst
marvel at seeing the King of heaven obedient to thy bidding,
S88
Wednesday : St. Joseph,
fear of the tyrant mingled with thy joy when thou didst bring
him back from Egypt; but, reassured by the angel, thou
didst dwell at Nazareth with glad heart, in the sweet com-
pany of Jesus and Mary.
By this thy sorrow and thy joy, obtain for us that, with
hearts set free from every hurtful fear, we too may taste the
quiet of a tranquil conscience, safely dwelling with Jesus
and with Mary, and one day die within their loving arms.
Our Father. Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
7. Pattern of all holiness, glorous St. Joseph, without
fault of thine, thou didst lose the holy Child, Jesus, and for
three days, to thy great sorrow, didst seek for him, until,
with joy unspeakable, thou didst find thy Life amid the
Doctors in the Temple.
By this thy sorrow and thy joy, we pray thee with all our
heart, stand between as and danger, that we may never lose
Jesus by mortal sin; but if, to our shame and disgrace, we
lose him, may we seek him with such ceaseless grief that we
may find him propitious to us, especially at the hour of our
death, and thus go to enjoy Him in heaven, and there with
thee sing His divine mercy for ever!
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
AnU Jesus was about thirty years old, being, as was sup-
posed, the son of Joseph.
V, Pray for us, blessed Joseph,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ
Let us pray.
^■yOD, Who in Thine ineffable providence didst vouchsafe
15) to choose blessed Joseph to be the husband of Thy
most holy Mother: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may be
made worthy to receive him for our intercessor in heaven,
whom on earth we venerate as our holy protector. Who
livest and reignest world without end Amen.
PRAYER OF A RELIGIOUS TO THE GLORIOUS PATRIARCH ST.
JOSEPH, FOSTER-FATHER OF THE ETERNAL WORD, SPOUSE
OF THE MOST HOLY VIRGIN, MODEL AND PATRON OI
INTERIOR SOULS.
BEAR St. Joseph! man according to the Heart of Goai
Seraph of love! thou, whose heart was always op
Wednesday : St. Joseph.
589
fire with the pure flames *>f the most ardent charity, and
whose life was a constant prayer and continual contemplation)
deign to accept me as thy protege, and to teach me the per-
fection of the interior life. Teach me how to model my heart
in accordance with the hearts of Jesus and Mary. Direct
me in the way of salvation, and obtain for me that I may,
day after day, without interruption, live and labor for God
and my neighbor in the rigorous observance of my vows. From
the height of thy throne, where thou reignest in heaven near
Jesus and Mary, cast thy paternal and compassionate looks
upon all Religious, and especially upon those of our own
Order, who are filled with the most profound respect and
tender veneration for thee. Be a father to us all; inspire
our Superiors; protect our interests; shield us from danger
and aid us in the spread of God's kingdom on earth. Obtain
for all Religious the graces of which they stand in need, in
order to arrive at the sanctity to which God calls them.
Especially obtain for them the spirit of prayer, the gift of
piety, that fervor of which thou art the perfect model. Teach
them to pray as thou thyself hast learned it from Jesus and
Mary.
May they be always animated with the same sentiments
of humility, purity of intention, respect, docility, faith, con-
fidence, and love, with which thou thyself wert inflamed
and actuated, when in thy hidden life, in the silence and seclu-
sion of thy poor house at Nazareth, thou didst offer unceas-
ingly with Jesus and Mary the most fervent and acceptable
prayers to the divine Majesty. Amen.
1Rov>ena to SU Sosepb*
( Feast March 19th. No vena begins March 10th and ends
March 18th.)
DEDICATION TO ST. JOSEPH.
O GLORIOUS descendant of the King of Juda! inheritor
of the virtues of all the patriarchs! just and happy
St. Joseph! listen to my prayer. Thou art my glorious pro
tector, and shalt ever be, after Jesus and Mary, the object
of my most profound veneration and tender confidence. Thou
art the most hidden, though the greatest saint, and art pecul-
iarly the patron of those who serve God with the greatest
59°
Wednesday: St. Joseph.
purity and fervor. In union with all those who have ever
been most devoted to thee, I now dedicate myself to thy
service, beseeching thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ, Who
vouchsafed to love and obey thee as a son, to become a father
to me, and to obtain for me the filial respect, confidence,
and love of a child toward thee. O powerful advocate of
all Christians! whose intercession, as St. Teresa assures us,
has never been found to fail, deign to intercede for me now,
and to obtain for me the particular object of this no vena.
[Specify it.] Present me, O great saint, to the Adorable
Trinity, with Whom thou hadst so glorious and so intimate
a correspondence. Obtain that I may never efface by sin
the sacred image according to the likeness of which I was
created. Beg for me that my divine Redeemer may enkindl<
in my heart, and in all hearts, the fire of His love, and infus*
therein the virtues of His adorable infancy, His purity, sim
plicity, obedience, and humility. Obtain for me likewise
a lively devotion to thy virgin spouse, and protect me so
powerfully in life and death that I may have the happiness
of dying as thou didst, in the friendship of my Creator, and
under the immediate protection of the Mother of God.
For making a no vena in honor of St. Joseph, an indulgence of
300 days, on each day, and a plenary indulgence during the
novena or on any one of the eight days following it. — Pius IX.,
Nov. 28, 1876.
AN OFFERING TO ST. JOSEPH.
REAT St. Joseph, thou generous depositary and
dispenser of immortal riches, behold us prostrate
at thy feet, conjuring thee to receive us as thy servants
and as thy children. Next to the sacred hearts of
Jesus and Mary, of which thou art the faithful copy,
we acknowledge that there is no heart more tender,
more compassionate, than thine. What, then, have
we to fear, or, rather, for what should we not hope,
if thou dost deign to be our benefactor, our master,
our model, our father, and our intercessor!
Refuse not, then, the favor we ask of thee, O powerful
protector! We ask it of thee by the love thou hast for
Wednesday ; St. Joseph.
59r
J«*e'us and Mary. Into thy hands we commit our
souls and bodies, but above all, the last moment of our
lives. May we, after having honored, imitated, and
served thee on earth, eternally sing with thee the mercies
of Jesus and Mary. Amen.
Qbe Xittle ©ffice ot 5t* Sosepb.
AT MATINS.
AIL, glory of the patriarchs, steward of God's holy
Church, who didst preserve the Bread of life and
the Wheat of the elect.
V. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips,
R. And my mouth shall announce Thy praise.
V. Incline unto mine aid, O God!
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost,
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
Hymn.
IGHTY Joseph, son of David!
High and glorious is thy state-
Of Our Lord the foster-father,
Mary's spouse immaculate.
The Almighty's faithful servant,
Of the Holy Family
Head and father. Oh! I pray thee,
Be a father unto me.
Ant. He made him master of His house, and ruler over all
His possessions. (Psalm civ.)
V. Pray for us, most blessed Joseph,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
AY we, O Lord, we beseech Thee, be assisted by the
merits of the spouse of Thy most holy Mother, that
what of ourselves we can not possibly obtain, may through
his intercession be granted to us by Thee, Who livest and
reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.
. V. O Lord, hear my prayer,
R. And let my cry come unto Thee
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
592
Wednesday: St. Joseph.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed through the
mercy of God rest in peace.
R. Amen.
AT PRIME.
*Tp^AIL, glory of the patriarchs, steward of God's holy
rjLfc Church, who didst preserve the Bread of life and
the Wheat of the elect.
V. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips,
R. And my mouth shall announce Thy praise.
V. Incline unto mine aid, O God!
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost,
R. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
Hymn.
ORELY was thy bosom troubled
Till the mystery was revealed
Which the Lord had wrought in Mary,
Who in patience all concealed.
But an angel soon from heaven
Bids thy loving doubts to cease:
So may every care and trial
Turn for me to joy and peace.
Ant. Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee
Mary thy spouse, for what is conceived in her is of the Holy
Ghost.
V. Pray for us, most blessed Joseph,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
/T\AY we, O Lord, we beseech Thee, be assisted by the
merits of the spouse of Thy most holy Mother, that
what of ourselves we can not possibly obtain, may through
his intercession be granted to us by Thee, Who livest and
reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer,
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed through the
mercy of God rest in peace.
R. Amen.
Wednesday: St. Joseph.
593
AT TIERCE.
Ally, glory of the patriarchs, steward of God's holy
Church, who didst preserve the Bread of life and
the Wheat of the elect.
V. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips,
R. And my mouth shall announce Thy praise
V. Incline unto mine aid, O God!
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost,
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
Hymn.
ITH the Virgin, young and tender,
In the winter-time forlorn,
Thou to Bethlehem didst journey,
That Our Lord might there be born,
As thy God thou didst adore Him,
While He in the manger lay,
Now is He in heaven exalted —
Turn to Him for us and pray!
Ant. Joseph went up out of Galilee from Nazareth into
Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem,
with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.
V. Pray for us, most blessed Joseph,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of
Christ.
Let us pray.
AY we, O Lord, we beseech Thee, be assisted by the
merits of the spouse of Thy most holy Mother, that
what of ourselves we can not possibly obtain, may through
iris intercession be granted to us by Thee, Who Hvest and
reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer,
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed through the
aercy of God rest in peace.
R. Amen.
AT SEXT.
T^AIL, glory of the patriarchs, steward of God's holy
JL-\ Church, who didst preserve the Bread of life and the
Wheat of the elect.
594
Wednesday : St. Joseph.
V. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips,
R. And my mouth shall announce Thy praise.
V. Incline unto mine aid, O God!
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost,
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be„
world without end. Amen.
Hymn.
1 — TLEEING at the angel's warning,
t ■[ Far from Herod's fury wild,
Long in Egypt didst thou tarry
With the Virgin and the Child.
By thy toil, and pain, and sadness,
In that exile dark and drear,
Help me in the cares and sorrows
Which may be my portion here.
Ant. Arise and take the Child and His Mother, and fly
into Egypt, and be there until I shall tell thee; for it will
come to pass that Herod will seek the Child to destroy Him.
(Matt. ii. 13.)
V. Pray for us most blessed Joseph,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ
Let us pray.
AY we, O Lord, we beseech Thee, be assisted by the
merits of the spouse of Thy most holy Mother, that
what of ourselves we can not possibly obtain, may through
his intercession be granted to us by Thee, Who livest and
reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer,
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed through the
mercy of God rest in peace.
R. Amen.
AT NONE.
AIL, glory of the patriarchs, steward of God's holy
Church, who didst preserve the Bread of life and the
Wheat of the elect.
V. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips,
R. And my mouth shall announce Thy praise.
V. Incline unto mine aidr O God!
Wednesday ; St. Joseph.
595
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost,
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be9
world without end. Amen.
Hymn.
' j^J OME from Egypt's land returning
Thou wouldst rest in Galilee,
But to Nazareth art bidden,
That the Child secure may be.
Souls retiring, sweet, and humble,
Thou dost still for Jesus seek:
That my heart may be His garden,
Make it humble, pure, and meek.
Ant. Who arose, and took the Child and His Mother and
came into the land of Israel . . . and he dwelt in a city which
is called Nazareth. (Matt. ii. 23.)
V. Pray for us, most blessed Joseph,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of
Christ.
Let us pray.
AY we, O Lord, we beseech Thee, be assisted by the
merits of the spouse of Thy most holy Mother, that
what of ourselves we can not possibly obtain, may through
his intercession be granted to us by Thee, Who livest and
reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer,
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed through the
mercy of God rest in peace
R. Amen.
AT VESPERS.
AIL, glory of the patriarchs, steward of God's holy
Church, who didst preserve the Bread of life and the
Wheat of the elect.
V. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips,
R. And my mouth shall announce Thy praise.
V. Incline unto mine aid, O God!
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost,
596
Wednesday : St. Joseph,
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
Hymn.
HOU didst search with loving anguish
For the little Jesus lost;
But, in finding Him, what rapture,
Purchased at that sorrow's cost!
Thee, my light, my life, my Jesus,
May I never lose by sin!
May my heart be pure and simple,
So that Thou may'st rest therein.
Ant. Son, why hast Thou done so to us? Behold, Thv
father and I have sought Thee sorrowing. (Luke ii. 48.)
V. Pray for us, most blessed Joseph,
R. Thai we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
AY we, O Lord, we beseech Thee, be assisted by the
merits of the spouse of Thy most holy Mother, that
what of ourselves we can not possibly obtain, may through
his intercession be granted to us by Thee, Who livest and
reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer,
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the
mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.
AT COMPLINE.
AIL, glory of the patriarchs, steward of God's holy
Church, who didst preserve the Bread of life and
the Wheat of the elect.
V. Convert us, O Lord, our salvation,
R. And avert Thine anger from us.
V. Incline unto mine aid, O God!
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost,
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be
world without end. Amen.
Hymn.
3KSUS, Mary, hung above thee,
On that sad, yet happy day,
Wednesday: St. Joseph.
When, with their fond arms around thee,
Passed thy gentle soul away.
Oh! when death shall come to take me,
All its terrors I'll defy,
If, with Jesus and with Mary,
Thou, dear Joseph, wilt be nigh.
Ant. In peace in the self- same I will sleep, and I will rest,
for Thou, O Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope.
(Psalm iv. 9.)
V. Pray for us, most blessed Joseph,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
AY we, O Lord, we beseech Thee, be assisted by the
merits of the spouse of Thy most holy Mother, that
what of ourselves we can not possibly obtain, may through
his intercession be granted to us by Thee, who fivest and
reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.
V. 0 Lord, hear my prayer,
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed through the
mercy of God rest in peace.
R. Amen.
COMMENDATION.
HUS, 0 glorious saint, my homage
I, thy grateful client, pay.
Hear my prayer and smile upon me,
Guide and guard me on my way.
May I, 'neath thy kind protection,
Safely reach my journey's close,
And with thee in heaven's bright palace
Through eternity repose!
ACT OF CONSECRATION AND CHOICE OF ST. JOSEPH AS A
PATRON.
O BLESSED Joseph, faithful guardian of my Redeemer,
Jesus Christ, protector of thy chaste spouse, the virgin
Mother of God, I choose thee this day to be my special patron
and advocate, and I firmly resolve to honor thee all the days
of my life. Therefore I humbly beseech thee to receive me
2s thy client, to instruct me in every doubt, to comfort me
598
Wednesday: St. Joseph.
m every affliction, to obtain for me and for all the knowledge
and love of the Heart of Jesus, and finally to defend and
protect me at the hour of death. Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH.
*T^>EMEMBER, most pure spouse of Mary ever virgin,
my loving protector, St. Joseph, that never has it
been heard that anyone ever invoked thy protection, or
besought aid of thee, without being consoled. In this
confidence I come before thee, I fervently recommend
myself to thee. Despise not my prayer, foster-father of
our Redeemer, but do thou in thy pity receive it. Amen.
Indulgence, 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX., June 26, 1863.
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH FOR THE OCTOBER DEVOTIONS.
Ordered by Pope Leo XIII. to be said as part of the devo-
tions for the month of October.
/✓j^O thee, O blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our afflic-
tions, and, after imploring the help of thy most holy
spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. By that
affection which united thee to the immaculate virgin Mother
of God, and by the fatherly love with which thou didst em-
brace the Infant Jesus, look down, we beseech thee, with
gracious eyes on the precious inheritance which Jesus Christ
purchased by His blood, and, help us in our necessities by
thy power and aid. Protect, O most provident guardian
of the Holy Family, the elect children of Jesus Christ; ward
off from us, O most loving father, all plagues of errors and
depravity; be propitious to us from heaven, O most power-
ful protector, in this our struggle with the powers of dark-
ness; and as thou didst once rescue the Child Jesus from the
greatest peril to His life, so now defend God's holy Church
from the snares of the enemy and all adversity. Finally,
shield every one of us with thy patronage, that, imitating
thy example and strengthened by thy help, we may live a
holy life, die a happy death, and attain to everlasting happi-
ness in heaven. Amen.
An indulgence of 300 days, applicable to the souls in purgatory ;
seven years and seven quarantines for each public recital during
the month of October. — Leo XIII., Sept. 21, 1889.
Wednesday : SL Joseph. 599
ANOTHER APPROVED VERSION OF THIS FAVORITE PRAYER
TO ST. JOSEPH, AS RECITED IN MANY PARTS OF THE
UNITED STATES.
V A I 'E come to thee, O blessed Joseph, in our sore distress.
VJlA# Having sought the aid of thy most blessed spouse,
we now confidently implore thy assistance also. We humbly
beg that, mindful of the dutiful affection which bound thee
to the immaculate virgin Mother of God, and of the fatherly
love with which thou didst cherish the Child Jesus, thou
wilt lovingly watch over the heritage which Jesus Christ
purchased with His blood, and by thy powerful intercession
help us in our urgent need. Most powerful guardian of
the Holy Family, protect the chosen race of Jesus Christ;
drive far from us, most loving father, every pest of error
and corrupting sin. From thy place in heaven, most power-
ful protector, graciously come to our aid in this conflict
with the powers of darkness, and as of old thou didst deliver
the Child Jesus from supreme peril of life, so now defend the
holy Church of God from the snares of her enemies and
from all adversity. Have each of us always in thy keeping,
that, following thy example, and borne up by thy strength,
we may be able to live holily, die happily, and so enter the
everlasting bliss of heaven. Amen.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH.
O BLESSED St. Joseph! I consecrate myself to
thy honor, and give myself to thee, that thou
mayest always be my father, my protector, and my
guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me a great
purity of heart and a fervent love of the interior life.
After thy example may I do all my actions for the
greater glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart
of Jesus and the immaculate heart of Mary! And do
thou, O blessed St. Joseph, pray for me, that I may
share in the peace and joy of thy holy death. Amen.
Invocation to St. Joseph.
Help us, Joseph, in our earthly strife; ever to lead
a pure and blameless life.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Leo XIII., March 18, 1882.
6oo
Wednesday; Sr. foseph.
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH FOR PERSEVERANCE.
ODEAR St. Joseph, foster-father of our divine Redeemer,
and spouse of our holy Mother Mary, thou didst live
with them and toil for them through all the years of the hidden
life, and thou didst die in their arms. By the love thou bear-
est to them and the love they bear to thee, pray for us always,
and guard us. Obtain for us, O patron of a happy death,
the grace to live and die in God's love and favor, that we
may spend our eternity with Jesus and Mary and with thee,
O dear St. Joseph.
NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF MARY MOST
HOLY.
HE Sovereign Pontiff, Pius IX., Nov. 28, 1876, granted to
all the faithful who, with contrite heart, devoutly make
at any time during the year the no vena in honor of St. Joseph,
spouse of Mary most holy, with any formula of prayer, pro-
vided it be approved by competent ecclesiastical authority,
an indulgence of 300 days, once a day; plenary indulgence
on usual conditions.
Ejaculation.
St. Joseph, model and patron of those who love the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., Dec. 19, 1891
Prayer.
EMEMBER, O most pure spouse of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, my sweet protector St. Joseph! that
no one ever had recourse to thy protection or implored
thy aid without obtaining relief. Confiding therefore in
thy goodness, I come before thee, and humbly supplicate
thee Oh, despise not my petitions, foster-father of the
Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX., June 26, 1863.
PRAYERS IN HONOR OF ST. JOSEPH FOR THE AGONIZING.
TERNAL Father, by Thy love for St. Joseph, whom
Thou didst select from among all men to represent
Thee upon earth, have mercy on us and on the dying.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament. 60 1
Eternal divine Son, by Thy love for St Joseph, who was
Thy faithful guardian upon earth, have mercy upon us and
upon the dying.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Eternal divine Spirit, by Thy love for St. Joseph, Who so
carefully watched over Mary, Thy beloved spouse, have
mercy on us and on the dying.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day., — Leo XIII., May 17, 1884.
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH, PATRON OF THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH.
OST powerful patriarch St. Joseph, patron of the Uni-
versal Church, which has always invoked thee in
anxiety and trouble, from the exalted seat of thy glory cast
a loving glance upon the whole Catholic world. Let thy
fatherly heart be touched at the sight of the mystical spouse,
and the Vicar of Christ overwhelmed with sorrow and per-
secuted by powerful enemies. Oh; by the bitter anguish
thou didst experience upon earth, dry the tears of the vener-
able Pontiff, defend him. liberate him, intercede for him
with the Giver of peace and charity, that, all adversity being
removed, and all error dissipated, the entire Church may
serve God in perfect liberty: Ut destructis adversitatibus
et erroribus universis Ecclesia secura Deo serviat libertate.
Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., March 4, 1882-
V.
Devotions to tbe 3BIesse5 Sacrament ant> to
tbe Sacret) Ibeart of Jesus**
THE THREE THURSDAYS.
'^^HE Three Thursdays" is not a phrase to which pious
V£/ ears are used, as they are used to ' ' The Nine Fridays. ' '
Our readers, especially in Ireland and more especially in
Dublin, are happily familiar with that magnificent exercise
of persevering faith and piety by which so many continually
increasing thousands endeavor to gain very special graces
by receiving holy communion on the first Friday of nine
* See page 547 for note concerning the intermingling of devo-
tions to the Sacred Heart and the Blessed Sacrament.
Do 2 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
months following one another without a single break. By
the way, why nine — not fewer and not more ? Was that par-
ticular number honored by Our Lord's choice for this pur-
pose in memory of the first nine months of His human life?
But "The Three Thursdays" is only a name by which
three special days of the year are perhaps now for the first
time linked together on account of certain Eucharistic
associations which I am going to explain — Holy Thursday
Ascension Thursday, and the Feast of Corpus Christi.
These are the only religious solemnities that are attached
to the fifth day of the week as such; and they all three
— two of them expressly, and one (as we shall presently
see) indirectly and by suggestion — are special reminders
and memorials of the Blessed Eucharist. Perhaps some
devout souls who are eager to seize on any excuse or device
for renewing their fervor will reproach themselves with
having too completely overlooked the Eucharistic claims
of Thursday, and with having scarcely heeded the invitation
which its associations address to the pious faithful to extend
practically to all the Thursdays of the year the liturgical
title of Thursday in Holy Week — Feria quinta in coena Do-
mini, Thursday of the Lord's Supper.
The first, then, of the Three Thursdays is Maundy Thurs-
day, for which the faithful have, with good reason, invented
for themselves the name of Holy Thursday, though it is
not called so in the Missal, as Holy Saturday is. This
solemn day was not chosen arbitrarily to do honor to the
Blessed Eucharist, but because it was on this day that Our
Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled His promise and instituted this
memorial of His love, on the night before He suffered, on
the eve of Good Friday.
So, too, the Feast of the Ascension is not an arbitrary
feast in the calendar, but is kept on one fixed and deter-
minate Thursday for this reason : because Our Saviour, after
His Resurrection, lingered on for another forty days in the
desert of this world, as He had spent forty days in the desert
at the beginning of His public life; and in these forty days
after Easter Sunday we reach exacJy the Thursday of the
sixth week of Paschal time, which is, therefore, the anni-
versary of Our Lord's Ascension from Mount Olivet, and
which we therefore call Ascension Thursday.
The particular date, however, of Corpus Christi, the third
of these Three Thursdays that I am linking together, was
not thus fixed beforehand by the circumstances of the
event that it commemorates; but it was chosen deliberately
for the following excellent reasons. This great feast of
the Blessed Sacrament was intended to make amends to
and the Sacred Heart. 603
the faithful for the restraints placed on their piety on Holy
Thursday itself, when the nearness of Good Friday hindered
them from making it a sufficiently joyful festival. Now,
what date should be selected for this Eucharistic consecra-
tion, for the fuller gratifying of our pent-up feelings of
joy and gratitude for the institution of the great banquet
of love? There was a certain fitness in choosing some day
that comes as soon as possible after the completion of the
yearly cycle of feasts which commemorate the events of
Our Lord's life on earth, ending with the establishment of
His Church and the descent of the Holy Ghost. That
cycle closes with Pentecost: what day, therefore, after
the octave of Whitsunday, shall be the glorious feast of
reparation and thanksgiving for the Sacrament of the body
of Our Lord? The Thursday of the first week after Whit-
suntide is Corpus Christi, not preferred at random (as we
have said several times) to the other days of the week,
but out of homage to that particular day .on which this
Most Blessed Sacrament was actually instituted.
Finally, what individual claim can Ascension Thursday
advance to be ranked as a Eucharistic festival, like the
two other Thursdays which it comes between? Because
the commemoration of the departure of our divine Re-
deemer must needs call to our minds His abiding presence
amongst us. He who is gone stays still. Hundreds of
years before the Ascension the Royal Psalmist, who fore-
saw it, linked this consolation with his prophecy, or at
least piety is delighted at discovering this hidden meaning
in his words: "Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast led
captivity captive, Thou hast received gifts in men" (Psalm
lxvii. 19). This wras the supreme gift and love -token which,
if it had not been given already, would have been given
then, to console those who were left behind in loneliness
on the mountain of the Ascension. Surely, as all the pathetic
words spoken at the Last Supper have a deeper force, a
more poignant significance, if we imagine them repeated
by Jesus at the very last on Mount Olivet, when the final
parting had indeed come, as they were repeated (if not with
His lips) with His Heart; so, too, the "memorial of His
marvels," memoria mirabilium suorum, the memento that
He left behind Him, did not take effect, as it were, or come
fully into play, until His visible presence was actually with-
drawn. And therefore, when Our Redeemer goes from us
on the clouds of heaven, it is impossible not to try and calm
our troubled hearts by reminding ourselves of the supreme
device of His love by means of which, though He has gone.
604 Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
He will be with us still. May we not give this meaning
to the warning of the white-robed angels: Hie Jesus qui
assumptus est veniet? He will come: He will Himself be
the greatest of the gifts that He gave to men when ascend-
ing on high. Dedit dona hominibus.
A holy man,* whose writings are marked by great sobriety
of thought and the absence of all extravagance, has written
"The presence of Our Lord in the tabernacle may be said to
be the very chief of all the mercies of God to us in our pres-
ent state; more precious than the guardianship of the
angels of which we think so little, or the practical benefits
which flow from our membership of the Church, or from
the prayers and protection of the saints, or even from the
mightiness and power and vigilant tenderness of the motherly
care of Mary herself "
St. Paul's argument about the Incarnation applies with over-
whelming force to this special phase or development of the
Incarnation, in which the Word that was made flesh in order
to dwell amongst us visibly has disguised that vesture of
flesh under another form in order to dwell amongst us still,
corporally and yet invisibly. St. Paul asks : " He that spared
not even His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how
hath He not also with Him given us all things?" (Rom. viii.,
32). And now we too may ask: since Jesus Christ, the
eternal Son of God, has deigned to give Himself to us in so
close a union, and to dwell night and day in our midst that
He may come often into our hearts, what greater proof of
His love can there be left for Him to give ? And ought not
our gratitude and our love to be as unceasing and, in our
poor finite measure, as intense as His infinite love and
bounty? (Father Russell's "Communion Day.")
DEVOUT EXERCISES FOR ALL THE THURSDAYS IN THE YEAR,
AND ESPECIALLY FOR HOLY THURSDAY AND THE FEAST
OF CORPUS CHRISTI.
HE Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VII., on Feb. 14, 18 15, and
April 6, 1 8 16, granted: a plenary indulgence to all those
who shall perform for one hour, in public or in private, on
Holy Thursday, any devout exercise in honor of the insti-
tution of the Blessed Sacrament, provided that they be
truly penitent, and approach the sacraments of confes-
sion and communion on that day, or on any day during the
following week.
A plenary indulgence, on the same conditions, on the
* Henry James Coleridge, S.J.
and the Sacred Heart,
605
Feast of Corpus Christi. An indulgence of 300 days for
each of the other Thursdays of the year, on performing the
said exercise with at least contrite heart and devotion. All
these indulgences were confirmed by the Sovereign Pontiff,
Pius IX., June 18, 1876.
EMMANUEL.*
" His name shall be called Emmanuel, which, being inter-
preted, is God with us" (Is. vii. 14; Matt. i. 23).
yrrrr'HAT would this world of ours be without the
VILA* Blessed Sacrament? How bleak and desolate
the earth, if it were not for the living humanity of Our
Lord present in our midst! I often think that those who
are outside the Church, and debarred from the bodily pres-
ence of Jesus on earth, are somew^hat in the plight of the
lost souls, who are debarred from the sight of the divine
Essence in the other world. In a sad state, indeed, are
those poor souls who know not that Jesus is on earth, that
He is near them, in the same town with them, next door to
them, and passes by them on the streets. And if they hear
it, they will not believe it; just as the Jews did not believe it
when He Himself told them (John vi.) . They do not under-
stand their loss. Jesus is, or at least should be, our life,
our joy, and our great desire. Our disposition here and now
should be to rejoice and exult that He is present in the
Blessed Sacrament, to thank Him all the day long and to
find our happiness and consolation in staying before the
altar; having only one further desire, the blessedness of
beholding Him with our eyes face to face. But that is
too great a thing for this mortal, temporary existence,
where all is yet dark and imperfect, and we live in the faint
twilight of dawn (for that is what this world is), and not
in the full blaze of the heavenly noonday. That we must
long for and pray for to come in the future ; then, in heaven
we will behold Him face to face. This desire is expressed
in that. verse in the Canticles, where the soul, still seeing
in a glass darkly, says to the Beloved, "Show me, O Thou
Whom my soul loveth, where Thou feedest, where Thou
liest in the mid-day" — that is, she desires to behold Him
face to face, in the full light of heaven. But now she must
be content with the presence of her Beloved in the dark,
as it were, where she cannot see His human form, but, never-
theless, knows well that she has His humanity here, in the
* Adapted from "The Little Grain of Wheat."
606 Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
Blessed Sacrament, where He lives and feeds among pure
souls; and so she says again, in the words of the Canticles:
''My Beloved to me and I to Him, Who feedeth among
the lilies, until the day break and the shadows flee away."
So we should find our delight in Our Lord's presence with
us in the darkness of this life; and we should be very grate-
ful that He has not left us alone in the darkness. If we
greatly love and desire Him, we will greatly love His sacra-
mental presence, that is, if we have a vivid, lively faith.
And faith and love go together.
Our Lord is not in the Blessed Sacrament as dead or asleep,
nor simply there to receive your love and adoration. But
just as the most blessed Virgin had her divine Son's life,
and His holy examples, and actions, and words going on
before her eyes,' to her inconceivable advancement in grace
and spiritual progress, even so we have her Son's life and
example going on before our eyes, in all their stages, which
we can study to our immense profit and advancement in
grace. The life of our dear Lord in the divine Host is most
active. He remains still in the tabernacle, it is true, but
graces are flying forth from His Heart in inconceivable
abundance.
From the tabernacle Our Lord works miracles both on
souls and bodies, as He did of old in Galilee and Judea.
Our divine Lord, thus present in this Sacrament of His
love, is the central object of the devotion and worship of
the holy Catholic Church. From His Sacred Heart, present
in the tabernacle, go forth streams of grace upon human souls,
that lift them up in prayer and adoration to the throne of
God. Ask yourselves whence comes the sense of awe with
which even the least devout of us is filled when we enter
a Catholic church? We ieel ourselves, when we know that
our divine Lord is present, in a spirit of prayer that lifts
our souls up to God. That is what distinguishes the hum-
blest Catholic church from heretical places of worship. It
is the house and the very home of God. The very words
we use, "a visit to the Blessed Sacrament," reminds us that
we go to a living person, and that He is no other than our
blessed Saviour, Who deigns to dwell amongst us that He may
draw us to Himself and pour out His grace upon us.
And how wonderfully is this gracious purpose of His
mercy fulfilled! How many human souls are daily raised
by this adorable Presence above the cares and interests,
and sorrows and pleasures of life to the thought of God,
and all that His service imports! If we could only see
brought all together the acts of adoration, and love, and
and the Sacred Heart.
607
thanksgiving, and resignation, and the outpourings of human
hearts that go to make up the service of God on earth, that
are daily and hourly drawn out of them in every quarter
of the world by this Adorable Sacrament, we should then
understand something of the way in which it fulfils the loving
design of its institution.
Before the tabernacle great saints have communed with
God upon the heights which we may never reach ; there,
too, sinners have come, and, touched by the grace that
goes out from Him, found the contrite and humble heart
which He will never despise. Think of the millions of the
ordinary faithful who, day by day, or at least from time to
time, come into the house of God to pray, and even for a
moment catch a glimpse of holy things, and carry the memory
of it like a saving influence back into their ordinary avoca-
tions; think of the countless Religious— nuns and monks —
to whom this presence is as the air they breathe, the very
life and sustenance of their souls. No one shall ever know
all that this Adorable Sacrament is for human souls; but
we do know that in countless ways, ceaselessly, according
to the multitudinous mercies of the Sacred Heart, it is work-
ing upon us — converting the sinner, making perfect the
saint, keeping the ordinary Christian in the way of God's
commandments, raising all our hearts to that one Heart which
is the center and source of grace and love.
We should, then, try to cultivate in ourselves the spirit
of devotion to our blessed Lord in the Holy Eucharist.
He is with us in the Blessed Sacrament as a consequence
of the Resurrection and Ascension; and His sacramental
presence is a constant reminder of those happy mysteries.
He is in the same actual state now, in the tabernacle, that
He was in on the morning of the Resurrection, and when
He was parted from His apostles on His Ascension day. He
comes to us from the glory of heaven, fresh from the bosom
of His Father, full of beauty, blessedness, and joy, full of
the new wine of His Father's love, crowned and sceptered,
and Sovereign of the kingdom of God, and desiring to con-
fer all this blessedness, glory, and royalty on all who will
open to Him their hearts. Blessed are we, who have Him
with us night and day! In Him we have all we want; for
in the Holy Eucharist He gives us all He ever was, and is,
and is to be. "Blessed are the eyes which see the things
that you see; for I say to you that many prophets and
kings have desired to see the things that you see, and have
not seen them; and to hear the things that you hear, and
have not heard them" (Luke x. 23).
608 Thursday : 2'he Blessed Sacrament
LOOKING THROUGH THE LATTICES.*
4 ' %mtT% EHOLD He standeth behind our wall. " But the barrier
gMz5 between Our Lord in His veiled presence and our-
selves is not a drawback, an obstacle to union with Him —
inseparable indeed from the present condition of things —
yet an obstacle for all that. It is distinctly willed by Him
as a necessary part of our trial, a wholesome discipline,
a purification of love. It has in it all the privileges, advan-
tages, blessings, that in this life belong to pain, and can
be won by pain alone. It is a present blessing as well as
a pledge of blessing to come. "Blessei are they that have
not seen and have believed" (John xx.). It is a pledge of
that full clear vision, " reserved in heaven for you, who,
by the power of God, are kept by faith unto salvation,
ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein you shall
greatly rejoice, if now for a little time you must be made
sorrowful. . . . That the trial of your faith (much more
precious than gold which is tried by the fire) may be found
unto praise and glory and honor at the appearing of Jesus
Christ: Whom having not seen, you love; in Whom also
now, though you see Him not, you believe, and believing
shall rejoice with joy unspeaka ble ' ' (i Pet. i.).
"We see now through a glass in a dark manner: but then
face to face" (i Cor. xiii.). "I shall see Him, but not now"
(Num. xxiv., 17). How will that face to face vision be
the brighter and the sweeter for the dimness now! How
will the joy of that moment, when we part for ever with faith
be intensified by what faith has cost us in the past !
But meanwhile the Beloved is behind the wall. And He
is there with all the sympathy for our difficulty which His
perfect knowledge of it enables Him to have. "Jesus
needed not that any man should tell Him for He knew what
was in man." He knows the weariness of praying on against
apparently unanswered prayer; against the pain of physical
restlessness, the labor of thought, the irksomeness of con-
centration, the perpetual gathering together of the forces
that are playing truant in a thousand fields, recalled for a
brief space only to be off again more wayward for their
capture. All this He knows. And our remedy is to
remember that He knows it. He Who has appointed
prayer to be the channel of grace, means such prayer as
we can bring Him. He does not ask impossibilities. He
does not place us amid distracting work all day long and
* Canticles ii. 9.
and the Sacred Heart. 609
expect us to shut it out by an effort of will the moment we
kneel down to pray. Nor even to shut it out by repeated
efforts. He would have us turn our distractions and weari-
ness not so much into matter for self-reproach, or humili-
ation even, as into a loving, trustful plea for His pity and His
help. This is prayer. Lay the tired brain, the strained
muscles, the aching head — lay them all down at His feet
without a word, just for His eye to rest on and His Heart
to help and heal.
There are times when physical lassitude, cold or heat, an
importunate thought, a trial with its sting still fresh, baffles
every effort to fix the mind on the subject of prayer, and con-
centrates the whole attention on what for the moment is
all-absorbing. Times harder still to manage, when mind
and heart are so absolutely vacant and callous that there
is no rousing them to action. This reflection will some-
times be helpful then — What should I have to say were I
in the presence of the one I love best in the world; with
whom I am quite at my ease; my friend par excellence; to
whom my trials, difficulties, character, the secrets of my
soul are known; that one in whose concerns and welfare
I take the deepest interest ; whose plans and views are mine,
discussed again and again together ; in whose company time
flies and the hour for parting comes too soon — what should
I find to say?
Say it, make an effort to say it to Him Who is in the
tabernacle yonder.
O Jesus, hidden God, "more friendly than a brother"
(Prov. xviii. 24) , I believe most firmly that You are present,
a few feet only from where I kneel. You are behind that
little wall, listening for every word of confidence, and love,
and thanksgiving, and praise. Listening when my heart
is free to pour itself out to You as the brook to the riv^r
in the days of spring. Listening more tenderly when the
stream is ice-bound; when I kneel before You troubled,
wearied, anxious about many things, about many souls
perhaps, yet dry and hard, without a word to say. Make
my heart so perfectly at ease with You, O Lord, that it ma)
be able to turn to You even in its coldness and inertness;
to confide to You naturally all that most intimately con-
cerns it; to be content with this, when discontented with
all else, with self most of all — that You know all men "and
need not that any should give testimony of man, for You
know what is in man " (John ii.). — Mother Mary Loyola.
6io Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
Ebe 1bour of adoration,
ONE of the methods for keeping the Hour of Adoration,
recommended and explained by Pere Eymard in his
beautiful work "La Presence Re'elle," is that which corres-
ponds to the four ends of sacrifice. The Hour of Adoration
is divided into four parts. During each quarter of an hour
we are to honor Our Lord by one of the four ends of sacrifice,
i.e., by Adoration, Thanksgiving, Reparation, and Supplica-
tion.
Meditation or Spiritual Reading and an Act of Spiritual
Communion should also form part of the hour or half-hour
of adoration. Litanies, Offices, Chaplets, suitable prayers
and devout acts of various kinds are plentifully supplied
in the following and other parts of this book for the use
of the fervent Religious in her visits to Jesus, her divine
Spouse, in the Sacrament of His love.
praters for X&ieite to tbe ffilee&eb Sacrament an£> tbe
1bour of Bfcoratiom
ACTS OF ADORATION THANKSGIVING, REPARATION AND SUP-
PLICATION.
N my moments before the tabernacle, I will try to obey
the pious counsels contained in the Latin distich:
'* Crede, dole, spera, grates age, dilige, adora,
Vulnera pande animae, donaque sancta pete."
Believing all that God has in any way to d to us — grieving
for all my sins, offences, and negligences — hoping in Thee/
0 Lord, Who wilt never let me be confounded — thanking
Thee for this supreme gift, and for all the gifts of Thy good-
ness— loving Thee, above all in this Sacrament of Thy love —
adoring Thee in this deepest mystery of Thy condescension:
1 lay before Thee all the wounds and wants of my poor soul,
and ask for all that I need and desire. But I need only
Thyself, O Lord; I desire none but Thee — Thy grace, and
the grace to use well Thy graces, the possession of Thee
by grace in this life, and the possession of Thee for ever in
the eternal kingdom of Thy glory. Thus, day by day, espe-
cially during my moments before the tabernacle, I will, with
God's help —
and the Sacred Heart.
611
" Believe, and grieve, and hope ; thank, love, adore,
Show my soul's wounds, and holy gifts implore."
There is no aspect of God's love for us which ought to
affect our hearts more tenderly than the mere fact of His
wishing to be loved by us; and there is no manifestation
of that tenderness of the Sacred Heart more touching than
the yearning to be remembered, expressed at many times
and in many ways, but especially in the Eucharistic Do this
in commemora+ion o) Me, which becomes at the altar even
more simple and affecting, In Mei memoriam facietis — "In
memory of Me." When such infinite and utterly incom-
prehensible love as tnis has Omnipotence for the instru-
ment of its behests, how can any poor little creature of God —
whose sole dignity is that he has a heart to love Him — how
can he presume for one moment to discuss the limits of the
possibilities of the divine condescension? — Fr. Russell, S.J.
MOMENTS BEFORE THE TABERNACLE.
QY God, my Lord, in Thine own place,
I kneel before Thy sacred face —
That face which once for me on high
Hung white in death beneath the sky —
And hail Thee King and Lord and Love,
My heaven on earth, my all above.
O Love supreme, O Love divine,
Who stoopest low to make me Thine,
0 Jesus, God and Master, pent
Within this gracious Sacrament!
1 love Thee, praise Thee, thank and bless
Thy Godhead in Thy lowliness.
For me made low! For me the Lord
Of heaven, the uncreated Word
Of God, doth condescend to dwell
By night and day within this cell.
Oh! break, proud heart, such love to see
Revealed in such humility.
My God, my Jesus, Thou hast done
All that Thou canst to make me one
With Thine own self. What need I more ?
What grace is left me to implore?
Bought with Thy blood, for me outpoured —
Fed with the body of my Lord!
612 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
Yet, ah! my Jesus kind and meek
One other grace I still must seek:
That all this love and all this pain
May not be felt and borne in vain,
But that Thy love may win my love
And make me Thine in heaven above.
Sets of jfattb, 1bopet anD GbaritB before tbe JSlessefc
Sacrament*
For the Hour of Adoration and also at Holy Com-
munion.
AN ACT OF FAITH.
(Father Rarniere, S.J.)
/~\ JESUS! my Lord, my God, and my all! I
believe that Thou art in Thy living manhood
as truly present here in the Blessed Sacrament as
when Thou didst walk amidst men, and converse with
them. Relying on Thy word, which shall not pass
away, I believe that Thou art here, ever living to make
intercession for us. Here is Thy sacred body, which
hung upon the cross; here is Thy soul, which was sor-
rowful unto death and agonized in the Garden of Olives
on account of my sins; here are those sacred wounds
made by the nails and spear ; here are those eyes which
looked with pity and love on the penitent Peter, now
gazing into my heart, now raised to plead for me with
the heavenly Father, here are those ears, which heard
the cruel cry of the Jewrs: " Crucify Him," which listened
so compassionately to all the ills of men, and which
now are listening to me. Lord, I believe that here
on the altar Thy wounded Heart is beating for love of
me, and I recall Thy blessed words: "My Heart is so
consumed with love for men, that it can no longer
restrain the flames of its charity." Sweet words of
Thine, O blessed Saviour! I believe that they are true,
and true as regards myself.
and the Sacred Heart.
613
&n get of T&apz anb Confibence m #ob.
(i<>. la Colombiere.)
Y GOD, I believe most firmly that Thou watchest
over all who hope in Thee, and that we can
want for nothing when we rely upon Thee in all
things; therefore I am resolved for the future to
have no anxieties, and to cast all my cares upon
Thee. "In peace in the self -same I will sleep and I
will rest; for Thou, 0 Lord, singularly hast settled me
in hope."
Men may deprive me of worldly goods and of honors ;
sickness may take from me my strength and the
means of serving Thee; I may even lose Thy grace
by sin; but my trust shall never leave me. I will
preserve it to the last moment of my life, and the
powers of hell shall seek in vain, to wrest it from
me. "In peace in the self -same I will sleep and 1 will
rest."
Let others seek happiness in their wealth, in their
talents: let them trust to the purity of their lives,
the severity of their mortifications, to the number
of their good wrorks, the fervor of their prayers;
as for me, O my God*, in my very confidence lies
all my hope. "For Thou, 0 Lord, singularly hast
settled me in hope" This confidence can never be
vain. "No one has hoped in the Lord and has been
confounded"
I am assured, therefore, of my eternal happiness,
for I firmly hope for it, and all my hope is in Thee.
"In Thee, 0 Lord, have I hoped, let me never be con-
founded"
I know, alas! I know but too well that I am frail
and changeable; I know the power of temptation
against the strongest virtue. I have seen stars fall
6 14 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
from heaven, and pillars of the firmament totter;
but these things alarm me not. While I hope in Thee
I am sheltered from all misfortune, and I am sure
that my trust shall endure, for I rely upon Thee to
sustain this unfailing hope.
Finally, I know that my confidence can not ex-
ceed Thy bounty, and that I shall never receive
less than I have hoped for from Thee. Therefore
I hope that Thou wilt sustain me against my evil
inclinations; that Thou wilt protect me against the
most furious assaults of the evil one, and that Thou
wilt cause my weakness to triumph over my most
powerful enemies. I hope that Thou wilt never
cease to love me, and that I shall love Thee un-
ceasingly. "In Thee, O Lord, have I hoped; let me
never be confounded"
AN ACT OF CHARITY.
{Blessed Margaret Mary's Sentiments?)
OGOOD and merciful Saviour, it is the desire of
my heart to return Thee love for love. My
greatest sorrow is that Thou art not loved by men, and,
in particular, that my own heart is so cold, so selfish,
and ungrateful. Deeply sensible of my own weakness
and poverty, I trust that Thy own grace will enable
me to offer Thee an act of pure and sincere love. And
I wish to offer Thee this act of love in reparation for
the coldness and neglect that are shown to Thee by
Thy creatures in the Sacrament of Thy love. O Jesus,
my sovereign Good, I love Thee, not for the sake of
the reward which Thou hast promised to those who
love Thee, but purely for Thyself. I love Thee above
all things that can be loved, above all pleasures, and
in fine above myself and all that is not Thee, protest-
ing in presence of heaven and earth, that I will live and
and the Sacred Heart.
615
dn purely and simply in Thy holy love, and that if
to ive Thee thus I must be persecuted, tormented,
and out to death, I am perfectly satisfied, and I will
ever ;ay with St. Paul: Nothing can separate me from
tfie tave of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, which I
Jove and will love eternally. O Jesus, supreme Master
of all hearts, I love Thee, I adore Thee, I praise Thee,
I thank Thee, because I am now all Thine own. Rule
o\er me, and transform my soul into the likeness of
Thyself, so that it may bless and glorify Thee for ever
in the £,bode of the saints.— {Adapted)
L VI. dYER FOR A VISIT TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.
(Including all the Acts Recommended.)
/T%Y Lord and my God, I firmly believe that Thou art
jeally present in the sacred Host! I adore Thee be-
neath the sacramental veil which Thou hast mercifully chosen
in order to approach us. Permit me, O dearest Jesus, to
render Thee my homage together with the angels who sur-
round Thy altar- throne. I believe that Thou dwellest on
our altars not only to receive our humble adoration, but also
to be the food of our souls, our sacrifice to the infinite majesty
of the heavenly Father, our light in darkness, our counsel
in doubt, our consolation in affliction, our strength in tempta-
tion, our solace in suffering, our joy in persecution, our
friend in every need, our teacher in the school of perfection,
our master and our model in striving to become saints.
I am a poor sinner, but I hope in that boundless mercy
which detains Thee a prisoner of love in the tabernacle. I
come to Thee with a contrite heart, and I beg Thy pardon
and mercy. Thou art truly called the "Lover of souls,"
for Thou hast sacrificed Thy life for our salvation; Thou
hast said: "My delights are to be with the children of men";
and Thy death-bed gift to us was the Holy Eucharist. I
behold the tabernacle surmounted by a cross, and this re-
minds me, dear Lord and Saviour, that the Blessed Sacra-
ment is a memorial of Thy Passion and death. I love that
infinite goodness which induced Thee to institute this Holy
Sacrament of the altar, which is the grandest memorial of
616 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
all Thy works, and in which Thou dost communicate Thy-
self so wonderfully to Thy creatures. I thank Thee for this
sublime proof of Thy love, and ardently wish that I could
worthily acknowledge all the blessings that I have ever re-
ceived from this fountain of grace and mercy. I sincerely
regret that this precious pledge of Thy love is received by
so many Christians with coldness and indifference. I wish
to make amends for my own ingratitude, and heartfelt atone-
ment for all those sinful acts of my life, by which I have
wounded Thy loving Sacred Heart. I offer Thee my pro-
found adoration, my reparation, my sorrow and my love, to
appease and to rejoice, as much as I can, Thy Sacred Heart
in this Sacrament of love for all the acts of irreverence
profanation, and sacrilege which, to my shame, I may evei
have committed, as well as for all those which have beer
committed by others. I adore Thee, my Lord and mj
o-od, with all the strength I have* I love Thee with the
fervor of my whole soul; I acknowledge Thee as my only
Master; I offer Thee all that I have, and all that I am. Jesus!
I give Thee my heart with all its affections; I give Thee my
soul with all its powers; I give Thee my body with all its
senses. Jesus! I consecrate myself entirely to Thee; I wish
to live and labor and suffer and die for the love of Thee. I
abandon myself to Thee. Give me but Thy love and Thy
grace, then my heart will be satisfied, and I will ask for nothing
more. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done! I desire tc
adore and love Thee now and always, not only to supph
the defect of those Catholics who do not adore and love Thee,
but also for the conversion of heretics, schismatics, atheists,
blasphemers, Jews, and idolaters. O silent Dweller in the
tabernacle, Thou art, indeed, a hidden God! here Thou art
still the Victim of the cross! As I gaze upon the sacred Host,
I recall that pathetic word of Thine, O Lord, at the Last
Supper: "Do this in commemoration of Me" — " Remember
Me!" Yes, the Blessed Sacrament is a memorial of the
"Man of sorrows," a memorial of the greatest pain a creature
on earth ever endured, a memorial of the most tender, most
constant, most unse fish and most heroic love the world shall
ever know — the last sweet gift of a Heart that fears to be
forgotten. Oh, yes! Lord, I shall remember Thee. How
could I forget Thy love, dearest Jesus! Mayest Thou be
and the Sacred Heart,
617
known, adored, and loved by all. and may thanks be con-
tinually given to Thee in the Most Holy and Most Adorable
Sacrament. Amen.
PRAYER OF ST. ALPHOXSUS LIGUORI FOR A VISIT TO THE
BLESSED SACRAMENT.
ORD Jesus Christ, Who, through the love which Thou
bearest to men, dost remain with them day and night
in this Sacrament, full of mercy and of love, expecting, invit-
ing, and receiving all who come to visit Thee, I believe that
Thou art present in the Sacrament of the altar. From the
abyss of my nothingness I adore Thee, and I thank Thee
for all the favors which Thou hast bestowed upon me, par-
ticularly for having given me Thyself in this Sacrament, for
having given me for my advocate Thy most holy Mother,
Mary, and for having called me to visit Thee in this church.
I this day salute Thy most loving Heart, and I wish to
salute it for three ends: first, in thanksgiving for this great
gift: secondly, in compensation for all the injuries Thou
hast received from Thy enemies in this Sacrament; thirdly,
I wish by this visit, to adore Thee in all places in which Thou
art least honored and most abandoned in the Holy Sacra-
ment. My Jesus. I love Thee with my whole heart. I am
sorry for having hitherto offended Thine infinite goodness. I
purpose, with *-ie assistance of Thy grace, never more to
offend Thee; and, at this momem, miserable as I am, I con-
secrate my whole being to Thee. I give Thee my entire
will, all my affections and desires, and all that I have. From
this day forward, do what Thou wilt with me, and with
whatever belongs to me. I ask and desire only Thy holy
love, the gift of final perseverance, and the perfect accom-
plishment of Thy will. I recommend to Thee the souls in
purgatory, particularly those who were most devoted to
the Blessed Sacrament and to most holy Mary; and I also
recommend to Thee all poor sinners. Finally, my dear
Saviour. I unite all my affections with the affections of Thy
most loving Heart; and, thus united, I offer them to Thy
Eternal Father, and I entreat Him, in Thy name, and for
Thy sake, to accept them.
Indulgence of 300 days when said before the Blessed Sacra-
ment. Plenary indulgence on usual conditions. — Pius IX., Sept
7, 1S54.
6i8 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
Pious Ejaculations.
/TXAY the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament
be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection,
at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even
to the end of time. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pius IX., Feb. 29, 1868.
O SACRAMENT most holy! O Sacrament divine!
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment
Thine!
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pius VI., May 24, 1776.
AY the most just, most high, most adorable will of God
in all things be done, praised, and magnified for ever.
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pius VII., May 19, 1818.
Sentiments of a IReUgtoua before tbe asieseeD
Sacrament-*
How have I deserved this happy lot ?
BEHOLD me in Thy presence, O my Jesus! Hidden
in the Sacrament, Thou art the self-same Jesus Who
for me didst sacrifice Thyself on the cross. Thou art He
Who lovest me so much, and Who hast therefore confined
Thyself in this prison of love. Amongst so many who have
offended Thee less than I, and who have loved Thee better
than I, Thou hast chosen me, in Thy goodness, to keep
Thee company in this house, where, having drawn me from
the midst of the world, Thou hast destined me always
to live united with Thee, and afterwards to have me nigh
unto Thee to praise and to love Thee in Thy eternal king-
dom. O Lord! I thank Thee. How have I deserved this
liappy lot f Happy indeed am I, O my Jesus! for having left
the world; and it is my great desire to perform the vilest
office in Thy house rather than dwell in the proudest royal
palaces of men. Receive me, then, O Lord! to stay with
Thee all my life long; do not chase me away, as I deserve.
Be pleased to allow that, among the many pious souls who
serve Thee in this house, I, though I am a miserable sinner,
may serve Thee also. Many years have I lived far from Thee.
But now that Thou hast enlightened me to know the vanity
of the world, and my own foolishness, I will not depart
any more from Thy feet, O my Jesus! Thy sacramental
presence shall animate me to fight when I am tempted.
Dwelling so near to Thee, I shall be reminded of the obli-
St. Alphonsus Liguori (adapted).
•and the Sacred Heart. 619
gation I am under to love Thee, and always have recourse
to Thee in my combats against hell. I will always keep near
to Thee. I love Thee, O my God! hidden in this Sacrament.
Thou, for the love of me, remainest always on this altar.
I, for the love of Thee, will always remain in Thy presence
as much as I shall be able. There enclosed Thou always
lovest me, and here enclosed I will always love Thee. Always,
then, O my Jesus, my Love, my all! shall we remain to-
gether,— in time in this house, and during eternity in para-
dise. This is my hope, so may it be. Most hoiy Mary,
obtain for me a great love for the Most Holy Sacrament.
Let us be always united ; let us never more be separated.
OMY Jesus, this is what I seek of Thee, and what I will
always ask of Thee in holy communion: "Let us be
always united; let us never more be separated." I know that
Thou wilt not abandon me. Thou art so good and merciful.
But I fear my own weaknesses, O my blessed Redeemer.
"Suffer me not to be separated from Thee by sin! " As long
as I am alive I am in danger from the enemies of my soul.
Oh, through the merits of Thy Passion and death, I beseech
Thee let me die, rather than commit a mortal sin. I repeat
it, and pray Thee to grant me the grace always to repeat:
" Suffer me not to be separated from Thee!" O God of my
soul, my Lord and my all, I love Thee, I love Thee alone,
and I will always love Thee! I desire but Thy love and
Thy grace. May I be ever faithful to my vows. May I
ever live according to the spirit of our Holy Rule. May
I ever follow Thy example of humility, purity, obedience,
poverty, and conformity to the will of our heavenly Father.
Mary, dear Mother, pray for me, that I may love Jesus more
and more and praise Him for ever with Thee in heaven.
HDoratfom
AN APPROPRIATE PPAYER TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT FOR
THURSDAY.
OMOST adorable Jesus, merciful Saviour, Victim of
love upon our altars, receive, I beseech Thee, my
profound adoration. I firmly believe that Thou art really
present in the Holy Eucharist, where Thou mercifully hidest
the splendor of Thy Majesty, lest it should deter us from
approaching Thy sanctuary. I believe that Thou art as
powerful, as amiable and as adorable under the sacramental
620 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
veils as Thou art in heaven. I believe Thou dwellest on our
altars, not alone to receive our adorations, but to listen to
our petitions — to remedy our evils — to be the strength and
nourishment of our souls, our powerful Helper, our Refuge,
and our Sacrifice. I hope in that boundless mercy which
detains Thee among us poor weak sinners. I love that
infinite goodness which induces Thee to communicate Thy-
self so liberally and so wonderfuVy to Thy creatures. I thank
Thee for this marvelous proof of Thy love, and ardently
wish that I could worthily acknowledge all the blessings I
have ever received from this Fountain of grace and mercy.
I sincerely regret that this precious pledge of Thy love is
received with such coldness and indifference. Alas! I my-
self have too often wounded by my ingratitude Thy merciful
Heart on this altar, and am more guilty than others, because
Thou hast not only granted me abundantly the general
blessings which this Fountain of grace pours on the world,
but Thou hast provided me with the most favorable oppor-
tunities of loving and adoring Thee in this august Mystery.
Thou hast placed me close to Thy sanctuary, where I can
visit Thee frequently, and daily assist at the holy sacrifice of
the Mass. Ah! my good God! Thou deservest all the love
tfiat my heart is capable of feeling; therefore, I humbly
Eonsecrate to Thee all my affections, and firmly resolve
from this moment to endeavor to imitate the respect, grati-
tude, and love which always distinguished those among
Thy faithful servants who were specially devoted to the
\ugust Sacrament of the altar. Accept, O divine Jesus!
/he adorable sacrifice of the Mass, and all the thoughts,
words, actions, and sufferings of this day, which I fervently
offer in thanksgiving for the institution of this sublime Mys-
tery; in atonement for all the insults, irreverences, and sac-
rileges which have ever been committed against it; and to
implore for myself, for all the faithful, and especially for
priests and Religious a very fervent and fruitful devotion
to the Holy Eucharist.
Grant me, through Thy divine Heart, a share in the pure
and ardent love of the angels, who day and night surround
the tabernacle, and of all the saints, who loved Thee most
in this sacred Mystery of the altar, that I may serve Thee
with purity of intention, with ardor and perseverance during
and the Sacred Heart,
62 s
my life, and enjoy Thee for ever in the splendor cf Thy
glory. Amen.
INDULGENCED ACTS OF ADORATION AND ESPECIALLY THANKS-
GIVING.
Adoramus Te, Christe, et We adore Thee, Christy
benedicimus tibi. and we bless Thee.
Quia per sanctam crucem Because by Thy holy cross
tuam redemisti mundum. Thou hast redeemed the
world.
I ADORE Thee, eternal Father, and I give Thee thanks
for the infinite love with which Thou didst deign to
send Thy only-begotten Son to redeem me, and to become
the food of my soul. I offer Thee all the acts of adoration
and thanksgiving that are offered to Thee by the angels
and saints in heaven, and by the just on earth. I praise,
love, and thank Thee with all the praise, love, and thanks-
giving that are offered to Thee by Thine own Son in the
Blessed Sacrament; and I beg Thee to grant that He ma-7
be known, loved, honored, praised, and worthily received
by all, in this Most Divine Sacrament.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
I adore Thee, eternal Son, and I thank Thee for the infinite
love which caused Thee to become man for me, to be born
in a stable, to live in poverty, to suffer hunger, thirst, heat,,
cold, fatigue, hardships, contempt, persecutions, the scourging,,
the crowning with thorns, and a cruel death upon the hard
wood of re cross. I thank Thee, with the Church militant
and triumphant, for the infinite hve with which Thou didst
institute the Most Blessed Sacrament to be the food of my
soul.
I adore Thee in all the consecrated Hosts throughout the
whole world, and I return thanks for those who know Thee
not, and who do not thank Thee. Would that I were able
to give my life to make Thee known, loved, and honored by
all, in this Sacrament of love, an l to prevent the irreverences
and sacrileges that are committed against Thee! I love Thee,
divine Jesus, and I desire to receive Thee with all the purity,
love, and affection of Thy blessed Mother, and with the love
and affection of Thy own most pure Heart. Grant, O most
622 Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
amiable Spouse of my soul! in coming to me in this Most
Holy Sacrament, that I may receive all the graces and bless-
ings which Thou dost come to bestow on us, and let me
rather die than receive Thee unworthily.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father
I adore Thee, eternal Holy Ghost, and I give Thee thanks
for the infinite love with which Thou didst work the ineffable
mystery of the Incarnation, and for the infinite love with
which Thou didst form the sacred body of Our Lord Jesus
Christ out of the most pure blood of the blessed Virgin Mary,
become in this Sacrament the food of my soul. I beg Thee
to enlighten my mind, and to purify my heart and the hearts
of all men, that all may know the benefit of Thy love, and
receive worthily this Most Blessed Sacrament.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
TANTUM ERGO.
ANTUM ergo Sacramen-
tum
Veneremur cernui:
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui:
Praestet fides supplementum
^ensuum defectui.
Genitori, Genitoque
Laus et jubilatio:
Salus, honor, virtus quoque,
Sit et benedictio*.
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio.
V. Panem de coelo prse-
stitisti eis.
R. Omne dekctamentum in
se habentem.
^l^vOWN in adoration fall-
Lo! the sacred Host we hail.
Lo! o'er ancient forms de-
parting,
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith for all defect supplying
Where the feeble senses fail.
To the everlasting Father,
And the Son Who reigns on
high,
With the Holy Ghost pro-
ceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honor, blessing,
Might and endless majesty'
V. Thou ga vest them bread
from heaven.
R. And therein was sweet
ness of every kind.
Oremus. Let us pray.
^p^EUS, qui nobis, sub sa- /^[OD, Who, beneath this
JLJ cramento mirabili, \& marvelous Sacrament,
passionis tuae memoriam re- hast left us a memorial of Thy
Hquisti : tribue, quaesumus. Passion : grant us the grace, we
and the Sacred Heart.
623
ita nos corporis et sanguinis beseech Thee, so to venerate
tui sacra mysteria venerari, the sacred mysteries of Thy
ut redemptionis tuae friic- body and blood, that we may
turn in nobis jugiter sentia- ever feel within us the fruit
mus. Qui vivis et regnas, etc. of Thy redemption, Who
livest and reignest, etc.
Plenary indulgence on usual conditions to all who, after con-
fession and communion, on the first Thursday of the month,
shall visit with devotion the Blessed Sacrament; 7 years and
7 quarantines, on all the other Thursdays of the year; 100 days
on any other day of the year, to those who say them with a
contrite heart. — Pius VI., Oct. 17, 1796.
INDULGENCED CHAPLET OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
Consisting 0} Acts of Thanksgiving, Contrition, and Love.
V. Incline unto mine aid, O God!
R. O Lord, make haste to help me!
1. rfT^OST loving Jesus! my heart leaps for joy in think-
ing on Thy loving Sacred Heart, all tenderness
and sweetness for sinful man; and, with trust unbounded,
:t never doubts Thy ready welcome. Ah me! my sins! how-
many and how great! With Peter and Magdalen, in tears,
I bewail and abhor them, because they are an offence to
Thee, my sole and chief good. Grant me, O grant me par-
don for them all! O may I die, I beseech Thee, by Thy loving
Heart, may I die rather than offend Thee, and may I live
only to correspond to Thy love.
Say the Our Father once, the Glory be to the Father five
times; and then:
O sweetest Heart of Jesus! I implore
That I may ever love Thee more and more.
2. My Jesus! I bless Thy most humble Heart; and I give
thanks to Thee, Who, in making it my model, not only dost
urge me with much pressing to imitate it, but, at the cost of
so many humiliations, dost Thyself stoop to point me out
the path and smooth for me the way to follow- Thee. Foolish
and ungrateful that I am, how have I wandered far away
from Thee! Mercy, my Jesus, mercy! Away, hateful pride
and love of worldly honor! With lowly heart I wish to fol ow
Thee, my Jesus, through humiliations and the cross,, and
624 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
thus to gain peace and salvation. Only be Thou at hand
to strengthen me, and I will ever bless Thy Sacred Heart.
Our Father once, Glory be to the Father five times.
O sweetest Heart of Jesus, etc.
3. My Jesus I I marvel at Thy most patient Heart, and 1
thank Thee for all those wondrous examples of unwearied
patience which Thou didst leave me to guide me on my way.
Jt grieves me that I have still to reproach myself with my
extravagant delicacy, shrinking from the slightest pain. Oh,
pour, then, into my heart, dear Jesus, eager and enduring
love of suffering and of the cross, of mortification and of
penance, that, following Thee to Calvary, I may with Thee
attain the joys of paradise!
Our Father once, Glory be to the Father five times.
O sweetest Heart of Jesus, etc.
4. Dear Jesus! at the sight of Thy most gentle Heart, I
shudder to see how unlike mine is to Thine, since at a shadow,
at a look, at a word of opposition, I fret and grieve. Oh,
then, pardon my excesses, and give me grace that, in ever}'
contradiction, I may follow the example of Thy unchange-
able meekness, and so enjoy an everlasting holy peace
Our Father once, Glory be to the Father five times.
O sweetest Heart of Jesus, etc.
5 Sing praise to Jesus for His most generous Heart, the
Conqueror of death and hell; yet never wilt thou reach iti
due with all thy praise. More than ever am I confounded,
looking upon my coward heart, which, through human respect
dreads even a passing word. Courage, my soul] it shall be
so with thee no more. My Jesus, I pray Thee for such
strength that, fighting and conquering on earth, I may one
day rejoice triumphantly with Thee in heaven.
Our Father once, Glory be to the Father five times.
O sweetest Heart of Jesus, etc.
Let us turn to Mary, consecrating ourselves to her more
and more, and, trusting in her maternal heart, let us say
to her:
By the precious gifts of thy sweetest heart, obtain for me,
great Mother of my God and my Mother Mary, a true and
lasting devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, thy well-beloved
and the Sacred Heart.
Son, that, united in every thought and affection with that
Heart, I may fulfil all the duties of my state of life with ready
heart, serving my Jesus ever more, but especially on this day.
V. Cor Jesu flagrans amore
nostri,
R. Inflamma cor nostrum
amore tui.
Oremus.
I 1X0 nos igne, quaesumus,
Domine, Spirit us Sanctus
inflammet, quern Dominus no-
ster Jesus Christus e penetra-
libus cordis sui misit in ter-
rain et voluit vehementer ac-
cendi. Qui tecum vivit et
re gnat in unitate ejusdem
Spiritus Sancti Deus per
omnia saecula saeculorum.
Amen.
V. Heart of Jesus, burning
with love of us,
R. Inflame our hearts with
love of Thee.
Let us pray.
"t-JORD, we beseech Thee,
JLL let Thy Holy Spirit
kindle in our hearts that fire
of charity which Our Lord
Jesus Christ, Thy Son, sent
forth from His inmost Heart
upon this earth, and willed
that it should burn with
vehemence. Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee, in the
unity of the same Holy
Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days every time, and plenary indulgence
once a month on usual conditions. — Pius VII., March 20, 18 15.
IReparatiom
AN ACT OF REPARATION OF HONOR TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR.
OST adorable Saviour, in Thy wondrous love for us
Thou dost remain in the Blessed Sacrament of the
ahar, in order to be the perpetual Sacrifice of the New Law,
the propitiatory Victim for our sins, the life-giving Manna
of our souls, our powerful Mediator, our good Master, our
best and kindest Friend
But, alas! with what ingratitude on our part has Thine
infinite goodness been repaid. Prostrate before Thy veiled
majesty, at the foot of the altar, where Thou art as truly
and really present as in heaven, we come to make reparation
and offer atonement for all the injuries and for all the in-
gratitude inflicted on Thee in the Sacrament of Thy love.
O divine Jesus, O meek and humble Jesus, accept our
*eeble efforts to compassionate Thy suffering Heart, and to
626 Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
make a fitting reparation to Thy outraged majesty for all
blasphemies, profanations, and sacrileges ever committed;
for our own want of devotion and reverence in Thy sacred
presence, for our poor preparations and thanksgivings at
holy communion, and for the little fruit we have drawn from
holy communion through our own fault.
Pardon, O Lord, pardon, we beseech Thee, these and all
our offences against Thee. We are truly sorry for having
sinned, because Thou art infinitely good and sin displeases
Thee. Thou wilt not despise a contrite and humble heart.
We offer Thee our poor hearts filled with sentiments of
sincere repentance and deep affection. We offer Thee, in
atonement, Thy own bitter sufferings, the sorrows of Thy
Blessed Mother, and the merits of all the saints. By the
fervor of our love we desire to make amends to Thee for
the injuries inflicted on Thee by ourselves, by infidels, here-
tics, and all negligent Christians. Yes, Jesus, we love Thee
now above all things, and we are resolved to please Thee by
doing Thy will and by faithfully discharging the obligations
of our state of life. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven!
How happy should we be, O Jesus, could we but make
reparation to Thy glory, by our respect, by our zeal, aye,
even by the shedding of our blood. At least, most adorable
Saviour, grant us the grace to love Thee in the Most Holy
Sacrament of the altar, with the most tender, the most gener-
ous, the most perfect, the most constant love.
O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine,
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine !
Virgin most holy, by thy holy and immaculate heart, make
us enter into the adorable Heart of thy divine Son, Jesus Christ.
O sweet St. Joseph! obtain for us the gift of prayer and of
perpetual union with Jesus and Mary. Amen.
AN ACT OF REPARATION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
FOR THE FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH.
*TJ*DORABLE Heart of Jesus, glowing with love for us,
cJPL and inflamed with zeal for our salvation: O Heart!
ever sensible of our misery and the wretchedness to which
and the Sacred Heart.
627
our sins have reduced us, infinitely rich in mercy to heal the
wounds of our souls, behold us humbly prostrate before
thee to express the sorrow that fills our hearts for the cold-
ness and indifference with which we have so long requited
the numberless benefits that thou hast conferred upon us.
With a deep sense of the outrages that have been heaped
upon thee by our sins and the sins of others, we come to
make a solemn reparation of honor to thy most sacred
majesty. It was our sins that overwhelmed Thy Heart with
bitterness; it was the weight of our iniquities that pressed
down Thy face to the earth in the Garden of Olives, and
caused Thee to expire in anguish and agony on the cross.
But now, repenting and sorrowful, we cast ourselves at Thy
feet, and implore forgiveness. Adorable Heart of Jesus,
source of true contrition and ever merciful to the penitent
sinner, impart to our hearts the spirit of penance, and give
to our eyes a fountain of tears, that we may sincerely bewail
our sins now and for the rest of our days. Oh, would that
we could blot them out, even with our blood! Pardon them,
O Lord, in Thy mercy, and pardon and convert to Thee all
that have committed irreverences and sacrileges against
Thee in the Sacrament of Thy love, and thus give another
proof that Thy mercy is above all Thy works. Divine Jesus,
with Thee there are mercy and plentiful redemption; deliver
us from our sins, accept the sincere desire we now entertain;
and our holy resolution, relying on the assistance of Thy
grace, henceforth to be faithful to Thee. And in order to
repair the sins of ingratitude by which we have grieved Thy
most tender and loving Heart, we are resolved in the future
ever to love and honor Thee in the Most Adorable Sacra-
m nt of the altar, where Thou art ever present to hear and
grant our petitions, and to be the food and life of our souls.
Be Thou, O compassionate Jesus! our Mediator with Thy
heavenly Father, Whom we have so grievously offended,
strengthen our weakness, confirm these, our resolutions of
amendment, and as Thy Sacred Heart is our refuge and our
hope when we have sinned, so may it be the strength and
support of our repentance, that nothing in life or death may
ever again separate us from Thee. Amen.
628 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
INDULGENCED ACTS IN HONOR OF THE SACRED HEART OF JE-SUS.
(Reparation and Petitions^)
I.
Verbum caro factum est, The Word was made flesh,
et habitavit in nobis. and dwelt amongst us.
TERNAL Word, made man for love of us! humbly
prostrate at Thy feet, we adore Thee with our soul's
deepest veneration; and to repair our ingratitude for the
great boon of Thy Incarnation, we join our hearts with the
hearts of all who love Thee, and we offer to Thee with them
our most humble and loving thanksgiving. Filled with the
thought of the exceeding great humility, goodness, and ten-
derness which we behold in Thy divine Heart, we pray Thee
to give us Thy grace, that we may imitate these virtues so
dear to Thee.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father,
II.
Crucifixus etiam pro nobis He was crucified also for
sub Pontio Pilato, passus et us, suffered under Pontius
sepultus est. Pilate, and was buried.
ESUS, loving Saviour! humbly prostrate at Thy feet,
we adore Thee with our soul's deepest veneration; and
to give Thee proof of our real sorrow for our want of feeling
for all those outrages and woes which Thy loving Heart
made Thee surfer for our salvation in Thy sorrowful Pas-
sion and most bitter death, we join our hearts with the hearts
of all who love Thee, to thank Thee with our whole soul
We marvel at the boundless patience and the generosity of
Thy Sacred Heart; and we pray Thee to fill our hearts with
the spirit of Christian penance, that thereby we may cour-
ageously embrace suffering, and make Thy cross our greatest
comfort and our glory.
Our Father. Hail Mary, Glory be to the Fathei.
lit
Panem de coelo praestitisti Thou didst give them bread
eis. ' 'from heaven to eat.
Omne delectamentum in ,se In whose taste was every
habentem. heavenly sweetness.
and the Sacreti Heart.
629
77ESUS, full of love for us! humbly prostrate at Thy feet,
we adore Thee with our soul's deepest veneration
and in reparation for the outrages which Thy Sacred Heart
daily receives in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar, we
unite ourselves with the hearts of all who love Thee, and
give Thee tenderest thanks. We love, too, in that Sacred
Heart of Thine, the incomprehensible fire of Thy love for
Thy eternal Father; and we pray Thee to inflame our hearts
with burning charity toward Thee and toward our neighbors.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
IV.
^T—JASTLY, O most loving Jesus! we pray Thee by the
A * sweetness of Thy Sacred Heart, convert sinners, con-
sole the suffering, help the dying, succor the souls in purgatory.
Make our hearts one with Thine in the bonds of true peace
and charity, save us from a sudden and unprovided death,
and grant us a death holy and peaceful. Amen.
V. Cor Jesu flagrans amore V. Heart of Jesus, burning
nostri. with love of us.
R. Inrlamma cor nostrum R. Inflame our hearts with
amore tui. love of Thee.
Oremus. Let us pray.
aOXCEDE, quaesumus, y^fRAXT, we beseech Thee,
omnipotens Deus, ut \£) Almighty God, that we
qui in sanctissimo dilecti who glory in the Most Sacred
Filii tui corde gloriantes, Heart of Thy well-beloved
praecipua in nos charitatis ejus Son, and renew in our hearts
beneficia recolimus, eorum the remembrance of the great
pariter et actu delectemur et benefits of His heavenly
fructu. Per eumdem Chris- charity toward us, may
turn, etc. rejoice in their operation
and fruit within our souls.
Through the same Christ,
Our Lord, etc
Prayer.
^T^vIVINE Heart of my Jesus! I adore thee with all the
powers of my soul; I consecrate them to thee for
ever, with my thoughts, my words, my works, and my whole
self. I purpose to offer to thee, as far as I can, acts of
adoration, love, and glory like unto those which thou offerest
to thine eternal Father. Be thou, I beseech thee, the re-
pairer of my transgressions, the protector of my life, my
630 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
refuge and asylum in the hour of my death. By thy sighs,
and by that sea of bitterness in which thou wast plunged
for me throughout thy whole mortal life, grant me true con-
trition for my sins, contempt of earthly things, a burning
desire of eternal glory, trust in thy boundless merits, and
final perseverance in thy grace.
Heart of Jesus, all love! I offer thee these humble prayers
for myself and for all who unite with me in spirit to adore
thee; vouchsafe out of thy great goodness to hear and
answer them, chiefly for that one among us who first shall
end this mortal life. Sweet Heart of Jesus! pour into his
heart in his death agony thine inward consolations; take
him within thy sacred wounds; cleanse him from all stains
in that furnace of love, that so thou mayest soon open to
him the gates of thy eternal glory, there to intercede with
thee for all those who tarry in this land of exile.
Holiest Heart of my most loving Jesus! for myself, a
wretched sinner, and for all who unite with me in adoring
thee, I purpose to renew and offer to thee these acts of
adoration and these prayers, at every moment, and to the
last instant of my life. I recommend to Thee, my Jesus,
the Church, Thy well-beloved Spouse, and our true Mother;
the souls who are following the path of justice, poor sinners,
the afflicted, the dying, all men on the whole face of the earth.
Let not Thy blood be shed in vain for them; and vouchsafe,
lastly, to apply it to the relief of the souls in purgatory, and,
above all, to those who in life were wont to adore Thee devoutly.
Most loving heart of Mary, which, amongst the hearts of
all God's creatures, art at once the purest and the most in-
flamed with love for Jesus, and the most compassionate
toward us, poor sinners! obtain for us from the Heart of
Jesus, Our Redeemer, all the graces which we ask of thee.
Mother of mercies, one throb, a single beat of thy burning
heart, offered by thee to the Heart of Jesus, has power to
console us to the full. Grant us then this favor; and then the
Heart of Jesus, through the filial love He had for thee, and will
ever have, will not fail to hear and answer our request. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day, to all the faithful who
shall say these prayers, with the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and
the Glory be to the Father, each three times; plenary indulgence
once a month on usual conditions. — Pius VII., Feb. 12, 1808;
Pius IX., June 18, 1876.
and the Sacred Heart.
631
IReparatfon anD Consecration for IReligtoue*
WESUS, my Lord, in Thy presence I rejoice that I am
fj permitted to dwell in this holy house as one of Thy
special friends; I thank Thee for the grace of my sublime
vocation: I rejoice that I am privileged to bear the fetters of
the religious vows, which bind me to Thee. How true are
Thy words, divine Master: "My yoke is sweet, and My
burden light." In sacrifice I find the sweetest joy, in Thy
love the greatest consolation, and in Thy service that peace
which the world can not give. With the Royal Psalmist, I
will sing Thy praises:
"The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?
"The Lord is the protector of my life, of whom shall I be
afraid ? . . .
"One thing I have asked of the Lord; this will I seek
after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days
of my life.
"That I may see the delight of the Lord, and may visit
His temple.
"For He hath hid me in His tabernacle: in the day of
evils, He hath protected me in the secret place of His taber-
nacle.
"He hath exalted me upon a rock: and now He hath lifted
up my head above my enemies.
"I have offered a sacrifice of jubilation; I will sing a psalm
to the Lord.
"Hear, O Lord, my voice, with which I have cried to Thee:
have mercy on me and hear me.
"Turn not away Thy face from me: decline not in Thy
wrath from Thy servant.
"Be Thou my helper: forsake me not, do not Thou despise
me, O God my Saviour.
"For my father and my mother have left me: but the Lord
hath taken me up.
"Set me, O Lord, a law in Thy way, and guide me in the
right path, because of my enemies. . . (Ps. xxvi.)
"Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee: Thou art my
God, and I will exalt Thee.
"I will praise Thee, because Thou hast heard me: and
art become my salvation.
632 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
"O praise ye the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy en
dureth forever" (Ps. cxvii.). 1
"I have chosen to be an abject in the house of my God
rather than to dwell in the tabernacles of sinners; for better
is one day in Thy courts above thousands " (Ps. lxxxiii.).
I place myself unreservedly in Thy hands, O Lord, to do
with me what Thou pleasest. I desire but Thy lo.e and
Thy grace; I desire to love and please Thee alone. Glory
and praise to Thee for evermore. How good and kind Thou
art to us in the Sacrament of Thy love! Thou art indeed
our hope, our support, our consolation, our joy, our very
life in the daily routine of our duties. And yet even in Re-
ligious Houses, Thou dost sometimes "suffer from the cold-
ness and neglect of Thy chosen and highly favored friends.
Pardon us, O Lord, pardon our offences, in Thy mercy.
Surely we all love Thee sincerely and above all things, even
though at times, like thoughtless children, we have given
Thee pain. Pardon our carelessness, our want of devotion
and recollection, our irreverences and all our shortcomings
at Mass, at holy communion, and in Thy adorable presence.
Behold me prostrate before Thee and desiring to make Thee
a worthy reparation for all the indignities that have been
offered Thee in this house.
In my weakness and poverty I have nothing that I can
offer Thee by way of reparation for the offences committed
against Thee in the Sacrament of the altar. But in Thy infinite
goodness and love, Thou art content with a contrite and
humble heart. Take my heart, dear Jesus; take all that
I am and have; grant that I may love Thee and please Thee
daily more and more, by cultivating the spirit of my vows, by
greater fidelity to my holy Rule, by imitating Thy example
of humility and obedience, and thus arrive at that perfection
for which Thou hast destined me,.
AN ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
O ADORABLE Heart of Jesus, the tenderest, the most
amiable, the most generous of all hearts! penetrated
with gratitude at sight of thy benefits, I come to conse-
crate myself wholly and unreservedly to thee! I wish to
devote all my energies to propagating thy worship and win-
ning, if possible, all hearts to thee. Receive my heart this
and i he Sacred Heart. 633.
day, O Jesus! or rather take it and change it, purify it, to-
render it worthy of Thee; make it humble, obedient, gentle,
patient, faithful, and generous like Thine, by inflaming it
with the fire of Thy love. Hide it in Thy divine Heart
with all the hearts which love Thee, and are consecrated to
Thee; never permit me to take my heart from Thee again.
Ah! let me rather die than ever grieve Thy Adorable Heart.
Yes, Heart of Jesus, to always love thee, to honor thee,
to serve thee, to ever be wholly thine is the desire of my
heart for life, for death, and for all eternity Amen.
IRenovmtfon of Wows for IReltgioue persons*
(By Rev. Father de la Colombiere, S.J.)
MY amiable Redeemer! I give and consecrate
myself to Thy Sacred Heart in the most per-
fect manner of which I am capable.
I have in a manner nailed myself to Thy cross by
Ihe vows of my profession ; I renew them in this divine
Heart, in the presence of heaven and earth. I return
Thee thanks for having inspired me to make them.
I own that the yoke of Thy holy service is neither
hard nor weighty; I do not find -myself embarrassed
with my chains; on the contrary, I would wish to mul-
tiply them, or rivet them yet closer upon me.
I embrace, then, the dear cross of my vocation, even
to my death; it shall be all my pleasure, all my glory
and my delight.
God forbid that I should glory, that I should ever
rejoice, save in the cross of Jesus Christ.
God forbid that I should ever have any other treasure
than His poverty, any other delight than His sufferings,
any other love than Himself.
No, no, my amiable Lord, never will I separate my-
self from Thee.
I hope, then, O Lord! that Thou wilt render me
steadfast under all temptations, victorious against the
assaults of my enemies, and that Thou wilt stretch out
over me that beneficent hand which has bestowed
634 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
upon me so many favors, that I may be ever more
and more generous in my love of Thee.
I entreat this of Thee, O my adorable Jesus! by Thy
blood, by all Thy wounds, and by Thy Sacred Heart.
Grant that by the consecration which I make to
Thee of all that I am, I may become this day a new
production and a complete victim of Thy love.
ACTS OF HOMAGE TO THE EUCHARISTIC HEART OF JESUS.
I.
Prayer.
EART of Jesus in the Eucharist, sweet companion oi
our exile, I adore thee.
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus;
Solitary Heart, humiliated Heart;
Abandoned Heart, forgotten Heart,
Despised Heart, outraged Heart;
Heart unknown by men;
Heart loving our hearts;
Heart desiring to be loved;
Heart patient in waiting for usr
Heart eager to grant our requests;
Heart desirous of being besought;
Heart source of new graces; *i
Silent Heart, wishing to speak to our souls;
Heart, sweet refuge of the hidden life;
Heart, teaching the secrets of divine union;
Heart of Him Who sleeps yet ever watches;
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Jesus, victim! I wish to console Thee;
To unite myself with Thee;
To immolate myself with Thee;
To annihilate myself before Thee;
To forget myself to think of Thee;
To be forgotten and despised for love of Thee —
Not to be loved or understood save only by Thee;
I will be silent to listen to Thee —
I will leave myself, to lose myself in Thee.
Grant that I may thus quench Thy thirst, the thirst for
and the Sacred Heart.
635
my salvation and sanctification, and that, purified, I may
offer Thee a pure and true love.
I will no longer weary Thy patience; take me, I give my-
self to Thee.
I offer The 2 all my actions; my mind, that Thou mayest
illuminate it; my heart, that Thou mayest direct it; my
will, that Thou mayest render it firm; my misery, that Thou
mayest succor it; my soul and my body, that Thou mayest
nourish them.
Eucharistic Heart of my Jesus, Whose blood is the life of
my soul, I will no longer live, but live thou alone in me. Amen.
II.
Consecration.
3ESUS! adorable Saviour, hidden in the Sacrament of
Thy love, dwelling amongst us to sweeten our exile,
shall I not exert myself to console Thine? Shall I not offer
Thee my heart, since Thou hast given me Thine? It is
true that to give myself to Thee is for my own advantage;
it is to find the inestimable treasure of a loving, disinterested,
faithful Heart, such as I would wish my own to be. Thus I,
who can give nothing, am always receiving. Lord, I can not
rival Thee in generosity, but I love Thee; deign to accept
my poor heart, and although it is worth nothing, still it may
become something by Thy grace. Since it loves Thee, do
Thou make it good for something and keep it. Eucharistic
Heart of Jesus! I consecrate to thee all the faculties of my
soul, all the powers of my body. I wish to endeavor to know
and love thee ever more and more, and to make thee better
known and loved by others. I wish to labor only for thy
glory, and to do only that which thy Father wills. I con-
secrate to thee all the moments of my life in a spirit of ado-
ration before thy royal presence; of thanksgiving for this
incomparable gift; in reparation for our cruel indifference;
and in incessant supplication that our prayers offered to
thee, with thee, and in thee, may ascend purified and
fruitful to the throne of God's mercy and for His eternal
glory. Amen.
Ejaculation.
UCHARISTIC Heart of Jesus, burning with love of
us, inflame our hearts with love of thee.
636 Thursday : The Biessed Sacramem
ACT OF ATONEMENT.
UCHARISTIC Heart of my God, breathing and pal-
pitating beneath the veils of the most s:cred species,
I adore thee. Moved by a new love in the presence of the
immense benefit of the Divine Eucharist, penetrated with
regret at my own ingratitude, I humbly annihilate myself
in the still greater abyss of thy mercies. Thou hast chosen
me from my }outh; thou hast not disdained my infirmity;
descending into my poor heart, thou didst come to invite
it to a mutual love, giving happiness and peace. And 1 lost
all because I was unfaithful to Thee, O my Jesus. I allowed
my mind to become distracted and my heart to become cold;
I listened to myself and I forgot Thee. Thou didst wish
to be my Guide, my Counsellor, the Protector of my life,
and I, allowing my passions to smother this sweet attraction,
lost sight of Thee and forgot Thee. In the salutary pains
of trial, in the joys of consolation, in my difficulties and my
necessities, instead of having recourse to Thee, I sought crea-
tures and forgot Thee. I forgot Thee in the beloved taber-
nacles wherein Thy love languishes; in the churches of the
city wherein Thou art insulted; in sacrilegious and indiffer-
ent hearts, and in my own guilty one, O Jesus, even before
and after having received Thee. Eucharistic Heart of my
Saviour, the delight of my first communion and during the
days of my fidelity, I surrender myself to thee. Come back,
come back, and draw me anew to thyself. Pardon me
once more, and I will expiate all by the strength of my love.
Glorious archangel St. Michael, and you, beloved St. John,
offer my reparation to Jesus and be propitious to me. Amen.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., July 18, 1885.
DAILY OFFERING TO TF£E SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
OLORD Jesus Christ, in union with that divine intention
with which Thou, whilst on earth, didst give praise
to God through Thy most Sacred Heart, and which Thou
dost still everywhere^ offer to Him in the Holy Eucharist,
even to the consummation of the world, I, in imitation of
the most sacred heart of the ever-immaculate Virgin Man7,
do most cheerfully offer to Thee, during this entire day, all
and the Sacred Heart.
637
my thoughts and intentions, all my affections and desires,
my words and all my works.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., Dec. 19, 1885.
EJACULATION TO THE SACRED HEART.
AY the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament
be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection,
at every moment in all the tabernacles of the world even
to the end of time. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pius IX., Feb. 29, 1868.
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION.
{By St. Alphonsus Liguori.)
1. /T|Y Jesus, I believe that Thou art truly present in the
Most Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all
things and I desire to possess Thee within my soul. Since
I am unable now to receive Thee sacramentally, come at
least spiritually into my heart. I embrace Thee as being
already there, and unite myself wholly to Thee; never, never
permit me to be separated from Thee.
2. Such an act of spiritual communion should be made
at every visit to Jesus in the tabernacle; at holy Mass, when
we do not receive the Sacrament; occasionally during the
day or at least at morning and night prayers. The pious
adorer should live in constant union with Jesus.
3. St. Teresa was wont to say to her spiritual daughters:
'"'As often as ye hear holy Mass, although ye be unable to
communicate sacramentally, you can make a spiritual com-
munion, which is of great value." The Council of Trent
requires for a spiritual communion an ardent desire, lively
faith, and fervent charity. How often shall we communicate
spiritually? As often as God inspires the holy desire, at
any time, but especially at Mass, at Benediction, and at Visits.
No particular form is required. We may use any form we
please. With a contrite and a pure and loving heart, we
may simply say: "Come, dearest Jesus, come into this my
poor unhappy heart; come and satiate my longings; come
and sanctify my soul; come, my sweetest Jesus, come."
We read in the lives of some of the saints how Our Lord,
to satisfy their burning desire to receive the Holy Eucharist,
communicated Himself to them in miraculous ways as by
638 Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
going from the priest's hand to St. Catharine of Sienna, and
to blessed Imelda, or piercing through the breast of St. Juli-
ana Falconieri, or as by the hands of angels or of His Blessed
Mother to St. Bonaventure and St. Stanislaus. In various
ways and by signal miracles, Jesus has manifested His appro-
bation of spiritual communion.
ANOTHER PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION.
Y Saviour and my God! I am not worthy to appear
before Thee, for I am a poor sinner; yet I approach
Thee with confidence in Thy goodness and mercy, for Thou
hast said: "Come to Me, all you that labor and are heavy-
laden, and I will refresh you." Thou wilt not despise a
contrite and humble heart. I am truly sorry for my sins,
because by them I have offended Thee, Who art infinitely
good. Whatever may have been my foolish transgressions
in the past, I love Thee now above all things, and with all
my heart. I have a great desire, a vehement longing, O
divine Spouse of my soul, to receive Thee in holy communion,
and since I can not now receive Thee in the Blessed Sacra-
ment, I beseech Thee to come to me spiritually and to re-
fresh my soul with Thy swretness.
Come, my Lord, my God, and my all! Come to me, and
let me never again be separated from Thee by sin. Teach
me Thy blessed ways; help me with Thy grace to practice
meekness, humility, charity, and all the virtues of Thy Sacred
Heart. Receive me, as one who wishes to follow Thee, and
let me live and labor and suffer and pray in union with Thee,
for the glory of God, for the accomplishment of the heavenly
Father's will, and for the salvation of souls. Jesus! I give
Thee my heart with all its affections, my soul with all its
powers, and my body with all its senses. My divine Master,
help me with Thy grace, that I may be ever mindful of Thy
presence, and that I may be faithful to the end in Thy ser-
vices. Bless me in life and in death, that I may praise Thee
for ever in heaven. Amen.
SIGHS TO JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.
O JESUS, sweetest Love, come Thou to me;
Come down in all Thy beauty unto me;
Thou Who didst die for longing love of me;
And never, never more depart from me.,
and the Sacred Heart.
639
Oh, melts my heart receiving Thee, my Own;
My eyes are dim for lack of Thee, my Own;
My flesh doth hunger, needing Thee, my Own;
My soul doth faint apart from Thee, my Own.
Free me, O beauteous God, from all but Thee;
Sever the chain that holds me back from Thee;
Call me, O tender Love, I cry to Thee ;
Thou art my all! O bind me close to Thee.
O suffering Love, that hast so loved me;
O patient Love, that weariest not of me;
Alone, O Love! Thou weariest not of me!
Ah! weary not till I am lost in Thee;
Nay, weary not till I am found in Thee.
Say the "Anima Christi.,,
FRUIT OF THE VISIT AND SPIRITUAL COMMUNION.
1. tT<y EHOLD Christ seated in thy heart as a kind Lord,
A?-} Who hath made a friend of thee, His unworthy
servant: regard thyself as a guest at His table, or rather as
a hireling, since thou dost love Him when thou receivest con-
solation, but, when thou art scourged for thy good, dost grow
cold in love.
2. Love Him with thy whole strength, that so, in union
with His strength and senses, thou mayest offer to God all
tne powers of thy soul, all the senses and members of thy
body, and mayest resolve to use theni always in obedience to
Him.
3. Ask thy Lord for the virtue of obedience; that thou
mayest imitate Him Who for thy salvation humbled Him-
self and became " obedient unto death, even to the death of
the cross" (Phil. ii. 8).
' 1 Learn of Me, because I am meek and humble of Heart"
(Matt. xi. 29).
Ejaculation.
Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like
unto Thine.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX., Jan. 25, 1868
V. Blessed and praised every moment;
R. Be the Most Holy and Divine Sacrament.
640
Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who in this wonderful Sacrament hast left us
a memorial of Thy Passion; grant us the grace so
to venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy body and blood,
that we may ever feel within us the fruit of Thy redemp-
tion; Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Supplication.
General and Special Prayers.
PRAYER FOR THE GLORIFICATION OF THE BLESSED SACRA-
MENT AND FOR THE WANTS OF THE HOLY CHURCH.
BATHER in heaven, Lord of mercy, we praise Thee and
thank Thee for the benefits that have come to us
through the Blessed Eucharist. Thy infinite goodness sub*
stituted for the shadowy sacrifices of the Old Law, which
could not satisfy Thee, this supreme Holocaust; and for
the manna wThich of old poured down from heaven to nourish
Thy first people in the desert, Thou givest to us the living
flesh, the precious blood of the God-Man. This, His sacrifice,
is daily offered on our altars; receive it, O Lord, as worthy
of Thy greatness, and as the truest witness of Thy sovereignty ;
receive it as the solemn thanksgiving for a world's redemption,
and especially from that Church which Thou hast filled
with blessings. Take it, dear Lord, as the infinite satisfac-
tion which appeases for the sins that have irritated Thy jus-
tice; and, above all, accept it as the most efficacious of all
prayers whereby to obtain from Thy goodness the graces
we need to sanctify our souls; for the exaltation of Thy holy
Church, for the spread of Thy Gospel, and for the glory of
Thy most holy name. Behold, O King of heaven and earth I
the face of Thy Christ, immolated on Calvary for our sins;
consider this dear object of Thy complacency disfigured on
the cross, annihilated on the altar, hidden in the taber-
nacle, a Victim for the salvation of His people; and when
Thou, O Lord, lookest upon this august spectacle, pardon
our offences, grant us Thy protection, and receive us into
Thy eternal kingdom. Thou didst perfect with infinite gifts
His sacred humanity; for our sakes Thou didst enrich it with
all grace, and didst constitute Him our Teacher, our High-
Priest, our Mediator, the firm Rock of our salvation. To
Thee He pleads for us, in Thy name He instructs us, He
and the Sacred Heart.
641
sacrifices Himself for our redemption. Oh! suffer the
anger of Thy justice to be appeased by His powerful media-
tion, that it may obtain for us all the riches of Thy eternal love.
Vindicate, O Father, the glory of Thy Son against sinners,
and against the blasphemers of the Adorable Eucharist, as
of old Thou didst declare Thine own. The innocent Lamb
of God is as a sign of contradiction, against which the darts
of infidels and heretics/ of schismatics, of impious and wicked
Christians, are maliciously cast. Too often He is a father
forgotten by His own children, a monarch slighted by His
subjects, a master abandoned by His disciples, God dis-
honored by His creatures. But now grant, O et:rnal Father,
that this Thy dearly beloved Son, to Whom we owe our all,
may again receive His rights within the Eucharistic species,
that all nations, all sects, returning into the bosom of the
holy Catholic Church, may acknowledge Him, that therein
all minds and hearts may be subject to Him, and that this
Divine Sacrament may receive respect, love, adoration,
thanksgiving, and praise throughout the world.
And for Thy holy Church, which glories in exalting the
Blessed Sacrament and in extending its worship, we pray
that the continual presence therein of her divine Saviour
may perfect her; may it increase the faith, the hope, the
charity of her living members ; may it' revive the faith and zeal
of those who slumber, may it multiply her children, and be her
defence against all her enemies! Bless, O my God, with
Thy richest blessings, X., our chief bishop, the vicar of Thy
Son here on earth, the visible head of His universal Church.
Bless also the bishops and pastors of Thy Church, especially
X., our prelate; all priests, and in particular the members
of the " Eucharistic League" and of the "Apostleship of
Prayer." Bless, O Lord, all Religious of both sexes, all
Orders in Thy Church, all rulers, princes, magistrates, aad
all Thy people; grant that Thy Most Ifoly Sacrament may
be to all the fountain of life, the treasure of grace, the ban
quet of joy, and the throne of mercy.
With Thy tender benediction, look, O Lord, upon the faith-
ful adorers of this Most August Sacrament, and deign to
hear the vows, th^ prayers, the sighs, that day and night
they offer for Thy glory, for the increase of love and venera
tion for the mystery of the Eucharist
642 Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
Finally, O my Lord and my God, I beseech Thee, by the
merits of this thrice-holy Victim, to have mercy on the poor,
the afflicted, the sick, and the agonizing. Relieve them all
in their sufferings, console them in their afflictions, help them
in their need, strengthen them in their weakness, animate
them in their combats, and to the souls detained in purgatory,
apply the blood of this adorable sacrifice; and, if it be Thy
good pleasure, speedily deliver them from that painful prison,
so that they may come to adore Thee and give Thee glory-
with all Thy saints, eternally in heaven.
PRAYERS FOR THE CHURCH AND FOR THE CIVIL, AUTHORITIES.
{Composed by Archbishop Carroll.)
E pray Thee, O almighty and eternal God! Who
through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all
nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy, that Th^
Church, being spread through the whole world, may con-
tinue with unchanging faith in the confession of Thy name.
We pray Thee, Who alone art good and holy, to endow
with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life,
our chief bishop N.N., the vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
in the government of His Church; our own bishop, N.N.
(or if he not be consecrated, our bishop-elect) ; all other
bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church; and especially
those who are appointed to exercise amongst us the func-
tions of the holy ministry, and conduct Thy people into the
ways of salvation.
We pray Thee, O God of might, wisdom, and justice!
through Whom authority is rightly administered, laws are
enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy holy spirit
of counsel and fortitude, the President of the United
States, that his administration may be conducted in righteous-
ness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he
presides ; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion ;
by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy;
and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of
Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and
shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our
rule and government, so that they may tend to the preser-
vation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the
increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and
may perpetuate us to the blessing of equal liberty.
We pray for his excellency, the Governor of this State,
for the members of the Assembly, for all judges, magistrates,
and the Sacred Heart.
643
and other officers who are appointed to guard our political
welfare, that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful pro- #
tection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations
with honesty and ability.
We recommend likewise, to Thy unbounded mercy, all
our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United
States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanc-
tified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they
may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the
world can not give; and after enjoying the blessings of this
life, be admitted to those which are eternal.
Finally, we pray to Thee, O Lord of mercy, to remember
the souls of Thy servants departed who are gone before us
with the sign of faith, and repose in the sleep of peace; the
souls of our parents, relatives, and friends; of those who,
when living, were members of this Congregation, and par-
ticularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors
who, by their donations or legacies to this church, witnessed
their zeal for tne decency of divine worship and proved
their claim to our grateful and charitable remembrance.
To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we
beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and everlast-
ing peace, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord and
Saviour. Amen.
A PRAYER FOR ALL THINGS NEEDFUL, COMMONLY CALLED
THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER.
OMY God! I believe in Thee: do Thou strengthen my
faith. All my hopes are in Thee: do Thou secure
them. I love Thee: teach me to love Thee daily more
and more. I am sorry that I have offended Thee : do Thou
increase my sorrow.
I adore Thee as my first beginning; I aspire after Thee
as my last end. I give Thee thanks as my constant Bene-
factor; I call upon Thee as my sovereign Protector.
Vouchsafe, O my God! to conduct me by Thy wisdom,
to restrain me by Thy justice, to comfort me by Thy mercy,
to defend me by Thy power.
To Thee I desire to consecrate all my thoughts, words,
actions, and sufferings; that henceforward I may think of
Thee, speak of Thee, refer all my actions to Thy greater
glory, and suffer willingly whatever Thou shalt appoint.
Lord, I desire that in all things Thy will may be done,
because it is Thy will, and in the manner that Thou wiliest.
I beg of Thee to enlighten my understanding, to inflame
my will, to purify my body, and to sanctify my soul.
644 Thursday : The Bcessed Sacrament
Give me strength, O my God! to expiate my offences,
.to overcome my temptations, to subdue my passions, and
to acquire the virtues proper lor my state of life.
Fill my heart with tender affection for Thy goodness,
hatred of my faults, love of my neighbor, and contempt of
the world.
May Thy grace help me to be submissive to my superiors,
condescending to my inferiors, faithful to my friends, and
charitable to my enemies.
Assist me to overcome sensuality by mortification, avarice
by alms-deeds, anger by meekness, and tepidity by devotion.
0 my God! make me prudent in my undertakings, coura-
geous in dangers, patient in affliction, and humble in pros-
perity.
Grant that I may be ever attentive at my prayers, tem-
perate at my meals, diligent in my employments, and con-
stant in my resolutions.
Let my conscience be ever upright and pure, my exterior
modest, my conversation edifying, and my comportment
regular.
Assist me, that I may continually labor to overcome
nature, to correspond with Thy grace, to keep Thy com-
mandments, and to work out my salvation.
Make me realize, 0 my God! the nothingness of this
world, the greatness of heaven, the shortness of time, and
the length of eternity.
Grant that I may prepare for death; that I may fear
Thy judgments, that I may escape hell, and in the end
obtain heaven; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
PRAYERS TO IMPLORE GRACES FOR OURSELVES, TOGETHER
WITH ACTS OF ADMIRATION OF THE DIVINE GOODNESS.
/T\ Y Lord and my God, how admirable in Thy goodness,
JJ-J how wronderful in Thy debasement and condescension
art Thou in the Sacrament of Thy love! Thou, my Re-
deemer, Christ Jesus, art content to descend from heaven,
to place Thyself within the consecrated Host, and to dwell
within the tabernacle, day and night, solely to exercise
Thy love toward me and to communicate to me the abun-
dance of Thy graces. Oh, what bounty, what mercy! Jn
the Divine Sacrament, w^herein dwells the Author and Giver
of all good, I behold the King of glory, Who, with gentle
courtesy, calls me, and invites me, and expects me, that I
may go to receive His graces and be consoled. Courage,
then, my soul; come, let us beg for blessings and not be
w<eary, but be confident that we shall receive them. "Let
and the Sacred Heart,
645
us go, therefore, with confidence to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in seasonable aid'"
(Heb. iv. 16).
If I look into my own heart to discover its needs that they
may be supplied, I find that I am in want of all; for all
fails me, and I have no sound virtue, for vice alone pre-
dominates in me. My wants are without end, and Thou,
my God, discernest them far more clearly than I can do. I
am blind, and without light, and this is the first grace i
ask of Thee: "Lord, that I may see" (I uke xviii. 41).,
Illuminate me, 0 true eternal Light, Who didst come into
the world to enlighten every man; make me to see and to
know my vileness, my poverty, my extreme misery, that
knowing myself, I may learn humility. Want of humility
is the great cause of my evil; I esteem myself too highly,
and aspire to be highly esteemed by others; and hence I
fall, and fall at every little occasion, without ever amend-
ing my faults All my sins are the effects, the punish-
ment of my pride. Oh, if I were but humble of heart, as I
am under obligation to be! 0 my Jesus, Thou Who hast
so abased Thyself in the Blessed Sacrament, almost to noth-
ing, and dost dwell there, hiding within the sacred Host all
Thy glorious gifts, I ask of Thee a true and holy humility,
for without this I have neither capacity nor disposition to
receive any of Thy graces, and this alone can fit me for them.
I ask it of Thee by that stupendous humility which brings
Thee to dwell within the Blessed Sacrament 0 God of
all greatness and of all humility, humble my pride and give
me a humble and contrite heart.
With the grace of humility I also ask of Thee ever to
increase in me the graces of faith, hope, and charity. These
virtues are of necessity for my salvation, and yet how negli-
gently does my heart make acts of them! How often do
I allow a long time to pass without making so much as
one act of faith, of hope, or of charity! 0 my Lord Jesus
Christ! Who, in the Blessed Sacrament, hast deigned to
\eave us a mystery of faith, a pledge of hope, a bond of
iove, give me grace to acquire the good habit of frequently
practicing these virtues during my life, that they may avail
Tne in the hour of my death. Make me worthy to five and
die in Thy faith, with a firm hope of living and dying in Thy
love Give me, O Lord Jesus! an increase of faith, hope{
and charity.
But, besides all this, 0 my God! I beseech Thee to give
me grace to live in holy charity with all my neighbors.
Thou hast commanded me to love them, but I am neglectful
040
Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
in observing this law; some among them I love from inclina-
tion, some from interest, and scarcely any purely for Thy
love. I love him who treats me kindly, but I do not love
him who offends me. Sometimes I intend to love all men,
but I have too much reason to fear that in truth I do not
love them with that Christian charity which is my duty.
But Thou, in the institution of the Blessed Sacrament, hast
left me a model, an example of charity; grant that by Thy
grace I may imitate Thee. I resojve now to love all men
sincerely and cordially for Thy sake, and particularly those
who in any way have offended or injured me. All that J
most desire for myself, I pray Thee to bestow on them, and
to unite this my petition with Thine own prayer upon the
cross, when Thou didst intercede for Thine enemies. Grant,
dear Lord, that I may ever live in charity with all, that I
may so live as never by any act of mine to break the bond
of charity; that I may ever love my neighbor as Thou dost
love me. Above all, I humbly beg of Thee the grace to live
in all and through all, resigned to Thy all-holy will. I
accept whatever Thy divine providence shall appoint in my
life, and in my death; may Thy will in aU things alone be
done, not mine, 0 Lord! I desire all that Thou wiliest,
and because Thou wiliest it ; and in all circumstances I unite
my will to Thine. Therefore, 0 my dear Redeemer, i
now and for ever unite my will to that adorable will which,
in the garden, Thou didst, in perfect submission, offer to
Thy eternal Father; and I beseech Thee ever so to retain
mv will in unison with Thine, that nothing shall again dis-
join them. Thou Thyself hast taught me to say, in the
Pater Xoster, "Thy will be done," and daily I repeat it,
but too often I say the words only with my Hps; now at
least my heart pronounces them for all time, and in all pos-
sible occurrences — " Thy will be done on earth as it is in
heaven." To-day, and in all the days of my life, may Thy
most holy will be done in me, for me, by me. Teach me
to know Thy holy will, and give me grace to follow it.
PETITION TO OBTAIN GRACES FOR OUR NEIGHBOR, AND
PRAYERS FOR THE CHURCH, THE HOLY FATHER, PRELATES
AND PRIESTS, SUPERIORS, PARENTS, BENEFACTORS, AND
FRIENDS.
^T^OT for myself alone do I implore graces, O my God,
,.JL£ but for all the souls Thou hast redeemed with Thy
most precious blood, and especially for all those who are
within Thy holy Catholic Church, and chiefly for those who
and the Sacred Heart.
647
are zealous adorers of the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar
For this, dear Lord, I recommend them to Thee with most
tender affection. Give to us all one united, fervent spirit,
zealous to prevent the offences committed against Thee,
and ever active to promote devotion to Thy glory in the
Blessed Sacrament.
I commend to Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ, the holy
Catholic Church; extend her bounds by the extirpation of
heresy and the conversion of unbelievers.
I commend to Thee His Holiness, the Pope, Thy vicar
on earth, and I beseech Thee to assist him in discerning
and doing all that is most conducive to Thy honor and
glory. I commend to Thee all our bishops and our priests.
Clothe them with Thy spirit — Thy meekness, Thy humility,
Thy obedience, Thy wisdom, Thy charity, and Thy zeal for
the salvation of souls. Bless them in particular with an
ardent devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. I commend
to Thee the members of all Religious Orders that they may
labor earnestly for their own sanctification, for the propaga-
tion of the faith, and for the glorification of the Holy Eucha-
rist.
I commend to Thee all civil authorities, but especially
all Catholic heads of governments, that they may live in
peace and that they may be united in zeal and strength
against the enemies of our holy faith. I recommend to
Thee all sinners, for whose salvation Thou didst deign to
become incarnate, to remain three-and-thirty years on earth
and at last to die on the cross ; and I beseech Thee to bestow
upon them Thy powerful help, that they may repent and
be converted, and may enter and remain in Thy holy grace.
To Thee I commend my parents, my friends, my enemies,
my superiors, spiritual and temporal, and all those to whom
I am under obligation, and I beseech Thee to bless them,
to give them grace to make a good use of their temporal
goods, that so they may obtain eternal happiness: " Ut sic
transeamus per bona temporalia ut non amittamus azterna" —
"That we may so pass through temporal blessings, as not
to lose those which are eternal."
Finally, I recommend to Thy clemency the holy souls in
purgatory, and especially those to whom I am most indebted
by the bond of charity or of justice; and chiefly I implore
Thee in behalf of those who, during their life, have been
most devout to the Blessed Sacrament: as also those who
have most loved the Blessed Virgin. For this I offer Thee
my good Jesus, Thy wounds, Thy agony, Thy death, and
all the merits of Thy most bitter Passion. I know that it
648 Thursday; The Blessed lacrament
is Thy pleasure I should pray for these holy souls, who are
worthy of Thy love. Hear, then, dear Lord, and grant
this my prayer in their behalf, which I present to Thee in
the words of Thy holy Church: "Requiem Geternam dona eis,
Domine, et lux perpetica luceat eis." — "Eternal rest give
unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon
them."
Xitatrg of tbc Mee&eb Sacrament,*
*~T ' ORD have mercy. Lord have mercy.
T ■ * Christ have mercy. Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Christ hear us. Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Living Bread, that earnest down from heaven,
Hidden God and Saviour,
Wheat of the elect,
Wine of which virgins are the fruit,
Bread of fatness and royal dainties,
Perpetual Sacrifice,
Clean Oblation,
Lamb without spot, ^
Most pure Feast, §
Food of Angels, *
Hidden Manna, |
Memorial of the wonders of God, | Q
Super-substantial Bread, g
Word made flesh, dwelling in us,
Sacred Host, Si
Chalice of Benediction,
Mystery of faith,
Most High and Adorable Sacrament,
Most holy of all sacrifices,
True propitiation for the living and the dead,
Heavenly Antidote against the poison of sin,
Most wonderful of all miracles,
Most holy commemoration of the Passion of Christ,
Gift transcending all fulness,
Special Memorial of divine love,
* For private devotion.
and the Sacred Heart.
Affluence of divine bounty,
Most august and holy Mystery,
Medicine of immortality.
Tremendous and life-giving Sacrament,
Bread made flesh by the omnipotence of the Word,
Unbloody Sacrifice,
Our Feast at once and our Fellow-guest,
Sweetest Banquet, at which angels minister,
Sacrament of piety,
Bond of charity,
Priest and victim,
Spiritual Sweetness tasted in its proper source,
Refreshment of holy souls,
Viaticum of such as die in the Lord,
Pledge of future glory,
Be merciful. Spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful. Graciously hear us, O Lord.
From an unworthy reception of Thy body and blood,
From the lust of the flesh,
From the lust of the eyes,
From the pride of life,
From every occasion of sin,
Through the desire wherewith Thou didst long to eat
this passover with Thy disciples,
Through that profound humility wherewith Thou didst ^
wash their feet,
Through that ardent charity whereby Thou didst in-
stitute this divine Sacrament,
Through Thy precious blood, which Thou hast left us
on our altars,
Through the five wounds of this Thy most holy body, j
which Thou didst receive for us, j
We sinners beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to preserve and increase }
our faith, reverence, and devotion toward this admir-
able Sacrament,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to conduct us, through a
true contession of our sins, to a frequent reception of
the Holy Eucharist,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to deliver us from all \
heresy, perfidy, and blindness of heart,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to impart to us the pre-
cious and heavenly fruits of this Most Holy Sacrament,
That at the hour of death Thou wouldst strengthen and
defend us by this heavenly viaticum,
Son of God,
650 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare
us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
V. Thou didst give them bread from heaven. Alleluia.
R. Containing in itself all sweetness. Alleluia.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who in this wonderful Sacrament has left unto
us a memorial of Thy Passion ; grant us the grace, we
beseech Thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy
body and blood, that we may ever continue to feel within
ourselves the blessed fruit of Thy redemption. Who livest
and reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.
FORM OF CONSECRATION TO THE SACRED HEART OF
JESUS.
Published with the Encyclical Letter of His Holiness
Leo XIII. , dated May 25, 1899, on the consecration of man-
kind to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
QOST sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race,
look down upon us, humbly prostrate before
Thy altar. We are Thine and Thine we wish to be;
but to be more surely united with Thee, behold each
one of us freely consecrates himself to-day to Thy most
Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known Thee;
many, too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee.
Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and
draw them to Thy Sacred Heart. Be Thou King, O
Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken
Thee, but also of the prodigal children who have
abandoned Thee: grant that they may quickly return
to their Father's house, lest they die of wretchedness
and hunger. Be Thou King of those who are deceived
by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof,
and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of
faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one
and the Sacred Heart. 651
Shepherd. Be Thou King also of all those who sit
in the ancient superstition of the Gentiles, and refuse
not Thou to deliver them out of darkness into the light
and kingdom of God. Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church,
assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give
peace and order to all nations, and make the earth
resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the
Divine Heart that wrought our salvation ; to it be glory
and honor for ever. Amen.
Xitang of tbe SacreD Ibeart*
— * ORD, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
|J — * Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven,
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Heart of Jesus, Son of the eternal Father,
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Ghost in the womb
of the Virgin Mother,
Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God,
Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty,
Heart of Jesus, sacred temple of God,
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High,
Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven,
Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity,
Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love,
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love,
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues,
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise,
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts,
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge,
Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells the fulness of divinity,
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased,
Heart of Jesus, of whose fulness we have all received,
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills,
Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful,
Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke thee,
652 Thursday: The Blessea Sacrament
Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness,
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins,
Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium, , '
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offences, ^
Heart of Jesus, obedient unto death, s
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, §
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, \ %
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection, J
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation,
Heart of Jesus, victim for sin, r'
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in thee,
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in thee,
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, sparer
us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, gra-
ciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have
mercy on us.
V. Jesus, meek and humble of Heart,
R. Make our hearts like unto Thine.
Let us pray.
O ALMIGHTY and eternal God, look upon the Heart
of Thy dearly beloved Son, and upon the praise and
satisfaction He offers Thee in the name of sinners and for
those who seek Thy mercy; be Thou appeased, and grant
us pardon in the name of the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, world without end. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., April 2, 1899
Xtttle Office of the Sacred Ibeart of Jeaus*
AT MATINS.
V. f \ LORD, open Thou my lips,
^<J R. And my mouth shall sound Thy praise.
V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to th
Holy Ghost,
and the Sacred Heart \
655
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be.
world without end. Amen. Alleluia.
From Septuagesima till Paschal time, instead of Alleluia,
is said: Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.
V. Heart of Jesus, inflamed with love of us,
R. Inflame our hearts with love of thee.
Hymn.
/^HOU, joy of all the courts of heaven,
Vz) Thou, splendor of the Father's face,
In mercy didst our flesh embrace,
To be for us a victim given.
Our heart's delight, O Jesu, bless
My heart with fires that purify,
Lest it should praise unworthily,
Thy Heart, the throne of holiness.
Sweet, lovable beyond compare,
O Heart, which love has set on fire,
Which languishes with love's desire,
Thy mercy show me; hear my prayer.
Sweeter art thou than honey stored;
O Sacred Heart, to thee are dear
Pure minds, to thee pure hearts draw near.
Be thou by every heart adored. Amen.
Ant. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, most obedient to thy
Father's will, turn our hearts to thyself that we may . ever
do those things which are pleasing to thee.
V. My heart is ready, O God of my heart, to do Thy will.
R. My God, I have willed it, that Thy law be ever in the
midst of my heart.
Let us pray.
OLORD Jesus, Who hast deigned to open to the Church,
Thy spouse, the unspeakable delights and riches of
Thy Heart ; grant that we Thy servants may be worthy to
be enriched and refreshed with the heavenly graces spring-
ing from this sweetest source. Who livest and reignest
world without end. Amen.
AT LAUDS.
V. /~\ GOD, come to my assistance.
v^J R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost,
654 Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Alleluia.
From Septuagesima till Paschal time, instead of Alleluia,
is said: Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.
V. Heart of Jesus, inflamed with love of us,
R. Inflame our hearts with love of thee.
Hymn.
O HEART, the Godhead's worthy throne,
Thee did the Spirit's power create,
In Mary's womb immaculate, —
The Virgin Mother's holy One.
Praised is through thee the Trinity;
Thou art the Father's bliss; the Son
Hath knit thee with Himself in one;
And rests the Holy Ghost in thee.
In thee the wrecked world safety finds,
And faithful souls their peace secure,
A cloister too, where chaste and pure
Serenely rest their hearts and minds.
Sweeter art thou than honey stored;
O Sacred Heart, to thee are dear
Pure minds, to thee pure hearts draw near.
Be thou by every heart adored. Amen.
Ant. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, thirsting for our salva-
tion, recall us faithless wanderers to a right mind, that we
may not die in our sins.
V. My heart is ready, O God of my heart, to do Thy will.
R. My God, I have willed it, that Thy law be ever in the
midst of my heart.
Let us pray.
OLORD Jesus, Who hast deigned to open to the Church,
Thy spouse, the unspeakable delights and riches of
Thy Heart, grant that we Thy servants may be worthy
to be enriched and refreshed with the heavenly graces spring-
ing from this sweetest source. Who livest and reignest
world without end. Amen.
AT PRIME.
V- /~\ GOD, come to my assistance.
V>J R. O Lcrd, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost ,
and the Sacred Heart.
655
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Alleluia.
From Septuagesima till PascJial time, instead of Alleluia, is
said; Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.
V. Heart of Jesus, inflamed with love of us,
R. Inflame our hearts with love of thee.
Hymn.
EART, victim of eternal love,
Undying bliss of all the blest,
Of mortal men the strength and rest,
Their one, their highest hope above.
When, with deep wound, love pierced thy side
It welcomed us, and in the gate
It cried: "Come quickly, do not wait;
Behold the way, how fair and wide!"
Since thou hast washed us in that tide
Of blood which gushed from every pore,
Gather and keep us evermore
Deep in the shelter of thy side.
Sweeter art thou than honey stored;
O Sacred Heart, to thee are dear
Pure minds, ,to thee pure hearts draw near.
Be thou by every heart adored. Amen.
Ant, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, most perfect pattern of
purity, make us to be clean of heart, that we may be wor-
thy to be found like unto thee.
V. My heart is ready, O God of my heart, to do Thy will.
R. My God, I have willed it, that Thy law be ever in the
midst of my heart.
Let us pray.
OLORD Jesus, Who hast deigned to open to the Church,
Thy spouse, the unspeakable delights and riches of
Thy Heart, grant that we Thy servants may be worthy
to be enriched and refreshed with the heavenly graces spring-
ing from this sweetest source. Who livest and reignest
world without end. Amen.
AT TIERCE.
V. GOD, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost,
656 Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be>
world without end. Amen. Al1eluia.
From Sepiuagesima till Paschal time, instead of Alleluia, is
said: Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.
V. Heart of Jesus, inflamed with love of us,
R. Inflame our hearts with love of thee.
Hymn.
|T\ AY that same love, O stricken breast,
\**9 Now wound our hearts, which wounded Thine:
And fill us with love's sacred wine,
Life-giving nectar of the blest!
In faith's new mystery to our hearts
God gives His flesh to be their food,
And the full chalice of His blood
In His own feast of love imparts.
He Whom all heaven with blissful dread
Adores, now shrouds His majesty
With mystic veil that He may be
To little ones their daily bread.
Sweeter art thou than honey stored;
O Sacred Heart, to thee are dear
Pure minds, to thee pure hearts draw near.
Be thou by every heart adored. Amen.
Ant. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, most meek with all thine
enemies, may thy peace so reign in us, that from our hearts
we may forgive those that persecute and calumniate us.
V. My heart is ready, O God of my heart, to do Thy will.
R. My God, I have willed it, that Thy law be ever in the
midst of my heart.
Let us pray.
OLORD Jesus, Who hast deigned to open to the Church,
Thy spouse, the unspeakable delights and riches of
Thy Heart, grant that we Thy servants may be worthy to
be enriched and refreshed with the heavenly graces springing
from this sweetest source. Who livest and reignest world
without end. Amen.
AT SEXT.
V. GOD, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost,
ana the Sacrea7 Ffearf.
657
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be:
Nrorld without end. Amen. Alleluia.
From Septuagesima till Paschal time, instead of Alleluia,
is said: Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory
V. Heart of Jesus, inflamed with love of us,
R. Inflame our hearts with love of thee.
Hymn.
OD will our choicest victims slight
O Heart, unless they rest on thee,
Whose altar wide, all earth and sea
Embracing, towers o'er heaven's height.
Here reign enthroned the virtues all,
Whose bright array with faithful care
Must needs watch innocence so fair,
Xest left alone she surely fall.
In this Heart's depths that law of right
Moves, which should rule earth's destiny;
And thence for our felicity
Grace pours its stream of love and light.
Sweeter art thou than honey stored;
O Sacred Heart, to thee are dear
Pure minds, to thee pure hearts draw near.
Be thou by every heart adored. Amen.
Ant. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, broken with sorrow for
our sins, bestow on us a humble and contrite heart, that
we may bring forth fruits worthy of penance.
V. My heart is ready, O God of my heart, to do Thy will.
R. My God, I have willed it, that Thy law be ever in the
midst of my heart.
Let us pray.
OLORD Jesus, Who hast deigned to open to the Church,
Thy spouse, tLe unspeakable delights and riches
of Thy Heart; grant that we Thy servants may be worthy
to be enriched and refreshed with the heavenly graces spring-
ing from this sweetest source Who livest and reignest
world without end. Amen.
AT NONE.
V. f \ GOD, come to my assistance.
V>J R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Sov and to the
Holy Ghost,
658 Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be:
world without end. Amen. Alleluia
From Septuagesima till Paschal time, instead of * Alleluia.
is said: Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.
V. Heart of Jesus, inflamed with love of us,
R. Inflame our hearts with love of thee.
Hymn.
O HEART, the sun's pure ray near thine
Is dark; heaven shrinks near thine abode;
Thou sum of all the works of God,
Of His eternal word the shrine.
Thine acts, O Heart, encompass all
The offerings worthy of the Sire;
Nor is there any least desire
Not thine, on which His blessings fall.
Our sins the wrath of God provoke;
He lifts the thunderbolt, yet sees
Thy throbbings, gentle Heart, and these
Stay and recall His vengeful stroke
Sweeter art thou than honey stored;
O Sacred Heart, to thee are dear
Pure minds, to thee pure hearts draw near.
Be thou by every heart adored. Amen.
Ant. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to which poverty was most
dear, place us as a seal upon thyself, that in thee, as in our
only treasure, our hearts may ever wholly be.
V. My heart is ready, O God of my heart, to do Thy will.
R. My God, I have willed it, that Thy law be ever in the
midst of my heart.
Let us pray.
OLORD Jesus, Who hast deigned to open to the Church,
Thy spouse, the unspeakable delights and riches of
Thy Heart; grant that we, Thy servants, may be worthy
to be enriched and refreshed with the heavenly graces spring-
ing from this sweetest source. Who livest and reignest world
without end. Amen.
AT VESPERS.
V. GOD, come to my assistance,
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost,
and the Sacred Heart.
^59
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,,
world without end. Amen. Alleluia.
From Septuagesima till Paschal time, instead of Alleluia,
is said: Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.
V. Heart of Jesus, inflamed with love of us,
R. Inflame our hearts with love of thee.
Hymn.
y^fOUAL to God's dread sanctity,
vJl O Victim Heart, thine altar bears
Always, regarding not the years,
Atonement for iniquity.
Filling with plaintive note thy nest,
She feeds, who is thy mystic dove,
Among thy flowers on bread of love— •
Thy Spouse, O Heart of God, at rest.
Here breathes that stainless lily's breath,
Which decks the virgin's crown so rare,
And here the rose without compare
Grows red to grace the martyr's death.
Sweeter art thou than honey stored;
O Sacred Heart, to thee are dear
Fure minds, to thee pure hearts draw near.
Be thou by every heart adored. Amen.
Ant. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, full of loving kindness for
those who love thee, may our flesh and our heart be absorbed
in thee, that thou mayest be the love of our heart and our
portion forever.
V. My heart is ready, O God of my heart, to do Thy will.
R. My God, I have willed it, that Thy law be ever in
the midst of my heart.
Let us pray
OLORD Jesus, Who hast deigned to open to the Church,
Thy spouse, the unspeakable delights and riches
of Thy Heart ; grant that we, Thy servants, may be worthy
to be enriched and refreshed with the heavenly graces spring-
ing from this sweetest source. Who livest and reignest world
without end. Amen.
AT COMPIylNE.
V. GOD, come to my assistance,
KJ R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost,
660 Tnursaay: The Blessed Sacrament
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be
world without end. Amen. Alleluia.
From Septuagesima till Paschal time, instead oj Alleluia,
is said: Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.
V. Heart of Jesus, inflamed with love of us
R. Inflame our hearts with love of thee.
Hymn.
ON fire with love's sweet violence,
The Mother's heart pants ceaselessly
All for her Son's — His own to be
In mystic self -indifference.
The bonds of love, which naught can part,
The Mother's heart with His unite;
His fires of love do hers ignite
And hers reenter straight His Heart.
Sweeter art thou than honey stored;
O Sacred Heart, to thee are dear
Pure minds, to thee pure hearts draw near.
Be thou by every heart adored. Amen.
Ant. O Victim of charity, most loving Heart of Jesus, immo-
lated for our sins, neglected and outraged by ungrateful
men, change us, quicken us, and set us on fire.
V. My heart is ready, O God of my heart, to do Thy
will.
R. My God, I have willed it, that Thy law be ever in the
midst of my heart.
Let us pray.
OLORD Jesus, Who hast deigned to open to the Church,
Thy spouse, the unspeakable delights and riches of
Thy Heart ; grant that we, Thy servants, may be worthy to
be enriched and refreshed with the heavenly graces spring-
ing from this sweetest source. Who livest and reignest
world without end. Amen.
Pope Leo XIII. granted an indulgence of 200 days for the
recitation of this office. This indulgence can be gained once a
day
and the Sacred Heart.
661
Qbe 1holy Ibour.
I.
HE Holy Hour is a pious exercise of mental or vocal
prayer, in union with the prayer of Our Lord in the
Garden of Olives on Maundy Thursday night. It was
taught as a practice to Blessed Margaret Mary Alacoque,
by Our Lord Himself, Who appeared to her while she was
adoring the Blessed Sacrament, and said: "Every night,
between Thursday and Friday, I will make you partaker of
that sorrow unto death which it was My will to suffer in
the Garden of Olives. ... To join with Me in the humble
prayer which I then offered to My Father, you shall rise
between eleven o'clock and midnight; you shall prostrate
yourself with Me for one hour, with your face to the ground,
both to appease the anger of God by imploring mercy for
sinners, and to sweeten in some way the bitterness I felt
when My apostles abandoned Me, being unable to watch
one hour with Me."
In 1829, Father Debrosse, S.J., founded a confraternity
in the chapel of the Jesuits at Paray-le-Monial, for the pur-
pose, of spreading this devotion. In virtue of a rescript of
Pius IX., issued in 1875, all the associates of the Apostleship
of Prayer can gain the plenary indulgence for keeping the
Holy Hour. The devotion may be practiced either in pub-
lic or in private ; if in public, then any hour may be named
for any day in the week by the local directors; if in private,
then the time is restricted to an hour, between 2 p.m. of
every Thursday and about 6 p.m. on Friday. There are no
special prayers or practices obligatory during the Holy Hour,
but it should be offered in memory of the sacred Passion,
and in particular of the prayer and agony of Our Saviour
in the Garden of Gethsemane.
No particular place is prescribed for keeping the Holy
Hour; hence even sick persons can practic'e this beautiful
devotion. To gain the plenary indulgence, the ordinary
conditions of confession, communion, and prayer for the
Pope's intention are obligatory. Independently of this,
however, the pious exercise of the Holy Hour must be most
meritorious and pleasing to Our Lord. We thereby make
reparation to the Heart of Jesus for the ingratitude of men;
participate in Our Saviour's agony; implore mercy for sin-
ners, and appease the anger of God.*
* Lefevbre's "Month of the Sacred Heart," "The Watches
of the Sacred Passion," by the Rev. P. Gallwey, S.J., and parts
662 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
As to vocal prayers for the Holy Hour, there is an abun-
dance and a variety of them in this book, e.g., the Office of the
Sacred Heart; the Litanies; the Acts of Consecration and
Reparation, and the Prayers in reference to the Passion of
Our Lord. The Rosary in honor of the sorrowful mysteries
may also be recited.
n.
REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS, AND PRAYERS FOR THE HOLY
HOUR.
T no other time, perhaps, did the Heart of Jesus suffer
more than during His agony in the Garden of Olives.
And it is to this sad vigil that He calls us, gently chiding us
as He reproached the sleeping disciples: "Can you not
watch one hour with Me?" Oh, accept His loving invita-
tion ! He will not refuse you powerful graces that will touch
and even convert your sinful heart.
Represent to yourself Our Lord Jesus Christ leaving the
supper-room where He had just instituted the Sacrament
of His love, and directing His steps toward the lonely garden
where His Passion began, with the sorrow of His Sacred
Heart.
Imagine that, by a special favor the good Master chooses
you to be a witness of His agony and a companion in His
blessed prayer. Hasten, therefore, with all the fervor of
your soul, to answer His loving call.
What a favor, O my Jesus! Thou invitest me to witness
Thy agony and to realize the infinite love Thou bearest
for sinners. I follow Thee, O my Jesus, with readiness, and
I desire to watch and pray with Thee during this hour. But
Thou knowest my weakness. Sustain me, therefore, O Jesus,
for without Thy assistance I shall be more cowardly than
Thy apostles, and shall remain insensible to Thy sorrow
and love.
I come, O my God infinitely holy, to prostrate myself, in
union with Thy divine Son, before Thy supreme majesty,
of Book II. and Book III. of Thomas a Kempis' "The Following
of Christ" will serve very well for spiritual reading during the
Holy Hour. Pious souls of every class, by using Father Gall-
wey's most admirable work, will feel their hearts burning with
love of Him Who suffered for love of us all.
and the Sacred^ Heart.
663
and to annihilate myself in the presence of Thy infinite
greatness. I come to offer Thee His agony and the sorrows
of His Heart, to satisfy Thy. justice. I come to weep for
my sins and those of all men. Hear my supplications, and
accept my homage, or rather cast Thine eyes on the Heart
of Thy beloved Son, with whom I desire to be united during
this prayer.
The First Prostration of Jesus.
"He hath borne our infirmities' and carried our sorrows."
BEHOLD your divine Saviour prostrate, His face to the
very ground, moaning under the weight of the iniqui-
ties of the whole world. He bore them ; He took them on
Himself; He offers to expiate them. Nevertheless, He
feels so great a horror for them that He seems crushed and
even annihilated under the weight of sorrow and humiliation.
Adore profoundly this august and holy Victim. Beg Him
to let you share His horror for sin, arid to pierce your heart
with holy and bitter sorrow.
Recite with compunction of heart the Confiteor and an act
of contrition.
Behold the total abandonment in which our divine Saviour
is found. A dread silence surrounds Him; His apostles
are asleep; His Mother is far away; He is alone with His
Father. But the Father, infinitely holy, no longer considers
His divine Son as the object of His eternal complacency.
He beholds in Him only the Victim upon Whom will fall His
vengeance against sin.
Repeat several invocations from the Litany of the Holy
Name. Pronounce the name of Jesus with burning love.
Oh, at what a dear rate the Son of God purchased this divine
name! Now He suffers that He may indeed become Our
Saviour, Our Jesus.
Contemplate your Victim rising with difficulty and going
to His disciples. He finds them asleep. Hear His gentle
voice of reproach: " Could you not watch one hour with Me ? "
Imagine that on returning to His place, Jesus directs His
loving looks toward you. Cast yourself at His feet and
say with loving heart : " O Jesus, I, too, have often abandoned
Thee. I have afflicted Thy Heart by my wanderings, but
now I return, to be faithful to Thee until death.' '
The Second Prostration.
IMAGINE you hear the sweet voice of your divine Saviour,
exclaiming: "My soul is sorrowful even unto death."
Two swords pierced the Heart of Jesus — the sword of His
664 Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
love for His Father, and the sword of His love for men. He
wished to repair the outrage done to His Father by sin;
and yet sin will still be committed, and the majesty of the
Father will again be insulted. He suffered to save men,
to prevent them from falling into hell; and yet many will
despise His goodness, and lose their souls despite His de-
votedness and love.
Keep the eyes of your soul fixed with love and compassion
on your suffering Saviour.
Contemplate His sacred head bowed to the earth. Behold
the anguish of His adorable countenance. He sinks under
the wreight of so great an affliction. His agony begins. He
seems about to die of sorrow.
Let your heart be pierced with the sadness which rilled
the Heart of Je^us, and reduced Him to this deplorable state.
His blood flowing in vain for so many cherished souls! His
Father's goodness outraged by so many sins! Jesus scans
the centuries and beholds me. He sees my little energy in
overcoming myself, my infidelities, my ingratitude. Pene-
trated with grief for having contributed to the agony of
Jesus, let us say from our hearts: Behold, O my Jesus, this
ungrateful soul who has been so deaf to Thy voice, who has,
on a thousand occasions, despised the mercies of Thy ador-
able Heart. Weep no longer for me, O my amiable Jesus.
I return to Thee ; I return for ever. Alas, my soul is loaded
with miseries, stained with innumerable sins, but it belongs
to Thee. To possess it Thou consentest to suffer so much.
0 merciful Saviour, Thou hast said : Come to me, all ye that
labor, and I will refresh you. Here is my soul, O Jesus; it
will be Thine for evermore. I come to share in Thy sorrow,
and to console Thee by my sincere return.
Animated with the desire of giving greater consolation
to the Heart of Jesus, form acts of love, saying: I love my
neighbor as myself, etc. Promise Jesus that you will try to
gain souls to His love, and to recall the straying to the true
fold.
Continue to contemplate your adorable Saviour delivered
to agonies more cruel than death. He perseveres in prayer,
notwithstanding the weariness, fear, and sorrow that fill
His Sacred Heart. Listen with profound respect to the
prayer of your Lord. Let it sink to the depth of your flinty
heart. Prostrate before your Saviour, unite in His senti-
ments. Enter into His Heart, and repeat, with fervor, His
divine prayer. Unreservedly offer yourself with Him to
do the will of God.
My adorable Saviour, Thy example teaches me the surest
and the Sacred Heart,
means of arriving at perfection. Yes. I desire to imitate:
Thee in Thy divine resignation. On every occasion I will
say: Thy will, O Father, Thy will, and not mine be done.
Jesus goes again to His disciples and finds them still asleep^
He returns, in sadness, to the place of His prayer.
The Third Prostration..
OUR Saviour considers with intense anguish the suffering
of His Passion, and His Sacred Heart endures them
all. Oh, how great was the love necessary to accept them!
In union with the Victim recall these sufferings, and first,
the treacherous kiss of Judas. Ah, bitterly bewail your
own baseness, in communions that were tepid, in those,
perhaps, that were sacrilegious, in which you also gave the
perjured kiss. Make an act of spiritual communion. Say
three times, with the deepest contrition: Lord Jesus, my
soul is not worthy to receive Thee. Say only the word and
it sha!l be healed. Add in union with the angels surround-
ing the tabernacle: Lamb without spot, who art daily immo-
lated for the honor of God and the salvation of the world,
be for ever blessed and glorified! O good Shepherd, that
Thou mightest remain with Thy cherished flock, Thou didst
not fear to expose Thyself to all the outrages and profana-
tions of sinners. Be Thou for ever blessed and glorified-
Saving Host, chalice of benediction, disarming the anger
of God, be for ever blessed and glorified!
The Heart of Jesus accepts the sentence of scourging.
Already He feels the blows. His body is but one wound.
His feet wade in His blood. The pillar to which He is
attached is red with His blood, and shreds of His sacred
flesh lie scattered around. Alas! by what cruel treatment
Jesus wishes to expiate our sensuality and sloth, our vanity,
but, above all, our faults against the lily of virtues — purity.
Follow the inspirations of your devotions, and form acts
of contrition in union with all holy penitents.
Jesus beholds the cross, the heavy cross prepared for Him
to cany to the top of Calvar}-, and upon which He is to die,
a Victim of divine justice and His infinite love for men..
Oh, how painful, how crushing is the cross! Our sins have
made it so heavy that Jesus can hardly carry it. Thrice
on the way to Calvary He will fall, borne to "the earth by
its cruel weight. Nevertheless, He receives it and embraces
it with holy ardor. Let us try to fathom this mystery of
love. Jesus embraces the cross, because the cross will be
our remedy, our strength, our salvation. Bless a thousand
times your good God. Who h?s loved you to puch excess
666 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
Promise Him that you will never again refuse the precious
treasures He offers you when He deigns to give you a share
in His cross.
Repeat with tender and profound gratitude: We adore
Thee, O Jesus, and bless Thee, because by Thy holy cross
Thou hast redeemed the world.
Add with love and confidence: O Jesus, I wish to carry
the cross with Thee.
Jesus at length contemplates that last hour, which He
calls His Hour, so great is His desire to finish the work of
our redemption. Behold this hour of death in all its bitter-
ness. The Heart of Jesus feels all the sufferings prepared
for Him. Stay with Him in His agony. He is stripped
of His clothes; His hands and feet are pierced: He is raised
on the cross, suspended between two thieves. He is insulted,
abandoned by all. Listen to - His dying words. Contem-
plate Him with love. Cry out from your heart: O Jesus,
best of Masters and tenderest of Fathers, my heart feels a
profound grief in considering the cruel sufferings Thou hast
^endured. Never, never again, shall anything separate me
from Thee! Thou dost wish to shed even the last drop of
Thy blood to expiate my many sins. Thy goodness touches
my cold heart. O Jesus, I wish to be Thine during life — till
death.
Repeat this prayer several times. Then add five times,
in honor of the five wounds: Jesus, my Saviour, I will love
Thee always, I will love Thee for ever.
Recall to mind that Jesus, while thus considering the suffer-
ings of His Passion, feels them all in His Heart, and that
His agony is increased by the crushing thought.. God will
again be offended; men will continue to cast themselves
into the abyss of perdition.
How bitter is this chalice presented to our divine Re-
deemer! His holy humanity is terrified, and again the cry
of distress escapes from His blessed lips: Father, let the
chalice pass from Me.
In this awful moment an angel descends from heaven,
and reverently raises Jesus. In company with this angel,
approach your Saviour, and say to Him: "Wilt Thou, dear
Lord, permit this poor soul to perish eternally?" And Jesus,
with looks of tender pity cast upon you, will reply: "No, I
will die willingly for you." Words can make no answer to
such an excess of love. Let your heart alone speak to your
Victim, with thanksgiving and gratitude inspired by the
goodness of your most amiable Saviour.
And Jesus being in an agony and bloody sweat, prayed
and the Sacred Heart.
667
the longer. The more our infinitely compassionate Saviour
suffers, the more He prays. Oh, how many and how great
the graces showered upon .the earth through the humility,
the submission, the burning zeal which dictate the prayer
of the God-Man. Ask with confidence for the blessings you
most need. Pray for your parents, brethren, and friends,
for your superiors, for your Order, for the Church. Pray
with Jesus, like Jesus, through Jesus, and you will obtain all
you desire.
Recite five Our Fathers, and Five Hail Marys.
Jesus arises, leaving the place dyed in the blood of His
agony, of His martyrdom of love and superhuman courage,
and goes to meet His cruel enemies. Follow Him in spirit,
saying with all the love and energy of your soul : My beloved
Jesus, Thou art going to die for me: I wish to die for Thee.
0 Jesus, no more during life will my heart be separated from
Thee.
Repeat the sacred words of the divine Victim : It is con-
summated. Apply them to yourself in saying: My reso-
lution is taken. I renounce for ever all the sins and evil
habits of my life which have caused so much suffering to my
Saviour. I shall never again refuse anything to Him Who
has so loved me as to deliver Himself for me. " Greater love
than this no man hath, that he lay down his life for his
friends." *
Resolutions and Amendment.
/T\Y sweetest Jesus, I here take the resolution of losing all
%\Jt% rather than losing Thy grace. I am weak, but Thou
art strong; Thy strength will render me strong against my
enemies. Under Thy protection, what have I to fear? My
sweetest Saviour, do not allow me to be separated from Thee.
Assist me in the dangers in which I may find myself; may
1 never fail in having recourse to Thee! I ardently desire
to be faithful to Thee, and to live for Thee alone, so long-
as I may still remain on earth. It is for Thee to give me the
strength of which I stand in need.
Increase in me, oh, purest Heart of Jesus! the fear of dis-
pleasing thee. I tremble at the sight of my past infidelities,
but thy merits and the multiplied graces thou hast bestowed
on me restore my confidence. Now that I love thee, I hope
thou wilt not abandon me, and of this I feel assured in view
of the mercy thou didst extend to me when I did not think
of loving thee. I do not count on my own strength, for by
experience I know how little it is worth. I depend encireiy
* From Spencer's "The Little Grain of Wheat."
J
66 S Thursday : 2v}t Bfcssear Sacrament
on thy goodness and this is why I hope never more to bt
separated from thee.
My divine Redeemer, never will I leave Thee again. Even
should all others leave Thee I will remain faithful to Thee,
should it even cost me my life. I solemnly protest that
were there neither paradise nor hell, I would never cea.se
loving Thee, since, my Love, Thou art always worthy of
infinite love.
If I could begin my life anew, I would employ it wholly
in loving Thee; but I can not recall the years I have lost.
I give Thee thanks for having borne with me until now,
and not having cast me away from Thee for ever.
Since Thou hast spared me it is but just that I should
consecrate the rest of my life to Thee. May all my thoughts,
desires, and affections be pleasing to Thee.
My beloved Jesus! I renew my vows; I accept with re-
newed fervor all the obligations and all the sacrifices of my
state of fife, for love of Thee. I will be more devoted than
ever to my Holy Rule, for it is the expression of Thy will.
And at my last hour, when Thy holy image shall be pressed
to my dying lips, when all the world shall not be able tc
help me, then do Thou not abandon me; for Thou art my
Redeemer. Receive me into Thy Sacred Heart, and may
my last sigh be a sigh of love, so that I may love Thee and
bless Thee eternally.
ACT OF ATONEMENT.
O SACRED Heart of Jesus! humbly prostrate before
thee, we come to renew our consecration, with the
resolution of repairing by an increase of love and fidelity
toward thee, all the outrages unceasingly offered thee:
We solemnly promise
V. The more thy mysteries are blasphemed,
R. The more firmly we will believe them, O Sacred Heart
of Jesus!
V. The more impiety endeavors to extinguish our hopes
of immortality,
R. The more we will trust in Thy Heart, sole hope oi
mortals !
V. The more hearts resist thy divine attractions,
R. The more we will love thee, O infinitely amiable Heart
of Jesus!
V. The more thy divinity is attacked,
R. The more we will adore it, O Divine Heart of Jesus?
V. The more thy holy laws are forgotten and transgressed,
R. The more we will observe them, O most holy Heart oi
Jesus !
and the Sacred Heart.
669
J \ The more thy sacraments are despised and abandoned,
R. The more we will receive them with love and respect,
O most liberal Heart of Jesus!
V. The more thy adorable virtues are forgotten,
R. The more we will endeavor to practise them, O Heart
rxiodel of every virtue.
V. The more the devil labors to destroy souls,
R. The more we will be inflamed with desire to save them,
O Heart of Jesus, zealous lover of souls!
V. The more pride and sensuality tend to destroy abne-
gation and love of duty,
R. The more generous we will be in overcoming ourselvesJ
O Heart of Jesus!
0 Jesus, make us such true apostles of Thy Heart, that
reparation to Thee may be our best reward. Amen.
Good Jesus, Who alone orderest all things well,
1 cast myself upon Thine infinite, undeserved love :
I trust Thee with my all . . . myself, and all whom I love,
and all that I desire,
My present and my future, my hopes, and my fears,
My time and my eternity, my joys and my sorrows,
Deal with me as Thou wiliest and knowest best,
Only bind me safe to Thine everlasting love !
Prayer.
I ADORE thee, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, the joy, the
satisfaction, and the supreme ruler of all hearts. With
the same loving kindness that led thee to take the hand of
St. Thomas, and carry it thyself into thy side, make my
heart seek no joy but in thee, O Sacred Heart. May my
heart be ever subject to thy gentle sway, for out of thee it
will find but labor and tribulation, and all the evils of an
unhappy bondage. Amen.
INDULGENCES GRANTED BY POPE PI CIS IX. FOR A NOVENA IN
HONOR OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
HE Sovereign Pontiff, Pius IX., by a rescript given at
Gaeta, Jan. 5, 1849, an& DY another rescript of the
S. Congr. of Indulgences, Nov. 26, 1876, enlarging the con-
cession made by Pius VII., Jan. 13, 18 18, granted on the
Feast of the Sacred Heart, or at one other time during the
year, to all the faithful who shall, with at least contrite
heart and devotion, make a novena in honor of the Sacred
Heart of Jesus with any formula of prayer, provided it be
approved by competent ecclesiastical authority, an indul-
gence of 30c days, every day,
>
670 Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
A plenary indulgence, during#the novena, or on one of the
eight days immediately following, provided that, being truly
penitent, after confession and communion, they shall pray
devoutly for peace and union among Christian princes, foi.
the extirpation of heresy, and for the triumph of holy Mothei
Church.
% jFavorite IRovena to tbe Sacrefc Ibeart of Jesus.
(Feast, Friday after the Octave of Corpus Christi.)
Prayer.
hpVlVINE Jesus, Who hast said: "Ask, and you shall
A^J receive; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall
be opened unto you/' behold me prostrate at Thy feet, ani-
mated with a lively faith and confidence in these promises,
dictated by Thy Sacred Heart and pronounced by Thy
adorable lips. I come to ask [here mention the request]. To
whom can I address myself if not to Thee, Whose Heart is
an inexhaustible source of all graces and merits? Where
should I seek for graces if not in the treasure which contains
all the riches of Thy clemency and bounty? Where must I
knock if it be not at the door through which God communi-
cates Himself to us and through which we go to God? To
thee, then, O Heart of Jesus, I have recourse; in thee I
find consolation when afflicted, protection when persecuted,
strength when overwhelmed with trials, and light in doubt
and darkness.
Thou canst bestow on me the grace which I implore.
Thou hast only to will it and my prayer is granted.. I
acknowledge that I am most unworthy of Thy favors.
O Jesus! But Thou art the God of mercy, and Thoit
wilt not refuse a contrite heart. Cast upon me a loo)
of mercy, I conjure Thee, and Thy compassionate Hea t
will find in my miseries and weakness a pressing moti e
for granting my petition. O Sacred Heart, whatever mdy
be thy decision with regard to my request, I will never cease
to adore, love, praise, and serve thee. Deign, my Jesus,
to accept this, my act of perfect submission to the decrees
of Thy Adorable Heart, which I sincerely desire may be
fulfilled in and by me and all Thy creatures fcr ever and ever.
Amen.
and the Sacred Heart.
671
THE HEART OF JESUS THE SOURCE OF ALL HAPPINESS.
J^HERE is one thing for which every heart craves, after
VzJ its own manner. We all long for happiness — that
is the one great desire that lives in every soul. Hast Thou
not, sweet Jesus, given us that longing? And when Thou
hast given so much, surely Thou wilt not refuse the accom-
plishment of this desire also. Tell us, dear Lord, what souls
are happy, and we will learn from their example. Let us
00k at the faces of those who serve Thee, and we will see
ihem growing brighter and brighter as they draw near Thee,
and they will tell us: When we love Thee sincerely, then
we shall be happy; when we make Thy will the center around
which we move, then we shall be happy; when Thy sweet
Heart, hidden under the sacramental species, is more beau-
tiful in our sight than all else, when we shape and mould
our lives according to the example of that Sacred Heart,
then peace and joy and happiness will be ours. Teach us,
sweet Heart of Jesus, from thy tabernacle, to serve thee as
thou deservest, to love thee above all things, to work for
thee bravely and generously, solely because of thy love
and not for thy gifts. Oh, what happiness may I not promise
myself if I but cling to Thy most generous Heart, and use
my best endeavors to faithfully serve and love Thee. In-
flame my heart with the love of Thee. With St. Ignatius I
pray: ' Lord Jesus, give me but Thy love and Thy grace;
more than this I do not ask." My Jesus, I love Thee with
my whole heart and above all things Let me live but for
Thee; let me die in Thy grace.
INVOCATIONS TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
EOVE of the Heart of Jesus, inflame my heart
Charity of the Heart of Jesus, flow into my heart.
Strength of the Heart of Jesus, support my heart.
Mercy of the Heart of Jesus, pardon mf heart.
Patience of the Heart of Jesus, grow not weary of my heart,
Kingdom of the Heart of Jesus, be in my Heart.
Wisdom of the Heart of Jesus, teach my heart.
Will of the Heart of Jesus, dispose of my heart..
Zeal of the Heart of Jesus, consume my heart.
Immaculate Virgin, pray for us to the Sacred Heart of
Jesus.
Adorable Trinity, we thank Thee for all the favors Ihou
672 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
hast conferred on Thy servant, Saint Margaret Mary,
and through her intercession we hope to obtain the graces
we ask for in this novena.
PRAYER OF SAINT MARGARET MARY
jTSTERNAL Father, permit me to offer Thee the Heart
of Thy well-beloved Son, Jesus Christ, as He offers
Himself to Thee in sacrifice. Receive this oblation for me,
together with all the desires, sentiments, affections, move-
ments, and acts of this Sacred Heart. They are all mine,
since He immolates Himself for me, and henceforth I wish
to have no desires but His. Receive them in satisfaction
for my sins, and in thanksgiving for all Thy benefits. Re-
ceive them, that through His merits Thou mayst grant me
all the graces necessary for me, especially the grace of final per-
severance. Receive them as so many acts of love, adoration,
and praise, which I offer Thy divine majesty, since it is by the
Heart of Jesus Thou art worthily honored and glorified. Amen.
©tber 2lct6 anfc praters wbicb /Ifcag be IHsefc 2>urinc;
a IRovena of tbe SacreD Ibeart
VEN. DE LA COLOMBIERE'S PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART.
O SACRED Heart of Jesus, do thou teach me an entire
forgetfulness of myself, since there is no other way
of entering into thee. Grant that I may do nothing that
is not worthy of thee. Teach me what I ought to do to
attain to thy pure love, with the desire of which thou hast
inspired me. I feel in myself a great wish to please thee,
and a great inability to do so without special light and assist-
ance, which I can look for only from thee. Do Thou accom-
plish in me, O Lord, Thy will. I oppose it, I know well;
but I would fain not do so. It is for thee, O Divine Heart,
to do all; thine alone shall be the glory of my sanctifica-
tion if I become a saint. This is as clear to me as the day.
It will be greatly to thy glory; and it is for this alone I desire
to be perfect. Amen.
ACT OP CONSECRATION TO THE SACRED HEART.
O SACRED Heart of Jesus, filled with infinite love,
broken by my ingratitude, pierced by my sins, yet
loving me still, accept the consecration that I make to thee,
of all that I am and all that 1 have. Take every faculty of
my soul and body, and draw me, day by day, nearer and
■nearer to thy sacred side, and there, as I can bear the lesson,
teach me thy blessed waysi Amen.
and the Sacred Heart,
673
ANOTHER ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE SACRED HEART.
OMOST adorable and sacred Heart of Jesus! I consecrate
to thee my soul with all its faculties, my heart with all
its affections, my body with all its senses, now and for all the days
of my life. O most merciful Heart of Jesus! grant that I may
never be sullied by the stain of mortal sin, and that I may avoid, to
the best of my power, wilful venial sin. O most loving Heart of
Jesus ! preserve me in Thy divine fear and love all the days of my
life, protect me at the hour of my death, and grant me the grace
to see- God "face to face" in the joys of paradise. Amen.
Adorable Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
Immaculate heart of Mary, pray for us!
ACT OF CONSECRATION AND LOVE COMPOSED BY SAINT MARGARET
MARY ALACOQUE.
I, N. N., give and consecrate to the Sacred Heart of
Our Lord Jesus Christ my person and my life, my
actions, penances, and sufferings, not wishing to make use
of any part of my being for the future except in honoring,
loving, and glorifying that sacred Heart.
It is my irrevocable will to be entirely His, and to do
everything for His love, renouncing with my whole heart
whatever might displease Him.
I ^ake Thee then, O most sacred Heart, as the sole
object of my love, as the protector of my life, as the pledge
of my salvation, as the remedy of my frailty and incon-
stancy, as# the repairer of all the defects of my life, and
as my secure refuge in the hour of death.
Be then, 0 Heart of goodness, my justification before
God the Father, and remove far from me the thunderbolts
of His just wrath. 0 Heart of love, I place my whole
confidence in Thee. While I fear all things from my
malice and frailty, I hope all things from Thy goodness.
Consume, then, in me whatever can displease or be
opposed to Thee, and may Thy pure love be so deeply
impressed upon my heart that it may be impossible that
I should ever be separated from Thee, or forget Thee.
I implore Thee, by all Thy goodness, that my name may
be written in Thee, for in Thee I wish to place all my hap-
piness and all my glory, living and dying in very bondage
to Thee. Amen. — saint margaret mary alacoque
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Jan. 13, 1898
Pius X, May 30, 1908.
674 Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
A NOVENA FOR A SPECIAL INTENTION
*VjT DORABLE Heart of Jesus! Furnace of love! Ocean
icmjt I , of boundless mercy! Consolation of the afflicted!
Refuge of sinners, and hope of the whole world! I kneel
before thee in humble and fervent adoration, while I unite
my supplications to the perpetual homage thou thyself
renderest to the Divinity on our altars. Most amiable
Heart! having loved us with an eternal love, supply thy-
self for my insensibility, and receive my desire at least
of loving thee with all the ardor and sincerity thou so
justly meritest. But remember, O Adoraole Heart! that
thou hast disclosed thyself to us not only as an object
of our adoration; thou desirest much more to engage our
love, and to become the ground and motive of our tender
confidence. For this end thou wert pierced through with a
lance on the cross ; and for this same purpose thou remainest
a daily victim of thine own love on our altars. O infinitely
compassionate Heart of Jesus! which was overwhelmed
with sorrow in the Garden of Olives, at the view of our
spiritual and corporal miseries, I come to thee now with all
the confidence thou desirest I should repose in the extent of
thy power and the riches of thy mercy. O my God ! convinced
that those things which are impossible to human means are
infinitely easy to thee, and relying with a humble, steadfast
faith on the sacred words of truth itself, that whatever we
ask the Father in the name of Jesus should be granted, I
now most humbly implore in that adorable name, in virtue
of that promise, and through the abundant mercies of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, the particular favor I petition for in
this novena. [Specify it.]
O Saint Margaret Mary! St. Gertrude! and all ye glori-
ous servants of Christ, who while on earth were particularly
devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, join your prayers
with mine and obtain from the divine Object of all your
devotion the concession of the favor which I now request.
Beg likewise of this adorable Heart, which has dominion
over all hearts, and could in a moment change the most
obdurate, to have compassion on those who are in the dread-
ful state of mortal sin, and to open to us all the treasures of
its mercy at the hour of our death. Amen.
NOVENA TO SAINT MARGARET MARY.
O SAINT Margaret Mary, whose wonderful intimacy
with Our Lord inspires all thy clients with confidence,
exert, we beseech thee, thy influence with His Divine Heart,
and the Sacred Heart.
675
excite its compassion for us in our present necessity, and
obtain what we sc earnestly . ask in this novena. Hgw many
graces, how many conversions thy prayers and penances,
when thou didst dwell on earth, drew from that Ocean of
love and mercy! Be not less zealous now, but let us soon feel
the effects of thy powerful intercession with the Sacred Heart
of Jesus. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Consecration of IReltgious Communities anD jfamiites*
DORABLE Heart of Jesus, mindful of these words
of ineffable love: "Come to Me, all you that
labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you," in
the trials and sorrows of our times, we, though most
unworthy, yet with contrite and humble hearts, approach
thee with confidence as our divine Friend, to conse-
crate to thee most solemnly and for ever, our house, our-
selves, and all our possessions. We kneel before thee
in profound adoration, in fervent thanksgiving for the
numberless graces and blessings that have flowed down
upon our Community (or family) from the tabernacle;
in reparation also for our own irreverences and the
offences of others against thee in the Sacrament of thy
love, and finally in earnest supplication that our prayers,
works, and sufferings, which we now consecrate to thee,
may please thee, and give glory to thy eternal Father,
We devote and consecrate our lives to thee, O Sacred
Heart of Jesus, resolving firmly to love thee more fer-
vently and constantly, to imitate thy virtues, to do
what we can to propagate devotion to thee, and to
labor and suffer in union with thee, for the heavenly
Father's glory, our own sanctification, and the salvation
of souls.
May thy blessing descend upon this house and upon
those who dwell therein, that all may become more
pleasing to thee by meekness, humility, charity, con-
formity to the will of God, self-denial, patience with
6-6 Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament
one another, and in particular by devotedness to their
respective duties.
May all cultivate a life that is hidden in God — an
interior life, without selfishness or egotism, and with a
sole view to advancing in the science of the saints, and
to promoting the glory of God. Deign to look down upon
us graciously, and to seal our good resolutions with thy
grace, so that they may ever remain firm and unchange-
able.
Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us ; immaculate heart of
Mary, pray for us; dear St. Joseph, protect us; guardian
angel, defend us; all ye saints, intercede for us. Amen.
Zbc Uenerable /ifcotber $ulte ^Sllitart anD 1ber
2>e\?otton to tbe Sacred Ibeart*
^ OTHER Julie Billiart, foundress of the Sisters of Notre
Dame, who died at Namur in 1866, had always a
great devotion to the Sacred Heart and boundless confidence
in it. It was to this Divine Heart that she owed the cure
of a most painful malady that had afflicted her for more
than thirty years. Father Enfantin, a man of great faith,
begged her, one day, to join him in making a novena to the
Sacred Heart. On Friday, June 8, 1804, the very day of
the Feast of the Sacred Heart and the fifth day of the novena.
the Father went to see Mother Julie. The first thing he said
to her was: "Mother, if you have faith, take just one step
in honor of the Heart of Jesus." Julie rose and advanced a
step, the first she had taken for twenty-two years. "Now
advance another," said the Father; she obeyed. " One more,"
and again she obeyed. "That will do," said the missionary;
" now, sit down." She sat down saying that she was cured, as
indeed she was. Her heart was inseparably united, as it
were, to the Heart of Jesus, the one object of her thoughts
and affections. One day she wrote to her companions:
' ' How sweet it is to dwell in the Heart of Jesus ! Let us never
leave it, dear daughters ; let us all live there in love, let us all
die there of love." As soon as she had gathered round her
some few helpers in her work, her first thought was to con-
secrate herself, together with them, to the Sacred Heart of
Jesus and the immaculate heart of Mary. Here is a part of
the formula which the venerable foundress herself wrote for
this first consecration:
and the Sacred Heart.
677
"Jesus, my King and my God, I consecrate myself to Thy
Sacred Heart for time and for eternity. To this Divine Heart
I consecrate all that I am, all that I have, all that I hope for:
my liberty, my soul, and all its powers, my memory, my
understanding, my will, my imagination, my body with all
its senses, all my thoughts, my desires, my words, my actions,
my affections, my designs, all my spiritual and corporal
sufferings, all my present merits and those of the future,
every moment of my life, and especially my last sigh. I also
bind myself, my Jesus, to foster and to propagate the devo-
tion to Thy Sacred Heart among the faithful. Mary, Virgin
mmaculate, my Queen and my Mother, I likewise conse-
crate myself to thy most holy heart. Grant, O my Jesus,
that I may breathe my last sigh in Thine Adorable Heart.
May that sigh be an act of love!
IRosarE of tbe SacreD Ibeart-
HERE are various forms of the "Beads of the Sacred
Heart," composed of different sets of indulgenced
prayers. There is no need, however, for special beads. By
repeating certain indulgenced ejaculations, according to
one's choice, with the ordinary string of beads, a perfect
treasury of indulgences is obtained. As a private form of
devotion, it can be adapted to one's inclination.
Some printed forms of the Sacred Heart Beads are mis-
/eading, because they do not discriminate carefully enough
between ejaculations that have an indulgence attached
for each recitation, and such as have an indulgence that
Dan be gained but once a day.
ON THE CROSS.
@OUL of Christ, sanctify me! Body of Christ, save me!
Blood of Christ, inebriate me! Water from the side
of Christ, wash me! Passion of Christ, strengthen me! C
good Jesus, hear me; within Thy wounds, hide me; permit
me not to be separated from Thee ; from the malignant enemy,
defend me; in the hour of death call me and bid me come
to Thee, that with Thy saints, I may praise Thee, for ever
and ever. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time.— -Pius IX., Jan, 9, 1854.
678
Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
Or say the following:
Eternal Father! I offer Thee the precious blood of Jesus
m satisfaction for my sins, and for the wants of holy Church.
Indulgence of 100 days, each time. — Pius VII., Sept. 22, 1817.
Any of the following may be used :
ON THE LARGE BEADS AFTER EACH DECADE.
O sweetest Heart of Jesus, I implore that I may ever love
thee more and more.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time; plenary indulgence, once
a month, on the usual conditions. — Pius IX., Nov. 26, 1876.
Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like unto
Thine.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX., Jan. 25, 1868.
Heart of Jesus, burning with love of us, inflame our hearts
with love of thee.
Indulgence of too days, once a day. — Leo XIII., June 16, 1893.
ON THE SMALL BEADS.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., May 21, 1892.
Sweet heart of Mary, be my salvation.
The latter invocation to the heart of Mary has attached to it
for each recitation 300 hundred days' indulgence. — Pius IX.,
Sept. 30, 1852.
AT THE CONCLUSION.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.
Jesus, Mary7, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony. Jesus,
Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with
you.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time that all three invocations
are recited; 100 days, when only one is recited. — Pius VII.,
April 28, 1807.
Or any of the following:
May the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament
be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection, at
and the Sacred Heart. 679
every moment, in all the tabernacles of the wo rid , even to
the end of time. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., Feb. 29, 1868.
Blessed be the holy and immaculate Conception of the
Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Leo XIII., Sept. 10, 1878.
O Mary, who didst come into this world free from stain
obtain of God for me that I may leave it without sin.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., March 27,1863.
St. Joseph, model and patron of those who love the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, pray for us.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIIL, Dec. 19, 189 ±.
Prayer.
OGOD! Who, out of Thy immense love, hast given to the
faithful the most Sacred Heart of Thy Son, Our Lord,
as the object of Thy tender affection; grant, we beseech
Thee, that we may so love and honor this pledge of Thy
love on earth, as by it to merit the love both of Thee and Thy
gift, and be eternally loved by Thee and this most blessed
Heart in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Through Thy Sacred Heart, O Jesus! overflowing with
all sweetness, we recommend to Thee ourselves and all our
concerns, our parents, confessors, relatives, friends, bene-
factors, superiors, and enemies; take under Thy protection
this house, city, and country; extend this Thy care to all
such as are under any affliction, and to those who labor in the
agony and pangs of death; cast an eye of compassion on
the obstinate sinner, and more particularly on the poor suffer-
ing souls in purgatory, as also on those who are engaged
and united with us in the holy confraternity of honoring
and worshipping Thee. Bless these in particular, O good
Jesus, and bless them according to the extent of Thy infinite
power, mercy, and charity. Amen.
PRAYER WHEN SUFFERING.
WEET Jesus! may Thine own patient, loving Heart
teach me to love suffering, and to prize highly every
thorn Thou givest me from Thy crown, every splinter of Thy
sacred cross.
680 Thursday : The Blessed Sacrament
O most loving Heart of my Jesus, thou who art the fruitful
source of all graces, deign to inflame my heart with a most
perfect love of thee, and of thy dear Mother Mar}7 — an
ardent charity for my neighbor, an entire resignation to thy
most holy will — a contempt for worldly pleasures, a holy
life, and a happy death. Amen.
The following Acts are recited publicly in many churches on
lke first Friday of the month. Other Acts in this book may be
used also for this occasion.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
*~fT* DORABLE Heart of Jesus, the most loving, the most
f I w generous of all hearts ! Heart ever burning with love
upon our altars; deeply penetrated with gratitude and love
for thy numberless blessings, we consecrate ourselves unre-
servedly to thee. We give thee our hearts ; that the offering
may be acceptable, make them meek, humble, patient, and
generous, like thine O Jesus, we consecrate to Thee our
thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings. We pledge ourselves
to labor unceasingly to propagate devotion to Thy Sacred
Heart and gain souls to Thy love. Receive us, then, as Thy
devoted servants, and mayest Thou be henceforth the sole
object of our love, our refuge, and strength during life, our
hope and salvation in the hour of death. Amen.
AN ACT OF REPARATION.
*T^\IVINE Jesus! ever present on our altars, we cast our
JLJ selves at Thy sacred feet, penetrated with lively
sorrow at the sight of the ingratitude and outrages which
unceasingly afflict Thy Heart.
Look upon us as victims laden with our own sins and the sins
of all mankind, that, by this homage, we may offer Thee an
acceptable atonement and solemn reparation. Have mercy
on us, O Jesus, have mercy on us ! From the cross Thou didst
forgive Th»y executioners; pardon us also; listen to the
pleadings of Thy Sacred Heart, and our sins will be consumed
in its love.
We do not merit this grace ; but with the fire of Thy love,
destroy in us all that may be displeasing to Thee, and im-
plant in our hearts sentiments worthy of appeasing Thy jus-
tice. Sacred Heart of Jesus ! watch over our Sovereign Pon-
tiff, and thy holy Church, our Mother. Be thou the salva-
tion of Christians, the 'safeguard of those who have recourse
and the Sacred Heart.
to thee, the refuge of sinners. Grant us the grace of devoting
ourselves solely and entirely to thy service ; and thus gain-
ing souls to thy love, may we finally share in the inheritance
thou hast reserved for those who love thee. Amen.
A SHORT ACT OF CONSECRATION.
{Recommended to Promoters)
O JESUS, Saviour of mankind, Thou hast mercifully
revealed to us the wonderful riches of Thy Heart ; in
thanksgiving for Thy benefits, especially for the institution
of the Holy Eucharist — in reparation for the offences against
the Blessed Sacrament — in union with Thy mediation in
heaven for us, poor sinners, I consecrate myself entirely
to Thee, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. I
promise to aid in spreading the worship and in promoting
the interests of Thy Sacred Heart.
I choose, moreover, the Blessed Virgin Mary for my Queen,
my Advocate, and my Mother, and I am resolved to imitate
her virtues, in particular her love for sinners, and to foster
and promote devotion to her Immaculate Conception. I
beseech Thee humbly to accept this promise. Thou hast
inspired me to make it ; grant me the grace to fulfil it. Amen.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love!
Sweet heart of Mary, be my salvation!
3be /Ifeontb of Sune-
IS Holiness, Pope Pius IX., by a decree of the S. Congr. of
Indulgences, May 8, 1873, granted to all the faithful
who, during the month of June, either in public or in private,
shall, with at least contrite heart, say some special prayers,
or perform some pious acts in honor of the most Sacred Heart
of Jesus, an indulgence of seven years, once a day; a plenary
indulgence, on any one day of the month, provided that, being
truly penitent, after confession and communion, they shall
v isit some church or public oratory, and. pray there devoutly,
for some time, for the intention of His Holiness.
Acts and prayers in sufficient abundance and variety arc found
in this book for the month of June.
FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART,
PLENARY indulgence to all the faithful who, being
truly penitent, after confession and communion,
shall visit any church or public oratory in which the Feast
682 The Blessed Sacrament and the Sacred Heart.
of the Sacred Heart is celebrated, and pray there for the
intention of the Sovereign Pontiff. — Pius VII., July 7, 1815.
PIOUS EXERCISE OF THE FRIDAYS IX HONOR OF THE SACRED
HEART OF JESUS
O the faithful who, on Friday after confession and com-
\z) munion, shall meditate for some time upon the infinite
goodness of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and pray according to
the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff, a plenary indulgence,
on the first Friday of every month; an indulgence of seven
years and seven quarantines on all the other Fridays of the
year. — Leo XIII., Sept. 7, 1897.
INVOKING THE BLESSING OF THE SACRED HEART UPON A
FRIEND.
AY the grace and blessing of the Sacred Heart be with
you; the peace of the Sacred Heart encompass you;
the merits of the Sacred Heart plead for you; the love of
the Sacred Heart inflame you; the sorrows of the Sacred
Heart console you; the zeal of the Sacred Heart animate you;
the virtues of the Sacred Heart shine forth in every word
and work, and may the joys of the beatific vision be your
eternal recompense. Amen.
PRAVER for the faithful in their agony.
OCLEMENTISSIME Jesu,
amator animarum : ob-
secro Te per agoniam cordis
tui sanctissirni, et per dolores
matris tuae immaculate, lava
in sanguine tuo peccatores
totius mundi, nunc positos
in agonia et hodie morituros.
Amen.
V. Cor Jesu in agonia fac-
tum, miserere morientium.
OST merciful Jesus,lover
of souls! I pray Thee,
by the agony of Thy most
Sacred Heart, and by the
sorrows of Thy immaculate
Mother, wash in Thy blood
the smners of the whole world
who are now in their agony,
and are to die this day. Amen.
V. Heart of Jesus, once in
agony, pity the dying.
Indulgence of 100 days each time, to those who shall say it at
least three times a day for a month, at different hours of the day;
a plenary indulgence, once a month, on usual conditions. — Pius
IX., Feb. 2, 1850.
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord. 683
©evottons in Ibonpr of tbe passion of
©ur 2Lor&,*
STbougbte trom tbe Saints*
T. Bonaventure says: "He who desires to go on ad-
vancing from virtue to virtue, from grace to grace,
should constantly meditate on the Passion of Jesus Christ.
There is no exercise more profitable for the entire sanctifi-
cation of the soul than frequent meditation on the sufferings
of Our Lord."
He who frequently reflects on the Passion, can not live
without loving Jesus Christ. As St. Paul says : "The charity
of Christ presseth us" (2 Cor. v. 14).
Such a one will feel himself so constrained by the Saviour's
ineffable love for him, that he will not possibly be able to
refrain from loving a God so full of love, Who has suffered
so much to win our love. Hence, the Apostle of the Gentiles
said that he desired to know nothing but Jesus, and Jesus
crucified. "I judged not myself to know anything among
you but Jesus Christ, and Him crucified" (1 Cor. ii. 2). Ali
the saints have learned the art of loving God from the study
of the crucifix. St. Francis of Assisi found no subject on
which he exhorted his brethren with greater eagerness than
the constant remembrance of the Passion of Jesus.
"As for myself," writes St. Alphonsus, "I can never be
satiated with meditating on the Passion of our divine Re-
deemer. In this subject I find everything. To meditate
well on it teaches the perfect observance of the vows and
rules, the love of contempt and of the trials that are insep-
arable from the religious life. He will never effect much
who does not carry Jesus Christ crucified in his heart.. He
who keeps his Redeemer in view, can not but love Him truly."
Jesus Christ crucified should be our love, our life, our treasure,
our all. With St. Paul, we ought to be able to say: "With
Christ I am nailed to the cross; and I live, now not I, but
Christ liveth in me. ... I live in the faith of the Son of
God, Who loved me and delivered Himself for me" (Gal. ii. 19,
20).
* The devotions in honor of the Sacred Heart are usually
given to Friday. All the suitable Sacred Heart prayers will be
found in conjunction with the devotion to the Blessed Sacrament,
beginning page 601, See foot-note on page 547.
684 Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord.
MEDITATIONS ON THE SORROWFUL PASSION OF OUR LORI>
AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, AND PIOUS EXTERIOR AND
INTERIOR EXERCISES FOR EVERY DAY IN THE MONTH.*
■lyS*eSSsioi?riSf,S Exterior Exercises.
Interior Exercise::,
Jesus takes leave of
His Mother.
Jesus washes the
* feet of His disci-
ples.
Jesus Christ insti-
tutes the Sacrament
of the Blessed
Eucharist.
Jesus gives His last
admonitions to His
apostles before His
Passion.
Jesus prays in the
Garden of Olives
and sweats blood
for our salvation.
Jesus is betrayed by
Judas with a kiss.
Jesus is arrested
and bound like a
criminal.
Jesus is led to An-
nas.
Jesus receives a blow
on the cheek from
a servant.
Jesus is thrice de-
nied by Peter.
Jesus is mocked all
night long, and is
badly treated and
tormented.
Not to complain to i
any one about
one's sufferings,
and not to seek
human consolation.
To assume the
meaner occupa-
tions.
Often make a spiri-
tual communion
during the day,
and at meals per-
form some little
mortification.
Not to speak un-
necessarily during
the day. and be so
much the more at-
tentive to the di-
vine inspirations.
Fervently hasten to
the prescribed ex-
ercises of devotion.
Act in a friendly
m anner toward
those who are dis-
agreeable and op-
posed to us.
To deny our own
will.
Perform at once the
good resolved upon
or commanded.
Xot to excuse our-
selves, when,
though i nnocent ,
we are blamed or
punished. _
To complain of no
one.
To mortify ourselves
on all occasions
without attracting
observation.
I wish for nothing
besides Thee, O
my Lord and God.
O Lord, wash and
cleanse my impure
heart.
O Lord, I am not
worthy that Thou
shouldst enter un-
der my roof.
Speak, O Lord, for
Thv servant hear-
eth.
Loid, not my wilL
but Thine be
done!
Who will grant, O
Life of my soul,
that I mav die for
Thee ?
O my Jesus, like a
lamb Thou didst
not open Thy
mouth.
Thou, O God, art my
strength; in Thee X
can do all things.
O Lord, I am only
what I am before
Thee, neither bet-
ter nor worse.
Behold me, O Lordr
have mercy on me.
O my Jesus, Thou
canst now say, I am
a worm, and not a
man.
* From "Helps to a Spiritual Life.'
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord. 685
Mysteries of Christ's
Passion.
Jesus is brought to
Pilate at early
Jesus is led bound
to Herod.
Jesus Christ , the
eternal Wisdom, is
clothed in a white
garment and
mocked.
Jesus is brought
back in great dis-
grace from Herod
to Pilate,
Barabbas, the rob-
ber, is preferred to
Jesus, the chief
Good.
Jesus is most cruelly
scourged.
Jesus Christ , the
King of heaven and
earth, is crowned
with thorns.
Jesus is shown in
this lamentable
state to the people.
20 Jesus is unjustly
j condemned to
I death.
21 j Jesus carries His
heavy cross.
Jesus, carrying His
cross, meets His
sorrowful Mother.
At the end of the
way of the cross
Jesus is allowed
neither refresh-
ment nor rest.
Exterior Exercises. Interior Exercises.
To _ address _ our
neighbor in a
friendly manner.
Neither do nor neg-
lect anything good
out of human re-
spect
To -say or dc some-
thing that may
draw contempt on
us.
Constantly to _ pre-
serve holy patience
amid crosses and
trials.
To say nothing in
our own praise.
Carefully to restrain
our eyes in honor
of Jesus stripped.
On this day espe-
cially let _ us yield
to our neighbor in
all things lawful.
Neither desire to
please men , nor
fear to displease
them.
To explain every-
thing in favor of
our neighbor.
In honor of Jesus
carrying His cross
to assist others in
their hard work.
To practice some
devotion in honor
of the Mother of
God, and to con-
sole the afflicted.
Not to eat out of
meal-time, not to
sit down without
necessity if fa-
tigued.
O Lord, I offer my-
self to Thee as a
constant holocaust
of Thy love.
O my Jesus, the
more Thou allowest
Thyself to be de-
spised the more I
love Thee.
O my dearest
Spouse , I will
rather be despised
with Thee, than be
honored without
Thee.
My kingdom js not
of this world.
O dearest Jesus, my
God and mv all.
O Lord, is it possi-
ble for me to see
Thee in such tor-
ments, and not to
melt into tears?
O my Jesus, it was
I, who by my pride „
placed this crown
of thorns on Thy
head.
My Lord and my
God, in possessing
Thee I possess all
things.
O Lord, I have de-
served death.
My Lord, grant me
the grace to suffer
something for Thy
sake.
O dearest Mother,
assist me in every
trial, anguish, and
want.
O my Jesus, for Thy
sake change for me
all earthly sweet-
ness into bitterness*
686
Devotions in Honor of the Passion 0/ Our Lord.
Mysteries of Christ's
Passion.
Exterior Exercises.
Interior Exercises.
Jesus is stripped of
His clothes shame-
fully and amid
great suffering.
Jesus is nailed to
the cross.
Jesus, fearfully in-
sulted and reviled,
prays for His ene-
mies.
Jesus cries out. I
thirst ; and is
given gall and vin-
egar to drink.
Jesus amid great
torments gives up
His soul.
The Sacred Heart
of Jesus is pierced
with a lance.
Jesus is taken down
from the cross and
placed in the sep-
ulcher.
Mary, the Mother
of sorrows, is con-
stant in suffering,
and perfectly con-
formed to God's
holy will.
To suffer patiently
the inclemencies of
the weather.
Not to lean against
anything when
seated, or — when
not observed — to
pray with out-
stretched arms.
Most willingly to re-
turn good for in-
juries received.
Not to drink out of
meals.
To obey perfectly
even in difficult
matters.
To exercise hearty
and benevolent
charity toward our
neighbor.
Strive to practice
poverty perfectly.
Strive to practice
true self-denial, and
accept all things
with a holy indif-
ference from the
hands of God.
Forgive me, 0 m/
Saviour, for hav-
ing so delicately
treated my body.
0 Lord, suffer not
Thy great pains to
be in vain for me.
O Lord, how much
more hast Thou
forgiven me, than I
have forgiven m}
neighbor!
May the blood of
Jesus Christ be
given me to drink
and to cleanse me
from my sins.
0 Jesus, to Thee 1
live; O Jesus, to
Thee I die; O Je-
sus, Thine am I in
life and death!
With the darts of
Thy love. O Lord,
wound my heart
and _ remain my
portion for ever.
0 my only Good
I willingly embrace
holy poverty, since
for my sake, Thou
didst become the
poorest of all.
Holy Mother, im ■
press thy sufferings
deeply in our hearts.
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord. 687
Gbe IDta Crude or HOag ot tbe Groes-
To gain the many plenary and partial indulgences annexed
to the "Way of the Cross," only two conditions are necessary.
1. To jollow tlie Stations (where they are canonically erected),
moving from one to another without any notable interruption.
2. To meditate on the Passion.
A PREPARATION FOR THE WAY OF THE CROSS.
<T"~\0 we all remember how holy and how easy a manner
JLJ of honoring our dear Saviour's Passion it is to follow
the "Way of the Cross " ? How pleasing this is to Our Lord
we may judge from His own words to St. Gertrude: "As
they who handle flour can not but be whitened by it, so no
one, however imperfect his devotion may be, can occupy
his mind with the Passion, without receiving some benefit.
However grievous the load of a man's sins, he may take
comfort in the hope of pardon, if he offer to God the Father
My Passion and death." The Church bestows on those who
perform this devotion all the indulgences formerly granted
to those who devoutly visited the Holy Land, and venerated
the very spots on which Our Saviour suffered.
It is very easy to make the Stations. Only one condition
is required: to think about Our Lord's sufferings as we visit
each of the fourteen Stations in turn. "We are not obliged
to remain long at each one. No prayers are enjoined; we
have only to think of Our Lord's sufferings; and when the
pictures are before our eyes, this is not difficult.
And yet, how greatly neglected is this easiest and most
profitable devotion, because men think it too hard for
them! Like the beads, it is a devotion particularly suited
to those who can not read.
The Stations begin when Our Lord is condemned to death.
If we have in our minds what He had gone through before
that moment, we shall make them more devoutly. Our
Lord had washed His disciples' feet; He had prated, and
spoken words of love to them; He had given them His
blessed body and blood. In the Garden of Gethsemane,
the three disciples had fallen asleep. "He was offered because
He willed it." Yet His soul shrank in fear and horror from
the coming torments, all of which He clearly saw, from
which there was no escape, and in which no one would stand
by Him. An agony of shame and sorrow for all the sins He
had taken upon Him then overwhelmed Him. O blessed
contrition of the Son of God, which gives such value to our
688 Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord.
poor acts of sorrow! This agony was followed by another,
that of weariness and desolation at the ingratitude of so
many who would reject and despise all He was about to
suffer for their love. "My soul is sorrowful unto death."
At length an angel is sent to Him O divine humility of the
Son of God, to accept comfort from His own creature ! Next
comes the betrayal — the kiss of Judas — Jesus is seized and
bound, His right hand passes through the half -secured coil
of rope and is stretched out, as of old, to heal the ear of His
enemy — then it returns to its fetters; He is now dragged
before the judges — and is disowned by His disciple Peter. . .
The terrible scourging follows, and after it the crowning
with thorns. What must be the extent of the evil of sin,
which demands so great a satisfaction!
Such was Our Lord's preparation for making the "Way
of the Cross.' '
FIRST STATION.
Jesus Christ Condemned to Death.
"God did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for
us all."
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
(This versicle and response are repeated before each station.)
HILE Pilate condemns Him to death, Jesus in His
Heart renews His unshaken resolution to suffer
His Passion and to undergo this cruel death for us. For
the love of me He overcomes all the repugnance of nature.
Is my determination to die to myself, to carry out my good
resolutions as strong? He endures so much, and asks so
little. If I refuse that little can I be said to love Him?
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
V. Have mercy upon us, O Lord.
R. Have mercy upon us.
V. May the souls of the faithful, etc.
R. Amen.
Stab at Mater.
SECOND STATION.
Jesus Receives the Cross.
"The Lord hath laid upon Him the iniquity of us all; for the
sins of His people He hath struck Him."
3ESUS embraces His cross, takes it on His shoulders,
and continues to carry it generously, cheerfully.
When St. Andrew cried out: "O good cross!"' he had but a
Devotions in Honor of ihe Passion of Our Lord. 689
spark of Our Lord's love of the cross How do I carry my
daily cross? the cross of my state, of my daily duties, of ill-
ness, of interior and exterior sufferings?
May the example of our divine Master make us renew
our resignation and our love of the cross; our perseverance
in carrying it courageously.
Our Father, etc., as above.
THIRD STATION.
Jesus falls the First Time under the Weight of the Cross.
Truly He took upon Himself our pains, and He bore our soITows.,,
T2 ESUS falls under the weight of the cross. His suffer-
1J ings are intense, inconceivable. He is grieved at
His fall because it delays His sacrifice. "With desire I have
desired'5 to accomplish My Passion. But He is not irritated
either with Himself or His executioners; calmly and with
resignation He continues His way. Do I rise promptly after
each fall, making my act of contrition, which at once casts
out the poison of sin; and calmly resume my way, renewing
my sorrow at the next Examen and at Confession?
Our Father, etc., as above.
FOURTH STATION.
Jesus is Met by His Blessed Mother.
O all ye that pass by, attend and see if there be sorrow like unU>
my sorrow.' '
HY did Jesus permit this painful meeting? He wished
to make Mary a partaker of His Passion. She was
to become my Mother by sharing His sufferings. Oh, how
much my Mother Mary loves me ! For my sake she gives up
her adorable, her best -beloved Son to torments and death.
What is my love, my devotion toward her ? Do I frequently
invoke this loving Mother? Am I faithful in honoring her
by the Rosary and other practices?
Our Father, etc., as above.
FIFTH STATION.
The Cross is Laid upon Simon of Cyrene.
u It behooveth us to glory in the cross of Our -Lord Jesus Christ. ,!
OUR Lord can no longer carry His cross alone; yet no
one offers to help Him. Simon of Cyrene is forced
to do so and soon his heart is changed ; he learns to love the
cross. Jesus wishes to help me to carry my cross, but He
690 Devoiions in Honor 0/ the Passion 0/ Our Lord..
desires to be urged to do so. I must pray, and keep near
Him, by my fervor in my spiritual Exercises, Mass, holy
communion, by ejaculatory prayers and remembrance 01
the presence of God
Our Father ', etc., as above.
SIXTH STATION.
The Face of Jesus is Wiped by Veronica.
"Turn not Thv face from me, O Lord, and withdraw not in
anger from Thy servant."
/^*HE pious Veronica braves danger and insults in order
\zJ to solace the sufferings of Jesus. He, in return, im-
prints His sacred features on her veil with sweat and blood.
My divine Saviour wishes me to reproduce His features in
my soul ; but that it may be so there must be sweat : labors,
efforts, and struggle; blood: mortification, pain, suffering.
Without this my desire of holiness is vain.
Our Father, etc., as above.
SEVENTH STATION.
Jesus falls a Second Time.
H I am a worm and no man, the reproach of men and outcast of
the people."
ESUS falls a second time, yet in spite of the cruelty
of His executioners, notwithstanding His extreme
weakness, and His terror at the approach of death, His courage
does not fail ; He rises generously to continue His painful road
with even greater courage. My Saviour, grant that I may
profit by this example. A first fall astonishes me; by
a second and a third I am quite overcome. I scarcely rise,
and then how feebly! The enemy whispers to me: "If you
rise let it be languidly." But by His example Jesus says:
"Rise energetically." This one point well observed would
assure my progress in holiness.
Our Father, etc., as above.
EIGHTH STATION.
The Women of Jerusalem Mourn for Our Lord.
"The crown has fallen from our head; woe unto us, for we have
sinned."
ESUS is followed by a crowd of compassionate women
weeping and lamenting. Touched by their com-
passion He forgets His own sorrows and says to them:
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord. 691
" Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for Me, but for yourselves
and for your children." The sentiment of compassion is
good, but the compassion that leads to action is better.
I must weep over my faults, and, better still, fight against
the principal source of them: my predominant passion.
"Behold," says Jesus, "how I trample under foot pride,
sensuality and the passions of the human heart by My
excesses of humiliation and suffering and will you not weep
over yourself?" Not to deserve these reproaches of my
Saviour I will assiduously practice the Particular Examen.
Our Father, etc., as above.
NINTH STATION.
Jesus jails the Third Time Under the Cross.
"My people, what have I done to thee, or in what have I grieved
thee? Answer thou Me."
ESUS again gives me a lesson how I ought to persevere
in rising after my falls. Rising anew after each fall,
and notwithstanding His weakness, He reaches the summit
of Calvary. What is it that can help me after my guilty
and repeated falls ? A holy obstinacy in always rising again,
in never giving up my resolutions; this is true perseverance
ant1 assured sanctity. Am I thus resolved never to abandon
the struggle?
Our Father, etc., as above
TENTH STATION
Jesus is Stripped of His Garments.
"The Lord hath laid upon Him the iniquity of us all, and by His
stripes we are healed."
IN this mystery Jesus expiates especially the sensual
pleasures and guilty voluptuousness of mankind. Am
I fully determined never to give Him anything to expiate
or to suffer upon this account? "Blessed are the clean of
heart " Seeing all that my Saviour endures, I will be care-
ful never to run any risk of sinning, to avoid all occasions
of danger and not seek to know, to see, read or think of any-
thing that would sully my soul. On the contrary I will
patiently suffer oain, and be faithful to the practice of cor-
poral mortification.
Our Father, etc., as above.
692 Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord.
ELEVENTH STATION.
Jesus is Nailed to the Cross.
"What are these wounds that I see in the midst of Thy hands?
They are the wounds that I have received in the house of
those who loved Me! "
ESUS gives Himself up to His executioners who pierc*
His sacred hands and feet with cruel nails. "They
have pierced My hands and feet; they have numbered all
My bones." "He was crucified — even for us" — becoming
obedient unto death, even unto the death of the cross.
What a sublime lesson of obedience ! After the example of
my divine Saviour, am I thus ready to suffer any pain rather
than not obey my Superiors? My Lord does this — but do
I not sometimes refuse to obey for fear of a little pain or a
trifling inconvenience? Ought I not to be more generous
and say: "Stainless will I live, or rather die"?
Our Father, etc., as above
TWELFTH STATION.
Jesus Dies Upon the Cross.
4i Christ was made obedient for us unto death, even unto the
death of the cross."
S Jesus hangs upon the cross He utters the cry of anguish :
"My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me!"
"All," then "is consummated" Hanging there, one living
mass of pain, suffering the keenest excess of agony in every
power of His holy soul, in every limb and sense of His sacred
body, He has redeemed me like a God. "Because with
the Lord there is mercy, and with Him plentiful Redemption."
Who can doubt of pardon, having such a victim to offer to
the Eternal Father, and not exclaim when tempted to des*
pondency: "Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit"?
Thus Jesus accomplishes His work of devotedness and sac-
rifice. "Behold this Heart," He says, "which has so loved
men!" Can I now spare myself? Ought I not to devote
myself entirely to His interests, to my work, especially that
winch is hard and difficult, and even say with His saints-
"Still more suffering, O Lord, still more'i"
Our Father, etc., as above.
Devotions in honor oj the passion of Our Lord. 693
THIRTEENTH STATION.
Jesus is Laid in the arms oj His Blessed Mother.
f*Holy Mother, pierce me through; in my heart each wound
renew of my Saviour crucified."
HAT anguish must have been that of Mary when the
lifeless body of her divine Son was placed in her
arms!
Each wound of His was a sword which pierced her immacu-
late heart. And yet Mary is the Queen of heaven and earth,
and beloved by God more than all other creatures together.
Suffering is, then, the sign of His love, and I must not refuse
to be treated like my Mother. I must abandon myself
with confidence to all the designs of God's sweet providence
and not change into poison, by my impatience, the gifts
God sends me to make me like His Son.
Our Father, etc., as above.
FOURTEENTH STATION,
Jesus is Laid in the SepulcJter.
"Thou wilt not give Thy holy One to see corruption."
IN the holy sepulcher there is no natural life, but only
the divine. The sacred wounds are there, the mangled
body, but what peace there is on those features, what serenity
on that brow! So will it be with me when nature is dead in
me, and when my passions are quelled. To attain to this
supernatural life I will practice exterior recollection by
silence and modesty of demeanor, and interior recollection
by seeking the things that are above.
Our Father, etc., as above.
Let us pray.
*"| — ' OOK down, O Lord, we beseech Thee, on this Thy
i family, for which Our Lord Jesus Christ did not hesi-
tate to be delivered into the hands of wicked men, and to
suffer the torment of the cross. Who livest and reignest
world without end. Amen.
Five Our Fathers, Hail Marys and- Glory for the intention of
the Holy Father,
694 Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord.
Xltans of tbe passion *
— 'ORD, have mercy on us.
, 1 .1 Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us! Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven,
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Jesus, the Eternal Wisdom,
Jesus, sold for thirty pieces of silver,
Jesus, prostrate on the ground in prayer,
Jesus, strengthened by an angel,
Jesus, in Thine agony bathed in a bloody sweat,
Jesus, betrayed by Judas with a kiss,
Jesus, bound by the soldiers,
Jesus, forsaken by Thy disciples,
Jesus, brought before Annas and Caiphas,
Jesus, struck in the face by a servant,
Jesus, accused by false witnesses,
Jesus, declared guilty of death,
Jesus, spat upon,
Jesus, blindfolded,
Jesus, smitten on the cheek,
Jesus, thrice denied by Peter,
Jesus, delivered up to Pilate,
Jesus, despised and mocked by Herod,
Jesus, clothed in a white garment,
Jesus, rejected for Barabbas,
Jesus, torn with scourges,
Jesus, bruised for our sins,
Jesus, esteemed a leper,
Jesus, covered with a purple robe,
Jesus, crowned with thorns,
Jesus, struck with a reed upon the head,
Jesus, demanded for crucifixion by the Jews,
Jesus, condemned to an ignominious death,
Jesus, given up to the will of Thine enemies,
Jesus, loaded with the heavy weight of the cross,
Jesus, led like a sheep to the slaughter,
Jesus, stripped of Thy garments,
jesus, fastened with nails to the cross,
* For private devotion.
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord.
Jesus, reviled by the malefactors,
Jesus, promising paradise to the penitent thief,
Jesus, commending St. John to Thy Mother as her son,
Jesus, declaring Thyself forsaken by Thy Father,
Jesus, in Thy thirst given gall and vinegar to drink,
Jesus, testifying that all things written concerning Thee
were accomplished,
Jesus, commending Thy spirit into the hands of Thy
Father,
jesus, obedient even to the death of the cross
Jesus, pierced with a lance, ...
Jesus, made a propitiation for us,
Jesus, taken down from the cross,
Jesus, laid in the sepulcher,
Jesus, rising gloriously from the dead,
Jesus, ascending into heaven,
Jesus, our Advocate with the Father,
Jesus, sending down on Thy disciples the Holy Ghost,
the Paraclete,
Jesus, exalting Thy Mother above the choirs of angels,
Jesus, Who shalt come to judge the living and the dead,
Be merciful.
Spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful.
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
From all evil,
From all sin,
From anger, hatred, and every evil will,
From war, famine, and oestilence,
From all dangers of mind and body,
From everlasting death,
Through Thy most pure conception,
Through Thy miraculous nativity,
Through Thy humble circumcision,
Through Thy baptism and holy fasting,
Through Thy labors and watchings,
Through Thy cruel scourging and crowning,
Through Thy thirst, and tears, and nakedness,
Through Thy precious death and cross,
Through Thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension,
Through Thy sending forth the Holy Ghost, the Para-
clete,
In the day of judgment,
We sinners
Beseech Thee, hear us.
696 Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lor a.
That Thou wouldst spare us;
That Thou wouldst pardon us,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to bring us to true penance,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe mercifully to pour into our |
hearts the grace of the Holy Spirit,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to defend and propagate | ^
Thy holy Church, | 5-
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to preserve and increase | §
all societies assembled in Thy holy name, j
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to bestow upon us true \ S
peace, | §
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to give us perseverance in | V*
grace and in Thy holy service, §
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to deliver us from unclean g
thoughts, the temptations of the devil, and everlasting
damnation,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to unite us to the com-
pany of Thy saints,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe graciously to hear us,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare
us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, gra-
ciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have
mercy on us, O Lord.
Christ, hear us; Christ, graciously hear us.
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee:
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the
world.
Let us pray.
LMIGHTY and eternal God, Who hast appointed Thine
only-begotten Son the Saviour of the world, and
hast willed to be appeased with His blood, grant that we
may so venerate this price of our salvation, and by its might
be so defended upon earth from the evils of this present life,
that in heaven we may rejoice in its everlasting fruit. Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, world without end. Amen.
PRAYERS COMPOSED BY ST. CLARA OP ASSISI IN HONOR OP
THE FIVE WOUNDS OP OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
i.
To the Wound in the Right Hand.
^T^\ RAISE be to Thee, O my Lord Jesus Christ, for the
w I most sacred wound in Thy right hand. By this
adorable wound and by Thy most sacred Passion pardon
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord. 697
me all the sins I have committed against Thee in thought,
word, and deed, with my negligence in Thy service and the
sensuality of which I have been guilty, whether in sleeping
or watching. Grant me a devout remembrance of Thy most
merciful death, and of Thy divine wounds; grant me the
grace to mortify my body and thus offer Thee a token of my
gratitude, Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen,
Our Father, Hau Mary.
II.
To the Wound in the Left Hand
RAISE axid glory tc Thee, 0 sweet Jesus Christ, for
the most sacred wound in Thy left hand. By this
adorable wound have mercy on me and deign to root
out of my heart everything displeasing to Thee. Give me
victory over Thy perverse enemies, that with Thy grace I
may be able to overcome them. By the merits of Thy most
merciful death save me from all dangers in the present and
the future life, and grant that in heaven I may live gloriously
with Thee, Who livest and reignest for ever and ever Amen.
Our FatJier. Hail Mary.
III.
To the Wound in ilie Right Foot.
RAISE and glory to Thee, O sweet Jesus Christ, for
the most sacred wound in Thy right foot. *By this
adorable wound grant that I may be able to do penance
for my sins. By Thy most merciful death I devoutly sup-
plicate Thee to keep Thy poor servant, night and day, united
to Thy holy will, averting all disasters from body and soul.
When the day of wrath shall come, receive me in Thy mercy,
and conduct me to eternal blessedness; Thou Who livest
and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.
Our Father , Hail Mary.
IV.
To tlie Wound in tlie Left Foot.
*TT% RAISE and glory to Thee, 0 most merciful Jesus Christ,
g I for the most sacred wound in Thy left foot. By
this adorable wound grant me the grace of a full indulgence
that, with Thy help, I may deserve to avoid the sentence
of eternal reprobation. I pray Thee also, by Thy most holy
death, O my merciful Redeemer, that I may before death
receive the Sacrament of Thy body and blood, with the con-
fession of my sins and perfect penitence, and purity of body
and mind. Grant that I may also receive the sacred unction
6gS Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord.
for my eternal salvation, 0 Lord, Who livest and reignest
for ever and ever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary.
V.
To the Wound in the Sacred Side.
RAISE and glory to Thee, O most benign Jesus Christ,
for the most sacred wound in Thy side. By this
adorable wound, and by Thy infinite mercy shown . in the
opening of Thy side, first to the soldier, Longinus, and now
to us all. I beseech Thee that, having freed me by baptism
from original sin, so now, by Thy precious blood, which is
offered and received in all parts of the world, Thou wilt
deliver me from all evils, past, present, and future. By
Thy most bitter death, grant me a lively faith, a firm hope,
a perfect charity, that I may love Thee with all my heart,
with all my soul, and with all my strength. Confirm me
in doing good; grant me perseverance in Thy service by
which I may ever please Thee. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary.
V- 7XDORAMUS Te,
cJr-*- Christe, et
benedicimus tibi.
R. Quia per mortem et
sanguinem tuum redemisti
mundum.
Oremus.
OMNIPOTBNS sempi-
terne Deus, qui hu-
manum genus per Filii tui
Domini nostri Jesu Christi
quinque vulnera redemisti,
prsesta supplicibus tuis, ut
qui ejusdem vulnera quotidie
veneramur, per pretiosum
ejus sanguinem a morte subi-
tanea et aeterna liberari
valeamus. Per e u m d e m
Christum Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
V '//) TE adore Thee, O
vxA» Christ, and bless
Thee.
R. Because by Thy death
and Thy blood Thou hast
redeemed the world.
Let us pray.
LMIGHTY, everlasting
God, Who hast re-
deemed the world by the five
wounds of Thy Son, Our Lord
Jesus Christ, grant us, Thy
suppliants, that, daily ven-
erating His holy wounds, we
may by His precious blood
be delivered from a sudden
and eternal death. Through
the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., Nov. aiu
1885.
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord. 699
HOW PLEASING IT IS TO OUR LORD TO PRAY WITH HANDS OUT-
STRETCHED IN THE FORM OF A CROSS.
^T. Gertrude said to Our Lord: Teach me, O Thou best
Teacher, one way at least in which we may most
specially commemorate Thy holy Passion . Our Lord answered
her thus: " When you pray, spread forth your hands so as to
represent to God the Father the memory of My Passion, in
union with that love with which I stretched out My hands
on the cross; and if you do this habitually, without fear of
ridicule or reproach, you will pay Me an honor as great as
is shown to a king when he is solemnly enthroned."
ST. GERTRUDE'S OFFERING TO GOD OF THE LIFE AND SUFFER-
INGS OF OUR LORD.
HATHER Dignam, S.J., on the occasion of a retreat,
once said to the Sisters : " The Passion is our treasure.
You know well that little book of St. Gertrude's in which
she makes that long and beautiful offering to God of the life
and sufferings of Our Lord. There is a shorter form which
you might use now and again, especially in Lent, till the
spirit of it sinks deep into your souls and has become, as it
was with St. Gertrude, an habitual thought, and until, like
her, you are constantly offering it to God for yourself and
others. If you gain but one grace even, a truer and more
abiding sorrow for sin, your industry during Lent will not
have been spent in vain."
This prayer was revealed to St. Gertrude during a mar-
velous and unusual visitation of grace, and she was told
at the same time that Our Lord would accept it with singu-
lar favor from all who repeated it It became so familiar
to the saint that during her last illness she repeated it con-
tinually.
OMOST loving Father, in atonement and satisfaction
for all my sins, I offer Thee the whole Passion of
Thy most beloved Son, from the plaintive wail He uttered
when laid upon straw in the manger, through all the help-
lessness of His infancy, the privations of His boyhood, the
adversities of His youth, the sufferings of His manhood, until
that hour when He bowed His head upon the cross with a
loud cry, and gave up the ghost. And, in atonement and
satisfaction for all my negligences, I offer Thee, O most
loving Father, all of the most holy life of Thy Son, perfeo*
700 Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord.
in its every thought, and word, and action, from the hous
when He came down from His lofty throne to the Virgin's
womb, and thence came forth into our dreary wildernesSj
to the hour when He presented to Thy fatherly regard the
glory of His conquering flesh. Amen.
ACT OF RESIGNATION.
IT was revealed to St. Gertrude that those who submit
and conform themselves entirely to the divine will,
desiring above all things tha"t the adorable will of God may
be most fully done in all that concerns them, whether in
body or in soul, touch the Sacred Heart most sensibly. For
such perfect resignation is an acknowledgment of God's
sovereignty, and gives Him as much honor as is given to an
earthly king when the crown of his realm is set on his head.
OMOST holy Father, I, Thy poor and vile creature, en-
tirely renounce my own will, and offer and resign
myself to Thy most holy will and pleasure; above all delights
of this world, I wish and desire that Thy most adorable,
most placid will may be perfectly done in me, by me, in all
that concerns me, whether in body or in soul, in time and
in .eternity. And to this end I would readily submit all the
members of my body to suffering of any kind and degree.
O my God, wert Thou to give me fullest choice of asking
all I wish, and didst Thou swear to me by Thyself that Thou
wouldst grant my petition in all things, I would neither desire
nor ask aught else than that Thy most adorable will may be
perfectly done in me and in every creature of Thine, according
to Thy supreme and faultless good pleasure. Wherefore, in
union with that resignation with which Jesus committed
Himself wholly to Thy will in the Garden of Olives, and in
union with His affection and His intention, I say from His
Heart and in His words: "Not my will, but Thine be done,
O most holy Father, now and for evermore." Amen.
INDULGENCED PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE PASSION OF OUR
LORD.
OMY Lord Jesus Christ! Who, to redeem the world,
didst vouchsafe to be born amongst men, to be cir-
cumcised, to be rejected, and persecuted by the Jews, to be
betrayed by the traitor, Judas with a kiss, and as a lamb,
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord. 701
gentle and innocent, to be bound with cords and dragged in
scorn before the tribunals of Annas, Caiphas, Pilate, and
Herod; Who didst suffer Thyself to be accused by false
witnesses, to be torn by the scourge and overwhelmed with
opprobrium; to be spat upon, to be crowned with thorns,
buffeted, struck with a reed blindfolded, stripped of Thy
garments ; to be nailed to the cross and raised on it between
two thieves; to be given gall and vinegar to drink, and to
be pierced with a ance; do Thou, O Lord, by these Thy
most sacred pains, which I. all unworthy, call to mind, and
by Thy holy cross and death, save me (and Thy servant N.
in his agony *) from the pains of hell, and vouchsafe to bring
me whither Thou didst bring the good thief who was crucified
with Thee. Who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost,
livest and reignest, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc., five
times.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius VII., Aug. 25, 1820;
plenary indulgence on any one of the last three days of the month
under usual conditions.
SEVEN OFFERINGS OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST.
I. £2[TERNAL Father! I offer Thee the merit of the
precious blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son,
my Saviour and my God, for my dear Mother, the holy
Church that she may enlarge her borders and be magnified
among all the nations of the earth; for the safety and well-
being of her visible head, the Sovereign Roman Pontiff ; for
the cardinals, bishops, and pastors of souls, and for all the
ministers of Thy sanctuary. \
Then say the ''Glory be to the Father," and the ejaculation,
''Blessing and thanksgiving be to Jesus, Who with His blood
hath saved us! "
II. Eternal Father! I offer Thee the merit of the precious
blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, my Saviour and my
God for peace and union among all Catholic kings and
princes, for the humiliation of the enemies of our holy faith,
and for the welfare of all Christian people.
" Glory be to the Father," and, " Blessing and thanksgiving, " etc.
Ill Eternal Father! I offer Thee the merit of the precious
blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, my Saviour and my
God, for the repentance of unbelievers, for the uprooting
of heresy, and for the conversion of sinners.
* If the prayer is said for a person in his last agony.
702 Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord.
"Glory be to the Father," and, "Blessing and thanksgiving,"
etc.
IV. Eternal Father! I offer Thee the merit of the precious
blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, my Saviour and my
God, for all my kindred, friends, and enemies; for the poor,
the sick, and wretched, and for all for whom Thou, my God,
knowest that I ought to pray, or wpuldst have me pray.
"Glory be to the Father," and, "Blessing and thanksgiving,"
etc.
V. Eternal Father! I offer Thee the merit of the precious
blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, my Sav'our and my
God, for all who, this day, are passing to the other life ; that
Thou wouldst save them from the pains of hell, and admit
them quickly to the possession of Thy glory.
"Glory be to the Father," and, "Blessing and thanksgiving,"
etc."
VI. Eternal Father! I offer Thee the merit of the precious
blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, my Saviour and my
God, for all those who love this great treasure, for those who
join with me in adoring it and honoring it, and who strive
to spread devotion to it.
"Glory be to the Father," and, "Blessing and thanksgiving,"
etc.
VII. Eternal Father! I offer Thee the merit of the precious
blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, my Saviour and my
God, for all my wants, spiritual and temporal, in aid of the
holy souls in purgatory, and chiefly for those who most loved
this blood, the price of our redemption, and who were most
devout to the sorrows and pains of most holy Mary, our dear
Mother.
"Glory be to the Father," and, "Blessing and thanksgiving,"
etc.
Glory be to the blood of Jesus, now and for ever, and
throughout all ages. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius VII., Sept. 22, 18 17.
Plenary indulgence once a month, under usual conditions.
Ejaculation.
TERNAL Father! I offer Thee the precious blood of
Jesus in satisfaction for my sins, and for the wants
of the holy Church.
Indulgence of 100 days, each time. — Pius VII., Sept 22, 181 7
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord. 703
/Iibontb of tbe precious JSloo^
HE month of July is dedicated to the honor of the most
precious blood, which was shed for the redemption
of all mankind, and without which shedding, St. Paul tells
us, there is no remission of sin. This great festival was
established in a spirit of thanksgiving by His Holiness Pope
Pius IX., while in exile at Gaeta, at the request of the saintly
general of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood,
Merlini. Earlier in the year, on the Friday after the fourth
Sunday in Lent, this devotion has been commemorated
by a special office. Catholic devotion consecrates the month
of July to the precious blood, that blood which was the price
of our redemption, and which still is offered for us in the
mystic sacrifice of Calvary daily renewed on our altars in
the Mass, and which becomes the nourishment of our souls
and bodies when we partake worthily of the Sacrament of
the altar. The contemplation of the sufferings of Our
Saviour to which we are incited by devotion to the most
precious blood, reminds us, His fo owers, that we are called
upon to walk in the footprints of our suffering Saviour, if
we desire to be crowned with Him. As St. Bernard puts
it, the members of a thorn-crowned Head must not shrink
from sharing in His pain. And so from the beginning of
the establishment of Christ's Church the true children of
a crucified Saviour have ever had to share in the bitterness of
His anguish and oft times in the agony of His death. For
three hundred years after Christ had ascended into heaven,
countless martyrs shed their blood in attestation of their
faith and love. Less fortunate than those glorious con-
fessors, cheerfully pouring out their life's blood for Christ,
God pities our weakness and spares us sufferings under
which we might have succumbed. But still for us, as for
them, suffering, patiently borne, must be the golden key
to open the gates of His kingdom. The saying is as true
to-day as when Jesus first uttered it: "He who does not
carry his cross after Me is not worthy of Me." There is
no one that is released from treading in that path of tears
that leads to Him.
For what heart is without sorrow, we may ask? What
life is not, at least, occasionally darkened by it? How
many there are who seem to have it as their permanent
portion! Some eyes scarcely ever cease from hidden weep-
ing, and some hearts are always pierced with the sword of
hidden anguish!
Bear your sorrows with patience, for the love of God, for
704 Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord.
the sake of your soul, and in union with the sufferings ot
your Saviour, Jesus Christ. Sufferings are blessings in the
light of faith. They bring us nearer to God. They make
us resemble our divine Master. Do not fear! Sorrow will
grow lighter with time or entirely pass away — even as the
agony, the scourge, the crown, and the cross gave place to
the radiant glory of the Resurrection ! *
Movena in Donor of tbe precious JSlooD of Seaua.
1.
DEVOUT ASPIRATIONS.
LORY be to Jesus!
Who in bitter pains
Poured for me the life-blood
From His sacred veins.
Grace and life eternal
In that blood I find:
Blest be His compassion,
Infinitely kind!
Blessed through endless ages
Be the precious stream
Which from endless torment
Doth the world redeem.
There the fainting spirit
Drinks of life her fill;
There, as in a fountain,
Laves herself at will.
O the blood of Christ!
It soothes the Father's ire
Opes the gate of heaven, -
Quells eternal fire.
Abel's blood for vengeance
Pleaded to the skies;
But the blood of Jesus
For our pardon cries.
Oft as it is sprinkled
On our guilty hearts,
Satan in confusion,
Terror-struck, departs.
* From the "Sentinel of the Blessed Sacrament/'
Devotions in Honor o f the Passion of Our Lord. 705
Oft as earth exulting
Wafts its praise on high,
Hell with terror trembles,
Heaven is filled with joy.
Lift ye, then, your voices,
Swell the mighty flood;
Louder still and louder,
Praise the precious blood!
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius VII., Oct. 18, 1815^
II.
BEHOLD me at Thy feet, Jesus of Nazareth; here I am,
the most miserable of creatures that comes into Thy
presence, humbled and penitent. Have, mercy on me, O
Lord, according to Thy great mercy. I have .sinned, and
my sins have been against Thee. O God of infinite good-
ness, O Jesus, hear my prayers; grant, loving Father, the
petitions I lay at Thy feet; cast a benign glance upon my
soul, Thou Who art the loving Father of men, the supreme
Judge, the King of heaven and earth, the true Benefactor of
the wretched. Come to my help, then, O Jesus of Nazareth;
grant the grace which I ask as I kneel at Thy feet. My
soul belongs to Thee, for Thou hast created and redeemed it
with Thy precious blood; let not Thy work be lost; loving
Father, look down upon me and bless me. O God of mercy,
have compassion on me; forgive me who am Thy son; be
not stern toward me; grant me tears of penance; forgive me
as Thou didst forgive the penitent thief; look down upon me
from high heaven and bless me.
The Apostles' Creed once.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., June 26, 1894.
III.
Say the prayers for the Seven Offerings of the Precious
Blood of Jesus for the intentions of your Novena, as on p. 701.
BURY THY SORROW.
BURY thy sorrow, hide it with care;
Bury it deeply; the world has its share.
Think of it calmly, when curtained by night,
Tell it to Jesus and all will be right;
Jo6 Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord.
Tell it to Jesus, He knoweth thy grief;
Tell it to Jesus, He'll send thee relief.
Hearts grown aweary with heavier woe
Drop into darkness; go, comfort them, go —
Bury thy sorrow, let others be blest,
Give them the sunshine; tell Jesus the rest.
PRAYERS IN HONOR OF THE HOLY FACE OF OUR LORD.
I SALUTE Thee, I adore Thee, and I love Thee, O Jesus,
my Saviour, outraged anew by blasphemers; and I
offer Thee, through the heart of Thy blessed Mother, the
worship of all the angels and saints as an incense of sweet
odor, most humbly beseeching Thee, by the virtue of Thy
sacred face, to repair and renew in me and in all men Thy
image disfigured by sin. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
PRAYER OF POPE PIUS IX.
OMY Jesus, cast upon us a look of mercy; turn Thy
face toward each of us, as Thou didst to Veronica,
not that we may see it with our bodily eyes, for this we do
not deserve, but turn it toward our hearts, so that, remem-
bering Thee, we may ever draw from this fountain of strength
the vigor necessary to sustain the combats of life. Amen.
PRAYERS OF M. DUPONT.
O SAVIOUR Jesus, at the sight of Thy most holy face
disfigured by suffering, at the sight of Thy Sacred
Heart so full of love, I cry out with St. Augustine: "Lord
Jesus, imprint on my heart Thy sacred wounds, so that I
may read therein sorrow and love; sorrow, to endure every
sorrow for Thee; love, to despise every love for The^ "
Prayer.
O ADORABLE face of my Jesus, so mercifully bowed
upon the tree of the cross on the day of Thy Passion,
for the salvation of men, now again, incline in Thy pity
toward us poor sinners; cast upon us a look of compassion,
and receive us to the kiss of peace. Amen.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Amen.
Sit toymen Domini benedictum! Amen.
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord. 707
Gbe Ceremonies ot 1bolg 'Meek JEsplaineD**
PALM SUNDAY.
VVhere there is only one priest, he says or sings the parts of the
service which in High Mass are sung by the deacon and sub-
deacon.
J^HE ceremony of Palm Sunday consists of three parts:
V3) First, the celebrant blesses and distributes palm-
leaves (for which, on account of the difficulty and expense
of obtaining them in sufficient quantity, branches of box,
willow, or yew are often substituted) to all present. Then
comes the procession of palms; and thirdly, the holy Mass
is offered, during which the "Passion" according to St.
Matthew (being that evangelist's narrative of the sufferings
and death of Our Saviour) is sung.
Now, during this service the Church sets herself to picture
to us two very opposite feelings: joy and gladness at her
Master's triumphal entry into Jerusalem; bitter sorrow at
His approaching death. On this day, the first day of the
week of the Passover, the week in which Jesus died, He
entered the holy city in triumph. We are told that His
disciples were with Him; that the multitudes cut down
branches of palm-trees, and cried aloud with one voice :
"Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He that cometh
in the name of the Lord!" At the same time the cloud of
approaching tribulation was gathering dark and thick over
the Church, for in five days her Master was to be crucified.
To express to us, her children, these opposite emotions, she
gives us, first, the blessing of palms, and, in the joyous pro-
cession, depicts the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem ;
while, in the Mass that follows, the mournful chant of the
Passion shadows forth the coming desolation.
We shall now take each part separately, so that you may
understand what the priest is doing wmile you follow him
in your Holy- Week book. After the Asperges, which is the
same as on other Sundays, except that the Gloria Patri is
omitted, as is usual in Passiontide, the priest begins:
/. The Blessing of the Palms.
IT is a rule in the Church's liturgy to bless and sanctify
everything that is used in the service of God or given
to the people. The palms are blessed with great solemnity
and, indeed, we might easily suppose that the Mass had
* London Catholic Truth Society.
708 Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord,
already begun, and was to be offered up in honor of Cur
Lord's entry into Jerusalem. After a Collect, the sub-
deacon sings the Lesson, which relates how Moses and the
children of Israel encamped in the wilderness under the
seventy palm-trees at Elim; the deacon chants the Gospel,
giving St. Matthew's account of this day; a Preface is sung,
and even a Sanctus. After this preparation come the prayers
of blessing, in which we are reminded of God's gracious
mercies in the past; how the dove brought the olive-branch
to Xoe in the ark; and how God protected the Jews under
the palm-trees of Elim.
Then comes the distribution of the palms. Receive the
palm kneeling; kiss it, as a mark of reverence to the blessing
of the Church, and also kiss the priest's hand as an act of
respect to the Church's ministers. During the procession,
and while the Passion is sung, hold your palm in your hand.
II. TJie Procession.
S soon as the palms are distributed, the clergy and
choir leave the sanctuary, following the cross-bearer
and acolytes. The music is bright and joyous, in memory
of the shouts of triumph which hailed Our King; while all
carry palms to help us to realize the procession on this day
in the holy city. The procession leaves the Church still
singing, but on its return it finds the doors shut against it.
Its progress is arrested, but its song of joy continues, until
at length the subdeacon strikes the closed doors with the
cross he is carrying. The doors are then thrown open, and
all enter singing the praises of Our Saviour-God. By this
symbolical act is signified that the gates of heaven were
shut against all men in punishment for the sin of our first
parents, but that Jesus has opened these gates once more to
us by His cross, which has triumphed over sin and death.
III. TJie Mass.
HE third part of to-day's service is the offering of the
holy sacrifice of the Mass. The parts sung by the
choir are expressive of the deepest grief; and, indeed, the
Church retains no trace of the short-lived joy and triumph
of the procession of the palms. St. Matthew's narrative
of the Passion, which is sung to-day before the Gospel,
imparts to this Sunday that character of sacred gloom which
is known to us all. For the last five or six hundred years
the Church has adopted a special chant for this narrative
of the holy Gospel. It is sung by three deacons (or priests
vested as deacons) and the choir. One deacon takes the
part of Chronicler, and sings all the narrative of the Evangelist
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord, "jog
Another deacon, called the Christus, sings in a low and plain-
tive voice the words spoken by our dear Lord Himself; the
third takes at a high pitch the words of Pilate, Judas, and
Caiphas, while the choir sings the words and exclamations
of the crowd. When the Chronicler relates the death of
Our Saviour, all kneel for a few moments in silent awe and
contemplation of the sacrifice that is consummated. After
this the Gospel is sung; but, to express our sorrow, lights
are not carried; at the same time, to express the living
hope of Our Master's triumph, we hold in our hands the
Dalms of victory.
After the Gospel, the Mass continues as usual to the end.
tenEbrje.
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of Holy Week.
S we enter the church we are struck by many signs
of mourning at this sacred time. The sanctuary looks
deserted and unfurnished. The tabernacle stands open,
for the Blessed Sacrament has been removed The veil of
the tabernacle, flowers, and other ornaments are gone.
Nothing remains on the altar except the veiled crucifix and
the six candles. In the center of the sanctuary stands
trie book for the psalms and lessons. At the epistle side
stands a large triangular candlestick, holding fifteen candles
of common or unbleached wax.
The Office at which we are now to assist is called TenebrcE
(meaning darkness) , because it pictures to us, by the gradual
darkening of the church, the more than natural darkness that
overshadowed the woild at the death of Jesus Christ. It is
the preparation which the Church gives us that we may
assist in pioper dispositions at the sacred function which is
to take place next morning. On Wednesday evening we
sing the Tenebrce of Thursday in preparation for the Mass
and Office of Thursday. On Thursday evening we sing
by anticipation the Office of Good Friday. On Friday eve-
ning we sing in preparation for the Office and Mass of Easter
Eve. In early times these Offices were begun at midnight,
but we are allowed to have them at an earlier hour in order
to enable more of us to be present.
The service consists of Matins and Lauds, and is a portion
of the Divine Office which every priest of the Church is bound
to say each day. We have remarked that no adornment
and ornament, nothing but what is essential, is allowed to
remain in the sanctuary during these days of mourning. The
Church carries this same spirit into her service of prayer,
and leaves nothing in the Office save what is essential tc it — •
710 Devotions in Honor of ihe Passion of Our Lord.
the psalms and lessons. The versicles and hymns, the invi-
tations and responses which are used at other times, and
form, so to speak, the drapery and adornment in which the
psalms and lessons are clothed, are omitted on these days.
The Matins consist of three parts, called Nocturns (night
offices) . Each nocturn is made up of three psalms and three
lessons. The Lauds consist of five psalms, followed by
the Canticle of Zachary {Benedictus) , and the whole Office
is closed with the 50th Psalm {Miserere) and a Collect. The
Tenebrce service for Maundy Thursday in the psalms and
lessons brings before us the Passion of Our Saviour, and in
an especial way the treachery of Judas. In the third noc-
turn, however, the lessons appropriately relate St. Paul's
account of the institution of the Holy Eucharist.
The ceremonies of this service are rich in meaning. At
the end of each psalm one of the candles in the triangular
candlestick is extinguished, until, as the Office proceeds,
one only is left alight. By this is shown forth how one by
one the disciples forsook their Master and slunk away. The
one candle that remains alight represents Jesus Christ for-
saken and left to "tread the wine-press alone." During
the Canticle of Zachary {Benedictus) the six candles on the
altar are put out, and the lights in the church are gradually
lowered, to symbolize the noonday darkness that covered
the earth at the death of its Creator.
At the end of the Benedictus, the single candle that still
burns is hidden behind the altar, while the Miserere is sung
amid the gloom. A Collect is then said in a low voice
by the senior priest present, and a confused noise is made,
to express the convulsions of nature when the earth quaked,
and the rocks were split, and the graves gave up their dead,
The candle is then brought from behind the altar, still alight,
to represent that, after His death and burial, our dear Lord
came forth immortal from the tomb. The Office ended, all
depart in silence.
MAUNDY THURSDAY.
IN spite of the mourning of Holy Week, the Church can
not allow this great day to pass without some signs of
joy. It is the day of the Last Supper of our dear Lord —
the day on which He instituted the Most Holy Sacrament
of the Eucharist; and in honor of that great Mystery the
Church lays aside her mourning, at least during the celebra-
tion of holy Mass, and bids us deck the altar with our richest
ornaments, and wear vestments of white, the color denoting
joy and gladness. We would remind our readers that the
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord. 711
Last Supper took place on the first day of the Azymes, or
the Feast of the Unleavened .Bread, and it is for that reason
that we always use unleavened bread for consecration in
holy Mass. Again, to show forth the unity and greatness
of this Supper, the Church allows on tnis day only one Mass
to be offered in each church, at which the clergy and con-
gregation assist and receive holy communion, the priests
wearing stoles, the token of their priesthood. This brings
before us in a forcible way the scene in the upper chamber in
Jerusalem, where Our Lord alone consecrated and then gave
holy communion to those present. We shall divide our
explanations of the service into three sections:
I. The Mass.
K J r*MID the triumph of this great feast a web of sorrow is
g^JL, interwoven, to show that our joy is not lasting, for
we have not forgotten the Passion of Jesus Christ. The
celebrant intones the Gloria in excelsis, and the bells ring
out joyously in answer to the organ's peals; but after that,
both bells and organ are silent until Holy Saturday, to
show the sorrow of the whole world at Our Saviour's death.
The Collects recall to us Judas and the good thief; both
are guilty, but one is pardoned. The kiss of peace is omitted,
to show our horror of the treacherous kiss of Judas in the
garden on this night.
II. TJie Procession to the Altar of Repose.
ON Good Friday, as we shall see, the Church suspends
the offering of the holy sacrifice of the Mass, to
commemorate in this solemn way the sacrifice that was
offered on that day on Calvary. The priest consecrates
two Hosts on Holy Thursday during the Mass. One of
these he receives in holy communion; the other he rever-
ently places in a chalice, and reserves to be consumed on
Good Friday. The Blessed Sacrament could not be reserved
with fitting respect at the high altar, on account of the mourn-
ful ceremonies of this holy time ; and consequently a chapel
or altar, apart from the high altar, is prepared and adorned
with rich hangings, lights, and flowers; here our blessed
Lord remains until Good Friday. When the Mass to-day
is finished, the choir and clergy go in procession to this Chapel
of Repose. After the cross-bearer and acolytes come the
choir and clergy, singing the Pange Lingua, followed by
the celebrant and sacred ministers under the canopy. The
priest does not carry the monstrance, as in other processions,
but the chalice, containing the Blessed Sacrament, covered
with a veil. When he arrives at the Altar of Repose he
712 Devotions i?i Honor of the Passion of Our Lord.
places it in the tabernacle or urn, where it will remain until
to-morrow's service. Until then Jesus will not be left alone;
by day and night loving souls will keep watch there in
humble adoration, making amends for the scorn and insults
which Jesus has suffered for our sins. More especially will
they be present during the silent watches of the night; for
this is the night when He suffered the agony in the garden,
and was betrayed by Judas, and delivered into the hands
of His enemies.
III. Stripping the Altars.
HE procession tfren leaves the Altar of Repose, the
sacred ministers go to the sacristy, and the other
clergy and choir go to the sanctuary to recite Vespers, which
are said, not sung. At the end of Vespers Ihe priests enter
the sanctuary to strip the altar, as Jesus was stripped of
His garments before the crucifixion. The ornaments and
flowers that were there to denote our joyful commemoration
of the institution of the Blessed Sacrament are taken away;
the very altar-cloths are stripped off, because the daily sac-
rifice is suspended, in token of our grief: "They have parted
My garments among them, and upcn My vesture they have
cast lots." The holy water is removed from the porch, and
none is put there until after the Mass on Holy Saturday
GOOD FRIDAY.
'E have come now to the day of the Church's widow-
hood, and she would have it to be a day of desola-
tion, as her true children feel it to be. The sanctuary is
altogether bare and unadorned. The altar was stripped
of its ornaments yesterday morning, and nothing remains
except the crucifix, now veiled in black, and the six candle-
sticks. The sanctuary carpet has been taken away, and
even the candles are not lighted until the latter part of the
function. To enable us to enter into the spirit of this ser-
vice, and to appreciate fully the meaning of its various
parts, we must bear in mind that to-day the priest does no1
offer sacrifice — that he does not, so to say, stand in the place
of Jesus Christ and speak in His name and with His power;
but rather as the spokesman and representative of the con-
gregation present: as a consequence of this, they follow
and take part in the various acts of reparation he performs.
This is the key-note to the right understanding of the whole
function.
The service of to-day consists of a series of distinct actions.
We shall divide our explanation into four parts: i. History,
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord. 713
containing the Prophecies and the Passion according to St.
John. 2. Supplication, containing public prayer for all
sorts and conditions of men. 3. Reparation, containing the
unveiling and adoration of the cross. 4. The Mass of the
Presanctified.
I. The Passion.
^^HE choir and sacred ministers approach the sanctuary
\zJ in silence. Neither incense nor lights are carried be-
fore them, and the vestments are black, "as when one mourn-
eth." On the altar there is neither Missal nor altar-cloth.
When the sacred ministers reach the sanctuary, instead of
beginning by public prayer, they prostrate themselves on
the ground in silence, while a cloth and the book are laid on
the altar. They then rise, and at once proceed to read
the Lessons and Collects, which bring before us the Paschal
Lamb, the type of the Lamb of God, Who is to-day sacrificed
for our sins. These Lessons prepare us for the " Passion,' '
which gives us St. John's account of the terrible events of
this great day. The Passion is sung, as on Palm Sunday,
by three deacons (or priests), who each take a part, the
choir sustaining, as before, the part of the multitude.
II. TJie Prayers.
HE second part of the service consists of supplication
and petition. The idea of the Church in this action
is to make intercession with God on this day for all classes
and conditions of men. While the Church bids us pray at
all times for the conversion of sinners and evil-doers, on
this day she makes public and official prayer for those who
are ''enemies of the cross of Christ." For mercy knows
no bounds; and our dying Saviour has given utterance to
the words, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
The celebrant sings eight prayers, each of which is pref-
aced by a few words to show its object. Before each prayer
the deacon bids us kneel for a moment, and the subdeacon
bids us rise, to show by this bodily action our union in
the petition made by the priest in our name. First comes
the prayer for the spouse of Jesus Christ, the Church of God;
then the prayer for the Vicar of Jesus Christ, the Pope happily
reigning ; then the prayer for bishops, priests, and other ser-
vants of the Church ; then the prayer for catechumens ; then the
prayer for all in tribulation or danger; then the prayer for
heretics and schismatics; then the prayer for the Jews; and,
lastly, that our charity may embrace all human creatures
for whom Jesus shed His blood, comes the prayer for pagans.
Before the prayer for the Jews, the deacon refrains from
714 Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord.
bidding us to genuflect, because they turned this mark of
adoration into an insult against Our Lord in His Passion.
777. The Unveiling of the Cross.
HE third action in to-day's service is reparation. The
Church will have us make what reparation we can to
Jesus Christ for the ignominy of His Passion by showing
honor and veneration to the cross in memory of His cruci-
fixion to-day. Accordingly, the celebrant takes off his
chasuble, the symbol of his priestly dignity, in order to be
the first to humble himself on this day of mourning. He
receives the veiled cross, and, standing at the side of the
altar, he uncovers a small part, raising it slightly for people
to see, and sings in a low voice: "Behold the wood of the
cross, on which hung the salvation of the world;" and all
kneel to pay their homage to the sign of our redemption.
Mounting nearer the altar, he goes through the same cere-
mony a second time; and then, coming to the center of the
altar, he removes the veil entirely, and lifting the cross aloft,
sings in a high note the same words a third time, in memory
of Our Saviour's words: "When I shall have been lifted up,
I will draw all things to Myself." By this uncovering of
the cross is represented the gradual preaching to the Jews
and afterwards to the Gentiles the great mystery of the
crucifixion, "to the Jews a stumbling-block and to the
Gentiles foolishness."
The celebrant then places the crucifix on the ground, and,
in token of his humiliation and abasement, takes off his
shoes, for the place whereon he stands is holy ground, and
goes to kiss the feet of the figure that represents his dying
Saviour. As he approaches, he kneels three times, and
finally kisses devoutly the symbol of our redemption. All
who are present follow his example, either at this crucifix
cr at one of the crosses in the side chapels (according to
convenience), taking care to make three genuflections (not
more) , and making the third close to the cross itself, so that
as they kneel they can kiss the figure. During this touching
ceremony, the choir sings in plaintive chants the Reproaches,
which bring before us in a dramatic way the rebukes, loving
and gentle, addressed by Our Saviour to the Jews. It will
help us much to realize to-day's events if we read these
Reproaches, which our dear Lord addresses now to us.
IV. The Mass 0} the Presanctified.
E need not delay long over our explanation of the fourth
action in to-day's service — the Mass of the Pre-
sanctified The candles on the altar are now lighted in
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord. 715
reverence for the coming presence of Jesus Christ. The
clergy go in procession to the Chapel of Repose, and bring
back to the high altar the Blessed Sacrament, which has
been reserved in a chalice since the Mass of yesterday.
During the procession the choir sing the Vexilla Regis. On
this day alone throughout the Christian year the Church
suspends the offering of the holy sacrifice of the Mass, that
our thoughts may be wholly taken up with the contemplation
of the one sacrifice that was consummated to-day on Calvary.
The Blessed Sacrament, which the celebrant receives to-day,
was consecrated (or presanctified) yesterday. Consequently,
since there is no actual sacrifice to-day, this part of the ser-
vice is called the Mass of the Presanctified. When the
Blessed Sacrament is brought to the altar, the priest in-
censes it. He then turns to the people and bids them pray
(orate, fratres), and himself prays aloud, singing the Pater
Noster, he holds up for their adoration the sacred body
of Our Lord, and then reverently receives it. To mark
our r^ourning and confusion to-day, the priest does not
remain at the altar to say any public prayers of thanksgiving
or to give a blessing, as in other Masses; but straightway
leaves the sanctuary. As soon as he departs, the Vespers
are recited as yesterday, and the altars are stripped. The
sanctuary is empty, its light is gone, no lamp burns in any
part of the church, the pictures are veiled; the naked cross
stands alone to proclaim the mourning of the spouse for
the crucifixion of her Lord. "They shall mourn for Him,
as one mourneth for an only son, and they shall grieve over
Him as is the manner to grieve for the death of the first-born/'
HOLY SATURDAY.
IT was the practice of the Church from the earliest ages
that no Mass was said on Holy Saturday. For a
thousand years after the foundation of the Church it was
the custom to spend this day in prayer and fasting, in watch-
ing in spirit with the holy women at the sepulcher until the
morning of the Resurrection. At midnight, on Friday, the
Divine Office for Easter eve was sung; but the service and
Mass that we have now on Holy Saturday really took place
on Saturday night, and, extending till dawn on Sunday
morning, was the immediate herald of the Resurrection.
As the sun went down on Easter eve, the bishop and clergy
and faithful used to repair to the church for this office,
and its magnificent functions occupied the whole night,
until sunrise on Easter Day. We should bear this in mind
if we wish to enter into the spirit of this service, and if we
716 Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord.
would understand the many allusions we find in it to the
night. Another point to remember is, that the service of
this night was specially ordained and fitted for the baptism
of those converts, or catechumens, who had been previously
found worthy of admission into the Christian Church. This
will throw light upon the meaning of many of its cere-
monies and prayers. We shall divide the service into two
sections: the Blessings and the Mass.
I. The Blessings.
HE Church, as we remarked on Palm Sunday, blesses
and sanctifies everything she uses in her sacred func-
tions. Holy Saturday is in a special manner a day of bless-
ings, for it is in a sense the birthday of the Church. The
service begins, not in the sanctuary, but at the very en-
trance to the Church, where new fire kindled from a flint is
blessed. From this the light is taken for the candles and
lamps throughout the church which were extinguished on
Good Friday. This was of first importance in the early
Church, that the faithful might have light for the long night
ceremony. Five grains cf incense are then blessed, and the
deacon lights a triple candle (in honor of the Three Persons
of the Adorable Trinity), and leads the way through the
darkness to the sanctuary, thrice announcing as he goes
Lumen Christi, the Light of Christ. When the procession
reaches the sanctuary, the deacon chants his song of triumph
(Exultet), and solemnly blesses the great Paschal candle.
This candle is of unusual size, standing alone, of a pillar-
like form; and in the ages when the service was held at
night, shed a "dim religious light" over the sanctuary during
the long vigil. When lighted, it is the representation both
of the pillar of fire which went before the people of God 'in
their wanderings through the desert, and of the new-born
glory of Jesus risen from the grave. During this grand song
of joy the deacon pauses three times ; once to fix in the candle
the five grains of incense in the form of a cross, which, by
their number, represent the five wounds, and, by their sub-
stance, the precious spices which the holy women brought to
the sepulcher this night to embalm the body of their dead
Lord; a second time he pauses to light the newly blest
:andle ; and a third time, while the lamps in the church
are once more lighted. After this Exultet come the Twelve
Prophecies, which were primarily intended for the instruc-
tion of the catechumens who were to be baptized this night.
Then comes the blessing of the baptismal font. In front
of the procession is carried the Paschal candle, which leads
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord. 717
these neophytes to the waters of salvation, even as the pillar
of fire led the children of Israel to the saving waters of the
Red Sea. When the celebrant reaches the baptistery, he
sings the blessing of the font. He divides the water in the
form of a cross, and scatters some toward the four quarters
of the world; he breathes upon it, and invokes the grace
and power of the Holy Ghost upon it. He dips the Paschal
candle three times into the water. The people are then
sprinkled with this Easter water, and after this the holy
chrism and oil of catechumens is poured into the font to
mingle with the baptismal water. This completes the
solemn blessing of the font, and after this, formerly, the
catechumens were baptized and then confirmed. After the
blessing of the font the procession returns to the sanctuary,
and the litanies of the saints are sung, during which the
celebrant and sacred ministers lie prostrate before the
altar. Toward the end of the litanies the priests rise and
go to the sacristy to vest for Mass.
//. The Mass.
S we have pointed out, the foregoing ceremonies for-
merly took place during the night of Easter eve, and
the Mass at which we are now going to assist is really the
Mass that used to be offered at daybreak on Easter morn,
after the long vigil. This will explain why it is of such a joy-
ous character. The vestments are white, the Gloria is sung,
the bells ring out cheerfully, the organ is heard once more.
Pictures and images are uncovered; flowers again adorn the
altar, which is decked in white. The Collect of the Mass
makes intercession for the newly baptized, "the new offspring
of Thy family." After the Epistle, the celebrant intones
solemnly three times the Alleluia, which is taken up by the
choir; the Gospel relates to us the visit to the sepulcher of
Mary Magdalen and the other Mary at the dawn of day.
The Creed is not sung, as it used to be reserved for the second
Mass which was sung later on Easter day. The kiss of peace
is still omitted, for it was not until evening on the day of
the Resurrection that Jesus stood in the midst of His apostles
in the upper chamber in the holy city and gave them His
peace. For the same reason the Agnus Dei is left out.
When this Mass was appointed to be sung on the Saturday
morning (instead of at the dawn of Easter day), it was
necessary that it should be followed by Vespers. As the
service is already so long, the Church bids us sing, immedi-
ately after the communion, Vespers containing one psalm
and the Magnificat. This now takes the place of the post-
718 Devotions in Honor of- the Passion of Our Lord.
communion in other Masses, and when these have been sung;
the Mass concludes with the blessing and the last Gospel
according to St. John.
EASTER SUNDAY.
The Fruits o) the Passion.
HEN Easter comes we must not forget the Passion
of Jesus. The Church reminds us of it every day
in holy Mass. Jesus Himself appeared in heaven as a lamb
that had been slain. Only we have now to look to the
joyful side of the Passion, to its glorious fruits.
1. The first fruit of the Passion is the exaltation of the
Man-Christ Jesus to sit on the right hand of God. In Him
our human nature received divine honors, and these honors
were won by the sufferings of the Passion. "For the joy
that was set before Him He endured the cross, and sitteth
on the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. xii. 2).
2. The second fruit of the Passion is the saving from sin
and eternal death all those who choose to avail themselves
of the grace offered them. "He shall see a long-lived seed."
Millions, who otherwise would have dwelt for ever in the
abyss of hell, are, through the graces won for them by Our
Lord in His sacred Passion, the happy denizens of heaven
to all eternity. It is this which will constitute the chief
glory of the sacred humanity.
3. The third fruit of the Passion is the crushing of Satan
and all the company of hell beneath the feet of Jesus. Never
was there so glorious a victory under the guise of defeat,
never a more complete or unexpected triumph. He who
was in His Passion an object of derision to devils and wicked
men, came forth, in His Resurrection, King of kings and
Lord of lords, triumphant over sin and death, before Whom
every knee shall bow in heaven and In earth and hell. Thanks
be to God for the unspeakable glory of the Passion of Jesus
Christ!
Prayers for Easter.
LL the days of the mortal life of Jesus Christ, previous to
that of His Resurrection, were, according to St. Paul, the
days of His humiliation; whereas, Easter Sunday is properly
called the day of His glory; since it was by His Resurrection
that the seal of heaven was affixed to His doctrine, His other
miracles confirmed, His mission proved, and all His labors
crowned. Hence arises the joy of the Church on this, the great-
est of her festivals,
Devotions in Honor of the Passion of Our Lord. 719
r j F'LLELUIA to the risen Saviour, the King of glory!
If" Christ is risen from the dead: walk ye in newness
If you have risen with Christ, seek the thirgs that are
above; where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.
Be mindful of the things that are above not the things
that are upon the earth.
VJJhI-S is the day the Lord hath made; come, let us exult
and rejoice thereon.
V. Praise the Lord; for He is good; and His mercy en-
dureth for ever. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ Himself is become our Paschal sacrifice. Alleluia.
Do Thou, victorious King, have mercy on us.
Let us pray.
OGOD! Who this day didst open to us the approach
to eternity by Thy only Son, victorious over death ;
prosper, by Thy grace, our vows, which Thou didst antici-
pate by Thy inspiration. Through the same, etc.
O God! Who by the yearly solemnity of Our Lord's Resur-
rection, fillest our hearts with gladness, mercifully grant that
the temporal feasts which we celebrate, may lead us to the
eternal joys of heaven through the same Christ our Lord
Amen.
HYMN FOR EASTER SUNDAY.
0 Filii et Filice.
YE sons and daughters of the Lord!
The King of glory, King adored,
This day Himself from death restored
All in the early morning gray
Went holy women on their way,
To see the tomb where Jesus lay.
Of spices pure a precious store
In their pure hands those women bore,
To anoint the sacred body o'er.
Then straightway one in white they see,
Who saith, "Ye seek the Lord; but He
Is risen, and gone to Galilee."
This told they Peter, told they John;
Who forthwith to the tomb are gone
But Peter is by John outrun.
720 Devotions in Honor of tne Blessed 1/i?gm Mary.
That self-same night, while, out of fear,
The doors were shut, their Lord most dear
To His apostles did appear.
But Thomas, when of this he heard,
Was doubtful of his brethren's word;
Wherefore again there comes the Lord,
"Thomas, behold My side," saith He;
"My hands, My feet, My body see,
And doubt not, but believe in Me."
When Thomas saw that wounded side,
The truth no longer he denied ;
"Thou art my Lord and God!" he cried.
Oh, blest are they who have not seen
Their Lord, and yet believe in Him!
Eternal life awaiteth them.
Now 1et us praise the Lord most high,
And strive His name to magnify
On this great day, through earth and sky:
Whose mercy ever runneth o'er ;
Whom men and angel hosts adore ;
To Him be glory evermore.
VII.
©emotions in Ibonor of tbe 3Blesset> X)iVQin
IReflections of a IReligioue on 2>evotion to Out Xa&£<*
BEHOLD thy Son. . . Behold thy Mother" (John
xix. 27) . These were the last words that Jesus Christ
addressed to any creature before His death; they are His
last will. By them He intrusted all His disciples to His
own beloved Mother as her spiritual children, and gave her
to all His disciples as their spiritual Mother. These words
have a special reference to Religious, who are represented
by St. John, the beloved disciple of Our Saviour. He was
a virginal soul, who had left all things for Christ's sake
Religious vow and practice chastity, have left all things for
Christ's sake, and have become His beloved spouses. No
one else, then, has a greater claim to Mary as a Mother
* From "Helps to a Spiritual Life."
k
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 721
Religious may then say, Mary, in fact, has been truly
our Mother and the most tender of mothers, for we may,
Indeed, say, "All good things came to me together with her,
and innumerable riches through her hands, for she is an
infinite treasure to men; which they that use, become the
friends of God" (Wisd. vii. 11, 14). We owe everything to
Mary. It is through her that we received all the graces
bestowed on us whilst we were in the world, and particu-
larly the inestimable grace of our vocation. How many
times did she not preserve us from danger, how many times
did she not obtain for us victory over the allurements and
temptations of the world! It was she who obtained for us
the strength and heroism requisite to leave the world, to
renounce its pleasures, to give up our own will. We can
easily remember how she helped us when we invoked her,
how she consoled and encouraged us in our trials. But
what favors has she not conferred on us since the day on
which we were consecrated and espoused to her divine Son!
Without her help we could never have practiced the virtues
required of Religious — humility, self-denial, obedience, meek-
ness, and charity. Without her we could not have over-
come our many temptations, borne our numerous little
trials. We could not have persevered until now in our
holy vocation, had we not been a; listed by the Mother of
perseverance.
And had we been more loving and devoted children to
her, had we more promptly invoked her, more fervently
prayed to her, and more faithfully honored her, we should
not have committed so many faults, or be now so full of
imperfections and so devoid of virtue.
We claim Mary as our Mother, and boast of being her
children. But to be truly her children, we should bear
some resemblance to her. As she is our spiritual Mother,
her spiritual features, that is, her virtues, should be delineated
in us, should be visible in our conduct. In the first place,
we should resemble her in humility. Although she was the
holiest and most perfect and most exalted of creatures, she
excelled all in humility By her virginity, says the Church,
Mary pleased God; but it was by her humility that she
conceived the Son of God. "Without humility/' says St.
Bernard, "even Mary's spotless virginity would not have
saved her." "Humility," says St. Teresa, "drew the Son
of God from heaven into the womb of a virgin; and it is
only by a similar humility that we can draw Him into our
souls."
Secondly, Mary distinguished herself by her love of silence,
recollection, retirement, and prayer Her union with God
722 Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
was constant and uninterrupted. Prayer was the food of
her soul; it was a second nature to her. Let us strive to
imitate her in this, and especially in making our daily medita-
tion well. — Thirdly, Mary was a model of obedience. Let us
consider our Rules as the will of God toward us, and look
upon the orders of our Superiors as the orders of God Him-
self.— Fourthly, Mary was all aglow with divine love, and
zealous for the salvation of mankind. Let us love no one
but God, and allow in our heart no affection unless it be
for God or in God, and, at the same time, let us be ready
to sacrifice ourselves for the welfare and salvation of our
neighbor in so far as obedience permits. — In fine, Mary is
the Queen of martyrs the Mother of sorrows, for next to
Jesus, no one ever suffered so much and so willingly and
patiently as Mary. Let us, like her, accept all sufferings,
all trials and crosses, with patience and resignation, as sent
to us by God out of love for us.
Let us ask Mary, our Mother, Our Lady of Perpetual
Help, the Mother of mercy, the Mother of perseverance,
to help us faithfully to keep our good resolutions, to help
us to imitate her virtues. Let us entreat her, by the love
she bears to our Spouse Jesus, by the love she bears to us
her children, to help us to resemble her, to become her true
and worthy children. She who is the most loving of mothers
can not refuse a prayer so pleasing to her — a prayer which
she can easily grant us. for she is all-powerful with her divine
Son. He can not refuse anything to her who bore Him,
whom He loved, honored, and obeyed on earth as His Mother,
and whom He has exalted in heaven above all creatures.
Let us in all our sorrows, in all our trials and sufferings, and
especially in all our temptations and dangers, have recourse
to her with the utmost fervor, love, and confidence, for she,
the most powerful and tender of mothers, will obtain for us
all we ask through her. "In all your wants," says the
holy Redemptorist, Blessed Clement Maria Hofbauer, "turn
to the Blessed Virgin. She is the Mother of mercy, and will
obtain mercy for you from her Son. Never has the Son
refused His Mother a grace, for He can not turn away a prayer
of His Mother. She has found, and always will find, grace
with God. " "He who remembers," says St. Alphonsus,
" having, in temptations against chastity, invoked the name
of Mary, may rest assured of not having given consent to
them.
We should daily honor Mary in a special manner, and
pray much and often to her. We can never honor her too
much, whom God has so greatly honored. We ought, more-
over, to do all in our power to inspire others with devotion
Devotions i?i Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 723
to her. with a tender love for her and an unlimited confi-
dence in her intercession. We ought to consider our devo-
tion to Mary as our protection, as the surest means of sal-
vation and sanctification, and as a pledge of life everlasting,
because she never forsakes those who are devout to her.
"If you persevere until death," says St. Alphonsus, "in
true devotion to Mary, your salvation is assured.''"
CONSECRATION TO MARY, OUR MOTHER,
For Religions.
OMOST holy and immaculate Virgin Mary, the Mother
of Jesus, my beloved Spouse, I now again choose
thee as my own Mother. Henceforth I will never cease to
love, cherish, and venerate thee as my own beloved Mother
all the days of my life. To thee will I have recourse in all
my trials, sufferings, and temptations, and I shall do my
best to induce others to love and venerate thee, and to in-
voke thee in all their wants. O Mary, deign to accept me
as thine own most loving child, and make me faithful to
thee. Make me, like thee, humble, meek, patient, charitable,
pure, obedient, and docile to my Rules and Superiors. Deign
to obtain for me an unwavering love for my Spouse, Jesus,
and a holy and well-regulated zeal for the salvation of souls.
O Mary, my dearest Mother, do not forsake me, thy child,
when I am assailed by temptation; hasten then at once to
my assistance, and do not permit me ever to. prove untrue
to my beloved Jesus. Enable me, by thy all-powerful help,
to become, through a constant growth in virtue and holiness,
daily more and more pleasing to Jesus, my heavenly Spouse,
and to persevere until death in the love of Him and of thee,
my most tender and beloved Mother Mary. Amen.
PRAYER TO THE HEART OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD AND OUR
MOTHER.
rTpf EART of Mary, Mother of God, our Mother; heart most
JL \ amiable; delight of the ever-adorable Trinity, and
worthy of all the veneration and tenderness of angels and
of men ; heart most like the Heart of Jesus, whose most per-
fect image thou art ; heart full of goodness, ever compassion-
ate toward our miseries! vouchsafe to thaw our icy hearts,
and change them to the likeness of the Heart of Jesus.
Infuse into them the love of thy virtues, inflame them with
that blessed fire with which thou dost ever burn. In thee
let the holy Church find safe shelter; be thou its guardian and
its ever-sweet asylum, its tower of strength, impregnable
against the assaults of its enemies. Be thou the road leading
to Jesus; be thou the channel whereby we receive all graces
724 Devotions in Honor of ihe Blessed Virgin Mary.
needful for our salvation. Be thou our help in need, our
comfort in trouble, our strength in temptation, our refuge
in persecution, our aid in danger; but especially in the last
struggle of our life at the moment of our death, when all
hell shall be unchained against us to snatch away our souls,
in that dread moment, that hour so terrible, on which de-
pends our eternity — ah! then, most tender Virgin, do thou
make us feel how great is. the sweetness of thy Mother's
heart, how great thy power with the Heart of Jesus, opening
to us, in the very fount of mercy itself, a safe refuge, that
so one day we too may join with thee in paradise in praising
the Heart of Jesus for ever and for ever. Amen.
Act of Praise to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
fT\ AY the Divine Heart of Jesus and the immaculate heart
%£J-t of Mary be known, praised, blessed, loved, worshipped,
and glorified always and in all places. Amen.
Indulgence of 60 days, once a day, to those who shall say this
prayer, together with the act of praise to the Sacred Heart of
Jesus and the immaculate heart of Mary; a plenary indulgence,
on the Feasts of the Nativity, of the Assumption, and of the
sacred heart of Mary, on usual conditions; and praying for the
Pope's intentions at a church, or at any altar in any church
dedicated to our blessed Lady; a plenary indulgence at the hour
of death, to those who shall have practiced this pious exercise
every day. — Pius VII., Aug. 18, 1807; Feb. 1, 1816.
MEMORARE TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
/T\EMORARE, O piissima hrj> EMEMBER, O most
r-'^ virgo Maria, non esse r-l-\5 gracious Virgin Mary!
audit um a saeculo quern- that never was it known that
quam ad tua currentem prae- any one who fled to thy pro-
sidia,tuaimplorantemauxilia, tection, implored thy help,
tua petentem suffragia, esse and sought thy intercession,
derelictum. Ego tali anima- was left unaided. Inspired
tus confidentia, ad te, virgo with this confidence, I fly
virginum, Mater, curro, ad te unto thee, O Virgin of vir-
venio, coram te gemens pecca- gins, my Mother! To thee I
tor assisto; noli, mater Ver- .come; before thee I stand,
bi, verba mea despicere, sed. sinful and sorrowful. O
audi propitia, et exaudi. Mother of the Word Incar-
Amen. nate! despise not my peti-
tions, but, in thy mercy,
hear and answer me. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time; plenary indulgence once
a month, on usual conditions. — Pius IX., Dec. it, 1846.
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 725
PRAYER OF ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
OST holy Mary, my Lady, to thy faithful care and
special keeping and to the bosom of thy mercy, to-
day and every day, and particularly at the hour of my death,
I commend my soul and my body; all my hope and consola-
tion, all my trials and miseries, my life and the end of my life,
I commit to thee, that through thy most holy intercession and
by thy merits, all my actions may be directed and ordered
according to thy will and that of thy divine Son. Amen.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., "March 15, 1890.
ITnDulsenceD Wovenas in Ibonor of tbe Meeseb X)ixQ\n
ELEVEN NOVENAS IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.
HE Sovereign Pontiff, Pius IX., granted to all the faithful
who, devoutly and with contrite heart, shall make at any.
time during the year any of the following novenas in honor of the
Blessed Virgin Alary, with any formula of prayer, provided it be
approved by competent ecclesiastical authority, an indulgence
of 300 days, each day; a plenary indulgence, either during the
course of each novena, or upon one of the eight days immediately
following, on usual conditions.
List of these Novenas.
1. In honor of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
2. In honor of the Birth of Mary most holy.
3. In honor of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple.
4. In honor of the Annunciation.
5. In honor of the Visitation.
6. In honor of Mary's holy Delivery and of the Birth of
the Child Jesus.
7. In honor of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
8. In honor of the Dolors of Mary.
9. In honor of the Assumption of Mary.
10. In honor of the Sacred Heart of Mary and of her
Patronage.
it. In honor of the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary of the
Blessed Virgin.
N.B. — The prayers in this book are all approved by ecclesias-
tical authority, and hence may be used at pleasure in making the
above-mentioned novenas.
A very simple and satisfactory method of making a no-
vena in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary consists in reciting
the following prayers:
726 Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
1. The Litany of Loretto.
2. The Memorate, and an act of consecration.
3. Three Our Fathers, Hail Marys, and Glorys in thanks
giving to the Blessed Trinity for the prerogatives and graces
bestowed upon the Blessed Virgin Mary. Conclude with
an ejaculation appropriate to the season on the festival com-
memorated. The following will suffice for all seasons.
Ejaculation.
OD0MIN4 mea! O ma- /T\Y Queen! my Mother!
ter mea ! memento me V*^, remember I am thine
esse tuum. own.
Serva me, defende me, ut Keep me, guard me, as
rem et possessionem tuam. thy property and possession.
Indulgence of 40 days, each time. — Pius IX., Aug. 5, 185 1.
Oilier Ejaculations.
Sweet heart of Mary, be my salvation!
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius IX., Sept. 30, 1852;
plenary indulgence, once a month, under usual conditions, to
those who shall have said it every day.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us, who have
recourse to thee!
Indulgence of 100 davs, once a dav. — Leo XIIL, March 15^
1884.
Mary, Mother of God, and Mother of mercy, pray for me
and for the departed.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIIL, Dec. 15, 1883.
IFlovena in Ibonor of tbe JBlessefc UHrgin /Ifoar£ for anp
festival and for ang Special ©ccaetom
In connection with the Litany of Loretto and the Memorire, the
following prayer may be said occasionally:
OMARY, ever-blessed Virgin, Mother of God, Queen
of the angels and of the saints, I salute thee with the
most profound veneration and filial devotion. I renew the
consecration of myself and all I have to thee. I thank thee
for thy maternal protection and for the many blessings that
I have received through thy wondrous mercy and most
powerful intercession. In all my necessities I have recourse
to thee, with unbounded confidence. O Help of Christians,
O Mother of mercy, I beseech thee now to hear my prayer
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 727
and to obtain for me of thy divine Son the favor that I re-
.quest in this no vena.
Obtain for me, also, dearest Mother, the grace that I may
imitate thee and become more like to thee in the practice of
the virtues of humility, obedience, purity, poverty, submis-
sion to the will of God, and charity. Be my protectress in
life, guard and guide me in dangers, direct me in perplexities,
lead me in the way of perfection, and assist me in the hour
of my death, that I may come to Jesus, and with thee enjoy
Him, bless Him, and love Him eternally in heaven. Amen.*
Zbc /llbEeteries of tbe 1bolg IRosarB*
THE FRUIT OF EACH MYSTERY.
Joyful Mysteries. — Spirit of Holy Joy.
1 . — Annunciation Humility.
2. — Visitation Fraternal Charity.
3. — Nativity Spirit of Poverty.
4. — Presentation Obedience.
5. — Jesus with the Doctors Lo\e of Jesus and of His
Holy Services.
Sorrowful Mysteries. — Spirit of Compassion and Contrition.
1. — Agony Fervor in Prayer.
2. — Scourging Penance.
5. — Crowning with Thorns. .... .Moral Courage-
4. — Carriage of the Cross Patience.
5. — Crucifixion Self-sacrifice for God and
our Neighbor.
Glorious Mysteries. — Spirit of Adoration and Faith.
1 . — Resurrection Faith.
2. — Ascension Hope.
3. — Descent of the Holy Ghost. .Love and Zeal for Souls.
4. — Assumption Filial devotion to Mary.
5. — Coronation of B. V. M Perseverance.
Prayer.
OGOD, Whose only-begotten Son hath purchased for us
the rewards of eternal salvation through His life,
death, and Resurrection, we beseech Thee grant to us, who
* Other novenas for the festivals of the Blessed Mi gin Mary
will be found in the latter part of this book.
728 Devotions in Honor 0/ the Blessed Virgin Mary.
are commemorating those mysteries in • the holy Rosary
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the grace to hearken to the
lessons they teach us and to obtain the blessings they promise.
Through the same Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
©fferina of IFntentions, before IReciting tbe IRosars,
in TUnion wltb tbe precious JBlooD.
^fTERNAL Father, we offer Thee this Rosary, through
the most pure heart of Mary in union with the precious
blood of Jesus Christ, in thanksgiving for all Thy benefits,
in atonement for our sins, for the wants of the holy Church,
the interests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, for all those graces
and blessings that will keep us close to that loving Heart
in life, in death, in time, and for eternity. For the sick, the
dying, conversion of sinners, and souls in purgatory; for
those who have asked our prayers and for whom we are
bound to pray; for Superiors, Congregation, and family inten-
tions, that God may direct all to His greater honor and giory,
and for a happy death for each member.
IRosarE of tbe Meeeeb Virgin*
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES.
V. 'T'NCLINE unto my aid, O God.
rJL, o Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, etc.
R. As it was in the beginning, etc.
First Mystery — The Annunciation.
(To obtain the Virtue of Humility.)
"T-! KT us contemplate in this mystery how the angel Gabrie\
tJ 1 saluted our blessed Lady with the title, Full of Grace,
and declared unto her the Incarnation of Our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ.
Our Father, etc., once. Hail Mary, ten times. Glory be to
the. Father, etc.
Prayer.
OHOLY Mary, Queen of virgins, by the most high my-tery
of the Incarnation of thy beloved Son, Our Lord
Jesus Christ, by which our salvation was so happily begun:
obtain for us, by thy intercession, light to know this so great
benefit which He hath bestowed upon us, vouchsafing in
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 729
it to make Himself our Brother, and thee, His own most be-
loved Mother, our Mother also. Amen.
Second Mystery — The Visitation.
(Charity.)
*"| L ET us contemplate in this mystery how the blessed Vir-
r-l — ^ gin Mary, understanding from the angel that her
cousin St. Elizabeth had conceived, went with haste into
the mountains of Judea to visit her, and remained with her
three months.
Our Father, etc., as above.
Prayer.
OHOLY Virgin, most spotless mirror of humility, by
that exceeding charity which moved thee to visit
thy holy cousin, St. Elizabeth, obtain for us by thy interces-
sion, that our hearts may be visited by thy most holy Son,
that being freed from all sin, we may praise Him and give
Him thanks for ever. Amen.
Third Mystery. — The Nativity.
(Poverty of Spirit.)
*T JET us contemplate in this mystery how the blessed
, " A Virgin Mary, when the time of her delivery was come,
brought forth Our Redeemer, Christ Jesus, at midnight, and
laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for Him in
the inns of Bethlehem.
Our Father, etc., as above,
Prayer.
OMOST pure Mother of God, by thy virginal and most
joyful delivery, by which thou gavest unto the world
thy only Son, Our Saviour ; we beseech thee, obtain for us,
by thy intercession, grace to lead so pure and holy a life in
this world that we may worthily sing without ceasing, both
day and night, the mercies of thy Son, and His benefits to
us by thee. Amen.
Fourth Mystery. — The Presentation.
(Obedience.)
— "ET us contemplate in this mystery how the blessed
« 1 1 Virgin Mary, on the day of her purification, pre-
sented the Child Jesus in the Temple, where holy Simeon,
giving thanks to God, with great devotion received Him
into his arms.
Our Father, etc., as above.
730 Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Prayer.
OHOLY Virgin, most admirable mistress and pattern
of obedience, who didst present in the Temple the
Lord of the Temple, obtain for us, of thy beloved Son, that
with holy Simeon and devout Anna we may praise and
glorify Him for ever. Amen.
The Fifth Mystery. — TJie Finding in the Temple.
(Zeal.)
•"l — 'ET us contemplate in this mystery how the blessed
<JL_i Virgin Mary, having lost her beloved Son in Jerusalem,
sought Him for the space of three days, and at length
found Him in the Temple, in the midst of the doctors, dis-
puting with them, being of the age of twelve years.
Our Father, etc., as above.
Prayer.
/TvOST Blessed Virgin, more than martyr in thy sufferings,
%&J> and yet the comfort of such as are afflicted, by that
unspeakable joy wherewith thy soul was filled in finding
thy beloved Son in the Temple, in the midst of the doctors,
disputing with them, obtain of Him for us so to seek Him
and to find Him in the holy Catholic Church that we may
never be separated from Him. Amen.
Salve Regina.
KAIL, holy Queen! Mother of mercy, our life, our sweet-
ness, and our hope ; to thee do we cry, poor banished
children of Eve ; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning
and weeping in this valley of tears ; turn then, most gracious
advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us. and after this
our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
0 clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
V. Pray for us, holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ
Let us pray.
*"pv EAR, 0 merciful God, the p/ayer of Thy servants,
*Jl.£ that we who meet together in the society of the most
holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mother of God, may, through
her intercession, by Thee be delivered from the dangers that
continually hang over us. Amen.
O God, Whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death, and
Resurrection, has purchased for us the reward of eternal life,
grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating on these mysteries
in the most holy Rosary of the blessed Virgin Mary we
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 731
may imitate what they contain, and obtain what they
promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE DOLOROUS OR SORROWFUL MYSTERIES.
First Mystery. — The Agony in the Garden.
(To obtain the Virtue of Resignation.)
*TT"! ET us contemplate in this mystery how Our Lord Jesus
r*— ■ Christ was so afflicted for us in the Garden of Geth-
semane, that His body was bathed in a bloody sweat, which
ran trickling down in great drops to the ground.
Our Father, etc., once. Hail Mary, ten times. Glory, etc.
Prayer.
OST holy Virgin, more than martyr, by that ardent
prayer which thy beloved Son poured forth unto
His Father in the garden, vouchsafe to intercede for us,
that our passions being reduced to the obedience of reason,
we may always and in all things conform and subject our-
selves to the will of God. Amen.
Second Mystery. — The Scourging at the Pillar.
(Holy Purity.)
* I JET us contemplate in this mystery how Our Lord Jesus
— i Christ was most cruelly scourged in Pilate's house,
the stripes He received being innumerable.
Our Father, etc., as above.
Prayer .
O MOTHER of God, overflowing fountain of patience,
by those stripes thy only and most beloved Son
vouchsafed to suffer for us, obtain of Him for us grace that
we may know how to mortify our rebellious senses, and
cut off all occasions of sinning with that sword of grief and
compassion which pierced thy most tender soul. Amen.
Third Mystery. — The Crowning with Thorns.
(Humility.)
1 1 'ET us contemplate in this mystery how those cruel
J 1 ministers of Satan platted a crown of sharp thorns,
and most cruelly pressed it on the most sacred head of Our
Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Father, eta, as above.
Prayer,
O MOTHER of our eternal Prince and King of glory, by
those sharp thorns wherewith His most holy head
was pierced, we beseech thee that, through thv intercession
732 Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
we may be delivered from all motions of pride, and, in the
day of judgment, from that confusion which our sins deserve.
Amen.
Fourth Mystery. — The Carrying of the Cross
(Patience.)
— 'ET us contemplate in this mystery how Our Lord
^JLL Jesus Christ, being sentenced to die, bore with great
patience the cross, which was laid upon Him for His greater
torment and ignominy.
Our Father, etc., as above.
Prayer.
OHOLY Virgin, example of patience, by the most painful
carrying of the cross on which thy Son, Our Lord
Jesus Christ, bore the heavy weight of our sins, obtain foi
us of Him, through thy intercession, courage and strength
to follow His footsteps, and to bear our cross after Him
unto the end of our lives. Amen.
Fifth Mystery. — The Crucifixion.
(Abiding Sorrow for Sin.)
' I 'ET us contemplate in this mystery how Our Lord
rl I Jesus Christ, being come to Mount Calvary, was
stripped of His clothes, and His hands and feet most cruelly
nailed to the cross, in the presence of His most afflicted
Mother.
Our Father, etc., as above.
Prayer.
OHOLY Mary, Mother of God, as the body of thy be-
loved Son was for us stretched on the cross, so may
our desires be daily more and more extended in His service,
and our hearts wounded with compassion for His most bitter
Passion; and thou, O most blessed Virgin, graciously vouch-
safe, by thy powerful intercession, to help us to accom-
plish the work of our salvation.
Hail, Holy Queen, etc.
THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES.
First Mystery. — TJte Resurrection.
(To Obtain the Virtue of Faith.)
• I JET us contemplate in this mystery how Our Lord Jesus
jj—l Christ, triumphing gloriously ever death, rose again
the third day, immortal and impassible.
Our Father, etc., once ; Hail Mary, etc., ten times ; Glory, etc
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 733
Prayer.
O GLORIOUS Virgin Mary, by that unspeakable joy
thou receivedst in the Resurrection of thine only Son,
we beseech thee obtain of Him for us that our hearts may
never go astray after the false joys of this world, but may
be ever and wholly employed in the pursuit of the only true
and solid joys of heaven. Amen.
Second Mystery. — The Ascension.
(Hope.)
'T"""! ET us contemplate in this mystery how Our Lord Jesus
i Christ, forty days after His Resurrection, ascended
into heaven, attended by angels, in the sight and to the
great admiration of His most holy Mother, His holy apostles
and disciples.
Our Father, etc., as above.
Prayer.
O MOTHER of God, Comfortress of the afflicted, as thy
beloved Son, when He ascended into heaven, lifted
up His hands and blessed His apostles, so vouchsafe, most
holy Mother, to lift up thy pure hands to Him for us, that
we may enjoy the benefits of His blessing, and thine also,
on earth and hereafter in heaven. Amen.
Third Mystery .— The Descent of the Holy Ghost.
(Charity.)
*f— 1 ET us contemplate in this mystery how Our Lord Jesus
f I • Christ being seated on the right hand of God, sent,
as He had promised, the Holy Ghost upon His apostles,
who, after His Ascension, returning to Jerusalem, continued
in prayer and supplication with the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Expecting the fulfilment of His promise.
Our Father, etc., as above.
Prayer.
O SACRED Virgin, tabernacle of the Holy Ghost, we
beseech thee, obtain by thine intercession, that this
most sweet Comforter, Whom thy beloved Son sent down
upon His apostles, filling them thereby with spiritual joy,
may teach us in this world the true way of salvation, and
make us walk in the paths of virtue and good works. Amen.
Fourth Mystery. — The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.
(Desire of Heaven )
— JET us contemplate in this mystery how the glorious
<J — k Virgin, languishing upon earth for many years after the
Resurrection of her Son, passed out of this world at length.
734 Devotions in Honor of the Btessed Virgin Mary.
and was by Him assumed into heaven, accompanied by the
holy angels
Our Father, etc., as above.
Prayer.
OMOST prudent Virgin, who entering the heavenly palace
didst fill the holy angels with joy and man with hope,
vouchsafe to intercede for us at the hour of our death, that
being delivered from the illusions and temptations of the
devil, we may joyfully and securely pass out of this tem-
poral state to enjoy the happiness of eternal life. Amen.
Fifth Mystery. — TJte Coronation of the Blessed Virgin.
(Confidence in Mary.)
"T^ET us contemplate in this mystery how the glorious
* " * Virgin Mary was, to the great jubilee and exultation
of the whole court of heaven, and particular glory of all the
saints, crowned by her Son with the brightest diadem of glory.
Our Father, etc., as above.
Prayer.
O GLORIOUS Queen of all the heavenly citizens, we
beseech thee accept this Rosary, which as a crown
of roses we offer at thy feet, and grant, most gracious Lady,
by thy powerful intercession, that our souls may be inflamed
with so ardent a desire of seeing thee so gloriously crowned,
that it may never die in us until it shall be changed into
the happy fruition of thy blessed sight. Amen.
Hail, holy Queen, etc., as before.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY.
QUEEN of the most holy Rosary, in these days of bold
impiety, show forth thy power by the tokens of thy
former victories, and from the throne on which thou sittest
as dispenser of pardon and of graces look down upon the
Church of Thy Son, upon His Vicar, and upon all Orders
of ecclesiastics and laymen who are struggling against the
fierce assaults of the enemy; hasten, powerful conqueror
of heresies, hasten the hour of mercy, though the hour of
justice is hurried on every day by innumerable sins. Obtain
for me, the least of men, as I kneel in humble supplication
before thee, the grace I need most to live among the just on
earth, to reign among the just in heaven, whilst, in the mean-
time, together with all the faithful in the world', O Queen of
the most holy Rosary, I salute and hail thee.
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 735
Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
An indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., July 3, 1886.
INVOCATION OF THE NAME OF MARY.
To all those who devoutly invoke the name of Mary, an indul-
gence of 25 days, each time. — Clement XIII., Sept. 5, 1759.
Ejaculation in Honor of the. Immaculate Conception.
IN thy conception, O Vir-
gin Mary! thou wast
Maria, immaculata fu
isti; ora pro nobis Patrem
cujus Filium Jesum de Spiritu
Sancto conceptum peperisti.
immaculate. Pray for us to
the Father, Whose Son Jesus,
conceived in thy womb by
the Holy Ghost, thou didst
bring forth.
An indulgence of 100 days, each time. — Pius VI., Nov. 21, 1793.
Xtttle ©ffice of tbe Ummaculate Conception*
AT MATINS.
Eia, mea labia, nunc annuntiate
praeconia Virginis
OMINA, in adju-
Laudes et
beatae.
V.
Come, my lips, and wide pro-
claim
The Blessed Virgin's spotless
fame.
^Lf tonum meum
intende.
R. Me de manu hostium
potenter defende.
V. Gloria Patri, etc. Alle-
luia.
V
o
LADY make
speed to befriend
me.
R. From the hands of the
enemy mightily defend me.
V. Glory be to the Father,
etc. Alleluia.
From Septuagesima to Easter, instead of Alleluia is said:
Laus tibi, Domine, Rex Praise be to Thee, O Lord,
aeternse gloriae. King of everlasting glory.
Hymn.
&
ALVE, mundi domina,
Ccelorum regina:
Salve, virgo virginum,
Stella matutina.
Salve plena gratia,
Clara luce divina: .
Mundi in auxilium,
Domina, festina.
ft
kAIL, Queen of the
heavens !
Hail, Mistress of earth!
Hail, Virgin most pure
Of immaculate birth !
Clear Star of the morning,
In beauty enshrined!
O Lady! make speed
To the help of mankind.
t
736 Devotions in Ho?ior of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Ab aeterno Dominus
Te praeordinavit
Matrem unigeniti
Verbi, quo creavit
Terram, pontum, aethera:
Te pulchram ornavit
Sibi sponsam, quae
In Adam non peccavit.
Amen.
V. Elegit earn Deus, et
praeelegit earn.
R. In tabernaculo suo habi-
tare fecit earn.
V Domina, protege ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
Gremus.
^ANCTA Maria, regina
^J? ccelorum, mater Do-
mini nostri Jesu Christi, et
mundi domina, quae nullum
derelinquis, et nullum despi-
cis: respice me, domina,
clementer oculo pietatis, et
impetra mihi apud tuum
dilectum Filium cunctorum
veniam peccatorum: ut qui
nunc tuam sanctam et im-
maculatam conceptionem de-
voto aftectu recolo, aeternae
in futurum beatitudinis, bra-
vium capiam, ipso, quern
virgo peperisti, donante Do-
mino nostro Jesu Christo :
qui cum Patre et Sancto
Spiritu vivit et ' re gnat, in
Trinitate perfecta Deus, in
saecula saeculorum. Amen.
V. Domina, protege ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
vremat.
Thee God in the depth
Of eternity chose ;
And formed thee all fair,
As His glorious spouse ;
And called thee His Word's
Own Mother to be,
By Whom He created
The earth, sky, and sea.
Amen.
V. God elected her, and
pre-elected her.
R He made her to dwell it,
His tabernacle.
V. O Lady ! aid my prayer
R. And let my cry come
unto thee.
Let us pray.
OLY Mary, Queen of
heaven, Mother of Our
Lord Jesus Christ, and Mis-
tress of the world, who for-
sake st no one, and despisest
no one, look upon me, O
Lady! with an eye of pity,
and entreat for me, of thy
beloved Son, the forgiveness
of all my sins; that, as I
now celebrate, with devout
affection, thy holy and im-
maculate conception, so, here-
after, I may receive the priz^
of eternal blessedness, by
the grace of Him Whom thou5
in ATrginity, didst bring forth,
Jesus Christ our Lord: Who,
with the Father and the Holy
Ghost, liveth and reigneth,
in perfect Trinity, God, wo. Id
without end. Amen.
V. O Lady ! aid my prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto thee.
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary . 737
V. Benedicamus Domino.
R. Deo gratias.
V.. Fidelium animae per
misericordiam Dei requie-
scant in pace.
R. Amen.
V. , Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the
faithful, through the mercy
of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V.
*T^OMINA, in adju-
JL/ torium meum
tntende.
R. Me de manu hostium
pot enter defende.
V. Gloria Patri. etc. Alle-
luia.
AT PRIME.
V.
o
LADY! make
speed to befriend
me. .
R. From the hands of the
enemy mightily defend me.
V. Glory be to the Father,
etc. Alleluia.
Hymn.
fCS ALVE, virgo sapiens, AIL, Virgin most wise!
Domus Deo dicata, r-"— b
Domus Deo dicata,
Columna septemplici
Mensaque exornata.
Vb omni contagio
Vlundi praeservata:
temper sancta in utero
Nlatris, ex qua nata.
fu mater viventium,
Et porta es sanctorum:
Nova stella Jacob,
Domina angelorum.
Zabulo terribilis
Acies castrorum;
Porta et refugium
Sis christianorum.
Amen.
V. Ipse creavit illam in
Spiritu Sancto.
R. Et efludit illam super
omnia opera sua;
V. Domina. protege, etc.
{cum oratione ut supra).
Hail, Deity's shrine!
With seven fair pillars,
And table divine !
Preserved from the guilt
Which hath come on us all!
Exempt, in the womb,
From the taint of the fall!
O new Star of Jacob,
Of angels the Queen!
O Gate of the saints!
O Mothe of men!
To Zabulon fearful
As th' embattled arrav!
Be thou of the faithful
The refuge and stay.
Amen.
V. The Lord Himself crt
ated her in the Holy Ghost.
R. And poured her out
over all His works.
V. O Lady, aid, etc. (with
the prayer as above).
AT TIERCE
V. Domina, in ad jut orium, V. O Lady, maitc speed
etc. etc.
738 Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary .
ALVE, area foederis,
Thronus Salomonis,
Arcus pulcher aetheris,
Rubus visionis:
Virga frondens germinis:
Vellus Gedeonis:
Porta clausa numinis,
Favusque Samsonis.
Decebat tam nobilem
Natum praecavere
Ab originali
Labe matris Evae,
Almam, quam elegerat,
Genitricem vere,
Nulli prorsus sinens
Culpae subjacere.
Amen.
V. Ego in altissimis habito.
R. Et thronus meus in co-
lumna nubis.
V. Domina, protege, etc.
(cum oratione ut supra).
AT
V. Domina, in adjutorium,
etc.
'mn.
AIL, Solomon's Throne \
Pure Ark of the law!
Fair Rainbow and Bush,
Which the patriarch saw !
Hail, Gedeon's Fleece!
Hail, blossoming Rod!
Samson's sweet Honeycomb!
Portal of God!
Well-fitting it was
That a Son so divine
Should preserve from all
touch
Of original sin,
Nor sufTer by smallest
Defect to be stained
That Mother, whom He
For Himself had ordained.
Amen.
V. I dwell in the highest.
R. And my throne is on
the pillar of the clouds.
V. O Lady, aid, etc. (with
the prayer as above) .
SEXT.
V. O Lady, make speed,
etc.
ALVE, virgo puerpera,
Templum Trinitatis,
Angelorum gaudium,
Cella puritatis:
Solamen moerentium,
Hortus voluptatis :
Palma patientias,
Cedrus castitatis.
Terra es benedicta
Et sacerdotalis,
Sancta et immunis
Culpae originalis.
'mn.
%1fr\ AIL, virginal Mother !
fJ-t, Hail, purity's Cell!
Fair Shrine, where the Trinity
Loveth to dwell!
Hail, Garden of pleasure!
Celestial Balm!
Cedar of chastity!
Martyrdom's Palm!
Thou Land set apart
From uses profane !
And free from the curse
Which in Adam began !
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 739
Ci vitas altissimi,
Porta orientalis:
In te est omnis gratia,
Virgo singularis.
Amen.
V. Sicut lilinm inter spinas.
R. Sic arnica mea inter fili-
as Adae.
V. Domina, protege, etc.
(cum oratione ut supra).
Thou City of God!
Thou Gate of the east
In thee is all grace
O Joy of the blest!
Amen.
V. As the lily among the
thorns.
R. So is my beloved among
the daughters of Adam.
V. O'Lady, aid, etc. (with
the prayer as above)
AT NONE.
V. Domina, in adjutorium,
etc.
BALVE, urbs refugii,
Turrisque munita
David, propugnaculis
Armisque insignita.
In conceptione
Charitate ignita,
Draconis potestas
Est a te contrita.
V. O Lady, make speed,
etc.
AIL, City of refuge.
Hymn.
TV
& Hail, David's high
tower,
With battlements crowned
And girded with power! ,
Filled at thy conception
With love and with light !
The dragon by thee
Was shorn of his might.
O mulier fortis,
Et invicta Judith!
Pulchra Abisag virgo
Verum f ovens David!
O Woman most valiant !
O Judith thrice blest!
As David was nursed
In fair Abisag' s breast ;
Rachel curat orem
iEgypti gestavit:
Salvatorem mundi
Maria portavit.
Amen.
V. Tot a pulchra es, arnica
mea.
R. Et macula originalis
numquam fuit in te.
V. Domina, protege, etc.
(cum oratione ut supra).
As the saviour of Egypt
Upon Rachel's knee:
So the world's great Re-
deemer
Was cherished by thee.
Amen.
V. Thou art all fair, my be-
loved.
R. And the original stain
was never in thee.
V. O Lady, aid, etc. (with
the prayer as above).
74° Devotioiis in Honor of the Blessed Virgi?i Mary.
V. Domina, in adjutorium,
etc.
AT VESPERS.
V.
etc.
O Lady, make speed,
ALVE, horologium.
^5 Quo, retrogadiatur
Sol in decern lineis;
Verbum incarnatur.
Homo ut ab inferis
Ad summa attollatur,
Immensus ab angelis
Paulo minoratur.
Solis hujus radiis
Maria coruscat;
Consurgens aurora
In conceptu micat.
Lilium inter spinas,
Quae serpentis conterat
Caput : pulchra ut luna
Errantes colustrat.
Amen.
V. Ego feci in ccelis, ut
oriretur lumen indeficiens.
R. Et quasi nebula texi
omnem terram.
V. Domina, protege, etc.
{cum oratione ut supra).
Hymn.
AIL, Dial of Achaz!
On thee the true sun
Told backward the course
Which from old he had run!
And, that man might be
raised,
Submitting to shame,
A little more low
Than the angels became.
Thou, rapt in the blaze
Of His infinite light,
Dost shine as the morn
On the confines of night;
As the moon on the lost
Through obscurity dawns;
The serpent's destroyer!
A lily 'mid thorns!
Amen.
V. I made an unfailing
light to arise in heaven.
R. And as a mist I over-
spread the whole earth.
V. O Lady, aid, etc. (with
the prayer as above)
AT COMPLINE.
V. ON VERT AT nos,
Domina, tuis pre-
cibus placatus Jesus Christ us
Filius tuus.
R. Et avertat iram suam
a nobis.
V. Domina. in adjutorium
meum intende.
R. Me de manu hostium
potenter defende.
V. Gloria Patri, etc.
V. (T)AY Jesus Christ,.
t*U> thy Son, recon-
ciled by thy prayers, O Lady!
convert our hearts.
R. And turn away His
anger from us.
V. O Lady! make speed
to befriend me.
R. From the hands of the
enemy mightily defend me.
V. Glory be to the Father,
etc
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 741
ALVE, virgo florens,
^3 Mater illibata,
Regina clementiae,
Stellis coronata.
Super omnes angeios
Pura, immaculata,
At que ad regis dexteram
Stans veste deaurata.
Per te, mater gratiae,
Dulcis spes reorum,
Fulgens Stella maris,
Portus naufragorum.
Patens coeli janua.
Salus infirmorum
Videamus regem
In aula sanctorum.
Hymn.
V
OLEUM
Maria,
Amen
effusum,
tuum.
R. Servi tui dilexerunt te
nimis.
V. Domina, protege, etc.
(cum oratione ut supra).
*Tpv AIL, Mother most pure !
c-L £ Hail, Virgin renowned !
Hail, Queen with the stars,
As a diadem, crowned.
Above all the angels
In glory untold,
Standing next to the King
In a vesture of gold.
O Mother of mercy!
O Star of the wave !
O Hope of the guilty!
O Light of the grave !
Through thee mav we come
To the haven of rest ;
And see heaven's King
In the courts of the blest !
Amen.
V. i^HY name, 0 Mary!
is as oil poured
out.
R. Thy servants have loved
thee exceedingly.
V. O Lady, aid, etc. (with
the prayers and versicles as
above).
THE COMMENDATION.
(gUPPLICES offerimus
Tibi, virgo pia,
Haec laudum praeconia:
Fac nos ut in via
Ducas cursu prospero;
Et in agonia
Tu nobis assiste,
O dulcis Maria.
R. Deo gratias.
Ant. Haec est virga in qua
nec nodus originalis, nec cor-
tex actualis culpae fuit.
^^HESE praises and
prayers
I lay at thy feet,
O Virgin of virgins!
O Mary most sweet!
Be thou my true guide
Through this pilgrimage here ;
And stand by my side
When death draweth near
R. Thanks be to God.
Ant. This is the rod in
which was neither knot of
original sin, nor rind of actual
guilt.
742 Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
V. In conceptione tua vir-
go immaculata fuisti.
R. Ora pro nobis Patrem,
qujus Filium peperisti.
Oremus.
^Y^EUS qui per immacula-
JLJ tarn Virginis concep-
tionem dignum Filio tuo ha-
bitaculum praeparasti : quae-
sumus, ut qui ex morte ejus-
dem Filii tui praevisa earn ab
omni labe praeservasti, nos
quoque mundos ejus inter-
cessione ad te pervenire con-
cedas. Per eumdem Chris-
tum Dominum nostrum.
R. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each
V. In thy conception, O
Virgin! thou wast immacu-
late.
R. Pray for us to the
Father, Whose Son thou didst
bring forth
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who, by the im-
maculate conception of
the Virgin, didst prepare a
worthy habitation for Thy
Son: we beseech Thee that,
as in view of the death of that
Son, Thou didst preserve her
from all stain of sin, so Thou
wouldst enable us, being
made pure by her intercession,
to come unto Thee. Through
the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
me. — Pius IX., March 31, 1876.
ANTHEM, VERSICXE, AND PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE IMMACU-
LATE MARY.
* *"Pi ^c est virga in
<JL£ qua nec nodus
originalis, nec cortex actualis
culpae fuit.
V. In conceptione tua vir-
go immaculata fuisti.
R. Ora pro nobis Patrem,
cujus Filium peperisti.
Oremus.
BEUS qui per immacula-
tam Virginis concep-
tionem dignum Filio tuo
habitaculum praeparasti :
quaesumus, ut qui ex morte
ejusdem Filii tui praevisa
earn ab omni labe praeser-
vasti, nos quoque mun-
dos ejus intercessione ad te
Ant f^THIS is the rod
V-J in which was
neither knot of original sin,
nor rind of actual guilt
V. In thy conception, O
Virgin! thou wast immacn-
late.
R. Pray for us to the
Father, Whose Son thou
didst bring forth.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who, by the im-
maculate conception of
the Virgin, didst prepare a
worthy habitation for Thy
Son: we beseech Thee that,
as in view of the death of that
Son, Thou didst preserve her
from all stain of sin, so Thou
wouldst enable us, being made
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 743
pervenire concedas. Pereum- pure by her intercession, to
dem Christum Dominum come unto Thee. Through
nostrum. the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, each time. — Pius IX., March 31, 1876.
CHAPIvET IN HONOR OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY.
Suitable for a Novena.
V- ^pVBUSinadjutorium V. 'T'NCLINE unto my
rJLr meum intende. JL> aid, O God !
R. Domine ad adjuvan- R. O Lord! make haste to
dum me festina. help me.
V. Gloria Patri, etc. V. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc. R. As it was, etc.
I. «y*MMACULATE Virgin, who, conceived without sin,
m I w didst direct every movement of thy most pure heart
to that God Who was ever the object of thy love, • and
who was ever most submissive to His will: obtain for me
the grace to hate sin with my whole heart, and to learn of
thee to live in perfect resignation to the will of God.
Our Father, once, Hail Mary, seven times.
Heart transpierced with pain and woe!
Set my heart with love aglow.
II. *T* MARVEL, Mary, at thy deep humility, through
JL^ which thy blessed heart was troubled at the
gracious message brought thee by Gabriel, the archangel,
that thou wast chosen Mother of the Son of the Most High,
and through which thou didst proclaim thyself His humble
handmaid: wherefore, in great confusion at the sight of my
pride, I ask thee for the grace of a contrite and humble heart,
that, knowing my own misery, I may obtain that crown of
glory promised to the truly humble of heart.
Our Father, etc., Heart, etc.
III. VK> LESSED Virgin, who, in thy sweetest heart, didst
. keep as a precious treasure the words of Jesus,
thy Son, and, pondering on the lofty mysteries they contained,
didst learn to live for God alone: how doth my cold heart
confound me! O dearest Mother! get me grace. so to medi-
tate within my heart upon God's holy law, that I may strive
to follow thee in the fervent practice of every Christian,
virtue.
Our Father, etc., Heart, etc.
744 Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
I^r- fZi LORIOUS Queen of martyrs, whose sacred heart
\S) was pierced in thy Son's bitter Passion by the
sword, whereof the holy old man Simeon had prophesied:
gain for my heart true courage and a holy patience to bear
the troubles and misfortunes of this miserable life, that so,
by crucifying my flesh with its desires, while following the
mortincatioii of the cross, I may, indeed, show myself to be a
true son of thine.
Our Father, etc., Heart, etc.
V. MARY, mystical rose, whose loving heart, burning
K*J with the living fire of charity, did accept us
for thy sons at the cross's foot, becoming thus our tender
Mother! make me feel the sweetness of thy maternal heart
and thy power with Jesus, that, when menaced by the perils
of this mortal life, and most of all in the dread hour of death,
my he?rt, united with thine, may love my Jesus then and
through all ages. Amen.
Our Father, etc., Heart, etc.
*T~c ET us now turn to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, that
<J — i He may inflame us with His holy love.
O Divine Heart of Jesus! to thee I consecrate myself,
full of deep gratitude for the many blessings I have re-
ceived and" daily do receive from thy boundless charity.
With my whole heart I thank thee for having, in addition
to them all, vouchsafed to give me thy own most holy Mother,
giving me to her as a son, in the person of the beloved disciple.
Let my heart ever burn with love for thee, finding in thy
sweetest Heart its peace, its refuge, and its happiness.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day; plenary indulgence under
usual conditions. — Pius IX., Dec. 11, 1854.
LITTLE CHAPLET IN HONOR OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
OF THE VIRGIN MARY.
IN the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
First set. — Blessed be the holy and immaculate conception
of the most blessed Virgin Mary.
Then say the Our Father once, the Hail Mary four times, and
the Glory be to the Father once.
Second set. — Blessed be the holy, etc : one Our Father, etc.,
as before.
Third set. — B1essed be the holy, etc., etc., as before.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time; plenary indulgence under
usual conditions. — Pius IX., June 22, 1855.
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 745
A VISIT TO OUR LADY OF SORROWS.
(To be made before her altar or image, immediately after per-
forming the Stations, or at any other time.)
OMOST holy Mother, Queen of sorrows, who didst
follow thy beloved Son through all the way of the
cross, and whose heart was pierced with a fresh sword of
grief at all the stations of that most sorrowful journey; obtain
for us, we beseech thee, O most loving Mother, a perpetual
remembrance of our blessed Saviour's cross and death, and
a true and tender devotion to all the mysteries of His most
holy Passion; obtain for us the grace to hate sin, even as
He hated it in the agony in the garden; to endure wrong
and insult with all patience, as He endureth them in the
judgment-hall; to be meek and humble in all our trials, as
He was before His judges; to love our enemies even as He
loved His murderers, and prayed for them upon the cross;
and to glorify God and do good to our neighbors, even as 'He
did in every mystery of His sufferings. O Queen of martyrs,
who, by the dolors of thy immaculate heart on Calvary, didst
merit to share the Passion of our blessed Redeemer, obtain
for us some portion of thy compassion, that for the love of
Jesus crucified, we may be crucified to the world in this life;
and in the life to come, may, by His infinite merits and thy
powerful intercession, reign with Him in glory everlasting.
Amen.
PIOUS EXERCISE IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF DOLORS.
CT^f ANCTA mater istud agas, *~K>ID me bear, O Mother
JO blessed!
Crucifixi fige plagas On my heart the wounds
impressed
Cordi meo valide. Suffered by the Crucified.
An indulgence of 300 days, once a day, to those who, with con-
trite heart, shall say the Hail Mary, seven times, and after each
Hail Mary, the stanza, as above. — Pius VII., Dec. 1, 1815.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF SORROWS.
OMARY! I beseech thee by the sorrows thou didst
experience in beholding thy divine Son dying on the
cross, procure for me a good death; obtain for me that, having
loved Jesus and thee, my most tender Mother here on earth,
I may love you both and bless you eternally in heaven. Amen.
74 6 Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
B 1Rox>ena tit fbonor of tbe 2>olors ot tbe Mceecb
MOST holy and afflicted Virgin! Queen of martyrs!5
V|f thou who didst stand beneath the cross, wit-
nessing the agony of thy expiring Son — through the
unceasing sufferings of thy life of sorrow, and the bliss
which now more than amply repays thee for thy past
trials, look down with a mother's tenderness and pity
on me, who kneel before thee to venerate thy dolors,
and place my requests, with filial confidence, in the
sanctuary of thy wounded heart; present them, I be-
seech thee, on my behalf, to Jesus Christ, through the
merits of His own most sacred death and Passion,
together with thy sufferings at the foot of the cross,
and through the united efficacy of both, obtain the grant
cf my present petition. To whom shall I recur in my
wants and miseries if not to thee, O Mother of mercy,
who, having so deeply drunk of the chalice of thy Son,
canst compassionate the woes of those who still sigh in
the land of exile? Sancta Maria, Mater Dolorosa, or a
pro me!
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL.
OST glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Counsel to
be the Mother of the Eternal Word made Man, treasure-
house of divine graces and advocate of sinners; I, the most
unworthy of thy servants, have recourse to thee, begging of thee
to be my guide and counsellor in this vale of tears. Obtain
fo*- me, through the most precious blood of thy Divine Son,
forgiveness of my sins, and the salvation of my soul with all
the means necessary to secure it. Obtain for Holy Church
triumph over her enemies and the extension of the Kingdom
of Jesus Christ over the whole earth. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., Nov. 23, 188c.
PRAYERS IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP.
I.
O MOTHER of perpetual help! grant that I may ever
invoke thy most powerful name, which is the safe-
guard of the living and the salvation of the dying. O
purest Mary! O sweetest Mary! let thy name henceforth
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 747
be ever on my lips. Delay not, O blessed "Lady! to succor
me, whenever I call on thee; for, in all my temptations,
in all my needs, I shall never cease to call on thee, ever
repeating thy sacred name, Mary, Mary. O what consola-
tion, what sweetness, what confidence, what emotion fills
my soul when I utter thy sacred name, or even only think
of thee ! I thank the Lord for have given thee, for my good,
so sweet, so powerful, so lovely a name. But I will not be
content with merely uttering thy name. Let my love for
thee prompt me ever to hail thee, Mother of perpetual help.
II.
O MOTHER of perpetual help! thou art the dispenser
of all the gifts which God grants to us miserable sin-
ners; and for this end He has made thee so powerful, so
rich, and so bountiful, in order that thou mayest succor us
in our misery. Thou art the advocate of the most wretched
and abandoned sinners who have recourse to thee: come to
my help; I commend myself to thee. In thy hands I place
my eternal salvation, and to thee I intrust my soul. Count
me among thy most devoted servants; take me under t,hy
protection, and it is enough for me. For, if thou protect
me, I fear nothing; not from my sins, because thou wilt
obtain for me the pardon of them; nor from the devils,
because thou art more powerful than all hell together; nor
even from Jesus, my Judge, because by one prayer from thee
He will be appeased. But one thing I fear; that, in the
hour of temptation, I may through negligence fail to have
recourse to thee, and thus perish miserably. Obtain for
me, therefore, the pardon of my sins, love for Jesus, final
perseverance, and the grace ever to have recourse to thee,
0 Mother of perpetual help.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES.
OEVER immaculate Virgin, Mother of mercy, Health
of the sick, Refuge of sinners, Comfort of the afflicted,
thou knowest my wants, my troubles, my sufferings; deign
to cast upon me a look of mercy. By appearing in the Grotto
of Lourdes, thou wert pleased to make it a privileged sanctu-
ary, whence thou didst dispense thy favors, and already many
sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both
spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with the most
unbounded confidence, to implore thy maternal intercession.
Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through
gratitude for thy favors, I will endeavor to imitate thy virtues,,
that I may one day share thy glory. Amen.
748 Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us, who have re
course to thee!
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, pray for us.
Ejaculation.
O thee, O Virgin Mother, who wast never defiled with the
slightest stain of original or actual sin, I commend and
entrust the purity of my heart.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., Nov. 26, 1854.
A PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN, MOTHER OF PURE LOVE.
OHOLY Virgin! thou art my good Mother, and by
excellence, the Mother of pure love. Thou hast
obtained for me many graces during the course of my life;
be pleased to obtain one favor more, which will crown all
the rest — this is to love my God — to love Him purely, to
love Him ardently, to love Him constantly as long as I shall
remain on earth — that I may have the happiness of loving
Him eternally with thee in heaven. Amen.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF LIGHT.
OUR Lady of light, spouse of the Holy Ghost, I give
thee my whole self, soul and body, all that I have, or
may have, to keep for Jesus, that I may be His for evermore.
Our Lady of light, spouse of the Holy Ghost, pray for me.
A FOKM OF CONSECRATION TO THE MOTHER OF GOD.
{Used by St. Aloysius Gonzaga.)
OST holy Mary, my Lady, to thy faithful care and
particular protection and to the bosom of thy mercy,
to-day and every day, and particularly at the hour of my
death, I commend my soul and my body; all my hope and
consolation, all my trials and miseries, my life and the end
of my life, I commit to thee, that through thy most holy
intercession and by thy merits all my actions may be directed
and ordered according to thy will and that of thy divine Son.
Amen.
Indulgence of 20c days, once a day. — Leo XIII., March 15, 189c.
PRAYER SAID IN SOME RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES ON
SATURDAY EVENINGS.
OST holy Virgin! Immaculate Queen! Mother of.
God! and our own dear Mother, Mary! Refuge
of sinners! Comfort ress of the afflicted! prostrate at
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 749
thy feet, in the presence of thy heavenly court, we con-
secrate ourselves to thy service. We choose thee for
our Mistress and our Queen; accept us as thy servants,
and receive the offering of our bodies and our souls,
of our hearts and our minds, of all that we are and
possess. We offer thee this house and community, our
friends and relatives, and all whom we love in this world.
Take us all under thy protection, and give us thy
blessing, O most dear Mother. Protect us against
temptation, deliver us from danger, assist us in our
infirmities, comfort us in our afflictions, preserve us
from sin, and at the hour of our death, O come, dear
Mother, and take our souls and bring them to paradise,
that we may serve thee, and thank thee, and bless thee,
and glorify thy beloved Son, Our Saviour, Jesus Christ,
eternally. Amen.
PRAYER OF A RELIGIOUS TO MARY.
If Mary so loves the faithful, how must she not love Re-
ligious who have sacrificed their liberty, their life, their all
for the love of Jesus Christ!
OST amiable, loving, and beloved Queen, I render
thee continual thanks, as also to my Saviour,,
for having taken me out of the world and called me to
this Order, where devotion to thee is singularly held in
honor and pjacticed. Take me into thy service, O
my tender Mother; miserable though I be, yet refuse
me not a place among the many souls thou boldest dear.
After God, thou shalt always be my hope and my love.
In all my needs, in all my trials, in all my temptations,
it is to thee that I will always have recourse as my
refuge and my consolation. I wish for naught but
God and thee to support me in the struggles and sorrows
of life. I renounce all else, preferring to serve thee
rather than to reign over the whole world. For me,
to reign means to serve, love, and bless thee on
earth, my sweetest sovereign; for as St. Anselm says,
1
75° Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
serving thee is reigning. Mother of perseverance,
obtain for me the grace of being faithful to thee until
death, faithful in my vows, faithful in imitating thy
virtues, and thus I hope to arrive one day in thy glori-
ous dwelling: there will I kneel at thy feet, to praise
thee, and thank thee for thy goodness and mercy.
Jesus and Mary! Sweet objects of my love; for you
will I labor and suffer; may I serve you in life, may I
bless you, and love you for ever.
O dearest Mother, pray for me, that I may one day
be united in heaven with thy divine Son, Who has re-
deemed me by His precious blood.
When my soul shall leave this world and all its perish-
able goods, to appear before the judgment-seat of thy
divine Son, then, O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin
Mary, intercede with Him for me, that He may be to
me a Saviour and not a Judge.
Oh, do thou thyself present my soul before the throne
of Jesus, that I may see Him face to face, adore and
love Him for ever, Whom I now adore here in the Most
Holy Sacrament. Amen.
THE THIRTY DAYS' PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY,
In Honor of tlie Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is particularly recommended as a proper devotion for every-
day in Lent, and on all Fridays throughout the year.
VER-GLORIOUS and Blessed Virgin, Queen of virgins,
Mother of mercy, hope and comfort of dejected souls,
through that sword of sorrow which pierced thy tender
heart, whilst thine only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, suffered
death and ignominy on the cross ; through that filial tender-
ness and pure love He had for thee, grieving in thy grief,
whilst from His cross He recommended thee to the care
and protection of His beloved disciple, St. John: take pity,
we beseech thee, on our poverty and necessities; have com-
passion on our anxieties; assist and comfort us in all our
infirmities and miseries. Thou art the Mother of mercies,
the sweet consolatrix and refuge of the desolate and afflicted:
look, therefore, with pity on us, miserable children of Eve,
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 751
and hear our prayer: for since, in just punishment of our
sins, we are encompassed by evils, whither can we fly for
more secure shelter than to thy maternal protection? At-
tend, therefore, with an ear of pity, we beseech thee, to our
humble and earnest request. We ask it through the mercy
of thy dear Son, and through the love and condescension
wherewith He embraced our nature, when, in compliance
with the divine will, thou gavest thy consent, and Whom,
after the expiration of nine months, thou didst bring forth
from thy chaste womb to visit this world, and bless it with
His presence. We ask it through the anguish of mind
wherewith thy beloved Son, our dear Saviour, was over-
whelmed on Mount Olivet, when He besought His eternal
Father to remove from Him, if possible, the bitter chalice
of His future Passion. We ask it through the threefold
repetition of His prayer in the garden, from whence after-
wards, with mournful tears, thou didst accompany Him to
the doleful theater of His sufferings and death. We ask it
through the welds and sores of His virginal flesh, occasioned
by the cords and whips wherewith He was bound and scourged
when stripped of His seamless garment, for which His execu-
tioners afterwards cast lots. We ask it through the scoffs
and ignominies by which He was insulted, the false accusa-
tions and unjust sentence by which He was condemned to
death, and which He bore with heavenly patience. We ask
it through His bitter tears and sweat of blood, His silence
and resignation, His sadness and grief of heart. We ask
it through the blood which trickled from His royal and
sacred head, when struck with the scepter of a reed and
pierced with His crown of thorns. We ask it through the
torments He endured, when His hands and feet were fastened
with gross nails to the tree of the cross. We ask it through
His vehement thirst and bitter potion of vinegar and gall.
We ask it through His dereliction on the cross, when He
exclaimed: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken
Me?" We ask it through His mercy extended to the good
thief, and through His recommending His precious soul
into the hands of His eternal Father before He expired,
saying: "All is consummated." We ask it through the
blood mixed with water which issued from His sacred side
when pierced with a lance, and whence a flood of grace and
mercy hath flowed to us. We ask it through His immacu-
late life, bitter Passion, and ignominious death upon the
cross, at which nature itself was thrown into convulsions,
by the bursting of rocks, rending of the veil of the Temple,
the earthquake, and darkness of the sun and moon. We
752 Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary .
ask it through His descent into hell, where He comforted
the saints of the Old Law, and led captivity captive. We
ask it through His glorious victory over death, His triumphant
Ascension into heaven, and through the grace of the Holy
Ghost, infused into the hearts of the disciples when He
descended on them in the form of fiery tongues. We ask
it through His awful appearance on the last day, when He
shall come to judge the living and the dead, and shall destroy
the world by fire. Wre ask it through the compassion He
bore thee, and the ineffable joy thou didst feel at thine
assumption into heaven, where thou art absorbed in the
sweet contemplation of His divine perfections. O glorious
and ever-blessed Virgin, comfort the hearts of thy supplicants,
by obtaining for us .* And as we are persuaded that
our divine Saviour honors thee as His beloved Mother, to
whom He can refuse nothing, so let us experience the efficacy
of thy powerful intercession, according to the tenderness
of thy maternal affection, and the charity of His amiable
Heart, which mercifully granteth the requests, and complieth
with the desires of those who love and fear Him. O most
Blessed Virgin! besides the object of our present petition,
and whatever else we may stand in need of, obtain for us
of thy dear Son, Our Lord and Our God, lively faith, firm
hope, perfect charity, true contrition, a horror of sin, love
of God and our neighbor, contempt of the world, and patience
and resignation under the trials and difficulties of this life.
Obtain for us, also, O sacred Mother of God ! the gift of final
perseverance, and the grace to receive the last Sacraments
worthily at the hour of death. Lastly, obtain, we beseech
thee, for our parents, relatives, our Sisters in Religion, and
our benefactors, whether living or dead, life everlasting.
Amen.
PRAYER OF ST. ALPHONSUS DK WGUORI.
To the B. V. Mary.
OST holy and immaculate Virgin ! O my Mother ! thou
who art the Mother of my Lord, the Queen of the world,
the Advocate, Hope, and Refuge of sinners! I, the most
wretched among them, now come to thee. I worship thee,
great Queen, and give thee thanks for the many favors
thou hast bestowed on me in the past; most of all do I
thank thee for having saved me from hell, which I had so
often deserved. I love thee, Lady most worthy of all love,
and, by the love which I bear thee, I promise ever in the
* Here mention your request.
Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 753
future to serve thee, and to do what in me lies to win others
to thy love. In thee I put all my trust, all my hope of sal-
vation. Receive me as thy ' servant, and cover me with
the mantle of thy protection, thou who art the Mother of
mercy! And since thou hast so much power with God,
deliver me from all temptations, or at least obtain for me
the grace ever to overcome them. From thee I ask a true
love of Jesus Christ, and the grace of a happy death. O my
Mother! by thy love for God I beseech thee to be at all
times my helper, but above all at the last moment of my life.
Leave me not until thou seest me safe in heaven, there for
endless ages to bless thee and sing thy praises. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time; plenary indulgence once
a month, on the usual conditions. — Phis IX., Sept. 7, 1854.
THREE OFFERINGS IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.
I. OLIEST Virgin, with all my heart I worship thee
r*— * above all the angels and saints in paradise as the
daughter of the eternal Father, and to thee I consecrate
my soul and all its powers.
Hail Mary, etc.
II. f=v OLIEST Virgin, with all my heart I worship
J-G thee above all the angels and saints in para-
dise as the Mother of the only-begotten Son, and to thee I
consecrate my body with all its senses.
Hail Mary, etc.
III. *ip< OLIEST Virgin, with all my heart I worship
«-■-{> thee above all the angels and saints in para-
dise as the spouse of the Holy Ghost, and to thee I conse-
crate my heart and all its affections, praying thee to obtain
for me from the ever-blessed Trinity all the graces which I
need for my salvation.
Hail Mary, etc.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Leo XII., Oct. 21, 1823.
AN ACT OF CONSECRATION TO OUR QUEEN AND MOTHER.
ODOMINAmea! O mater
mea! tibi me totum
offero; atque ut me tibi pro-
bem devotum, consecro tibi
hodie oculos meos, aures me-
as, os meum, cor meum, plane
me totum. Quoniam itaque
tuus sum, 0 bona mater, ser-
Y Queen! my Mother!
I give myself entirely
to thee; and to show my
devotion to thee, I conse-
crate to thee this day my
eyes, my ears, my mouth,
my heart, my whole being,
without reserve. Wherefore.
754 Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
va me, defende me, lit rem good Mother, as I am thine
ac possessionem tuam own, keep me, guard me, as
thy property and possession
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., Aug. 5, 185 1.
THE REMEMBER OF OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART. *
A Most Efficacious Prayer.
EMEMBER, O Our Lady of the Sacred Heart! the
unlimited power that thou possessest over the Heart
of thy adorable Son. Full of confidence in thy merits, I
come to implore thy protection. O sovereign Mistress of
the Heart of Jesus! of that Heart which is the inexhaustible
source of all graces, and which thou canst open at thy pleasure,
and cause all the treasures of love and mercy, of light and
salvation, that this Heart incloses, to descend upon man,
grant me, I conjure thee, the favor I solicit. No, I can not
bear a refusal, and because thou art my Mother, O Our
Lady of the Sacred Heart! favorably receive my prayer,
and vouchsafe to grant my petition. Amen.
AX ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE MOST HOLY HEART OF MARY.
O HEART of Mary, ever Virgin! O heart the holiest, the
purest, the most perfect, that the Almighty hath
formed in any creature; O heart, full of all grace and sweet-
ness, throne of love and mercy, image of the adorable Heart
of Jesus, heart that didst love God more than all the sera-
phim, that didst procure more glory to the most holy Trinity
than all the saints together, that didst endure for love of us
the bitter dolors at the foot of the cross, and dost so justly
merit the reverence, love, and gratitude of all mankind, I
give thee thanks for all the benefits which thou hast obtained
for me from the divine Mercy; I unite myself to all the souls
that find their joy and consolation in loving and honoring
thee. O heart most amiable, the delight and admiration
of the angels and the saints, henceforth thou shalt be to me,
next to the Heart of Jesus, the object of my tenderest devo-
tion, my refuge in affliction, my consolation in sorrow, my
place of retreat from the enemies of my salvation, and, at
the hour of my death, the surest anchor of my hope. Amen.
OHOLY Mother of God, glorious Queen of heaven and
earth! I choose thee this day for my Mother, and
my Advocate at the throne of thy divine Son. Accept the
* This and the following prayer are from the Visitation Manual.
Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis. 755
offering I here make of my heart. May it be irrevocable-
It never can be out of danger whilst at my disposal; never
secure but in thy hands. Obtain for me at present the gift
of true repentance, and such graces as I may afterwards
stand in need of, for the gaining of life everlasting. Amen.
©fficium parvum Beatse /IDarte Dtrsinte*
Zbc ©ffice of tbe JSlesseD Vixgin /IRar^; or, tbe Ibours
of Out XaDg*
(In Latin and English*)
INDULGENCES.
'NDULGENCES for saving the "Office of the Blessed Virgin
, Mary."
To tnose who shall recite the whole Office of the Blessed Virgin,
even to those who are bound to recite it, an indulgence of seven
years and seven quarantines once a day; a plenary indulgence,
once a month, on any day, to those who have recited it on every
day of the month on the usual conditions; indulgence of 300
days, once a day, to those who shall recite only Matins and
Lauds; an indulgence of 50 days for the reciting of each hour
of said Office, as also for the reciting of the Vespers and Com-
pline apart from the rest of the office. — Leo XIIL, Nov. 17, 1887;
Dec. 8, 1897.
For the hymn Ave Maris Stella, an indulgence of 300 days,
once a day. — Leo XIIL, Jan. 27, 1888.
For the 1 'Song of the Blessed Virgin Mary," The Magnificat,
an indulgence of 100 days, once a day; an indulgence of seven
years and as many quarantines once every Saturday in the year. — •
Leo XIIL, Sept. 20, 1879; Feb. 22, 1888.
* During Eastertide Alleluia is not added to the Invitatory,
Versicles, or Responses.
The first Office (I.) is to be said from the day following Candle
mas until Vespers of the Saturday before the first Sunday of
Advent, save that on the Annunciation it is said as in Advent.
The second Office (II.) is to be said from Vespers of the Satur-
day before the first Sunday of Advent until Vespers on Christmas
Eve, and on. the day of the Annunciation.
The third Office (III.) is to be said from Vespers on Christmas
Eve until Candlemas inclusive
756 Officium Parvum Beatcz Maria Vtrginis.
Comments on tbe IRubrica ot tbe ©ffice of tbe
asiesseD Vivgin /Ifcarg*
HK Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary is of ancient
usage in the Church. It was recited by the clergy
and devout laity, and practiced by rule in religious mon-
asteries, even from the sixth and seventh centuries, and
probably at a more early period. There is at least suffi-
cient historical evidence to prove that a# liturgical form of
prayer in honor of Our Lady is of very early times.
This Office was instituted by the Church, guided by the
Spirit of God, and is divided into seven canonical hours,
according to the following order, set down in the Roman
Breviary: 1st, Vespers; 2d, Compline; 3d, Matins with
Lauds; 4th, Prime; 5th, Tierce; 6th, Sext; and 7th, None.
These canonical terms should be adopted in naming the
hours.
As a rule, in the recitation of the Little Office of the Blessea
lrirgin Mary the Antiphons of the Psalms are announced
n the manner that is proper to an Office of simple rite, i.e.,
ihe first words (preceding the asterisk) only of the Antiphons
are said before the Psalms, but the entire Antiphon is re-
nted after the Psalms.
There is, however, an exception to this rule, though this
fact seems to be commomv overlooked, and therefore we
have printed the Antiphons in full both before and after the
Psalms. Ordinarily, indeed, the Office being of a simple
rite, only the first words of the Antiphons are said be] ore the
Psalms.
But on certain occasions the Antiphons are recited as of
double rite, i.e., all the Antiphons to the Psalms and Can-
ticles have to be said in full before and after, as appears
from the following decree of the Roman Congregation,
dated February 27, 1883.
This is a reply to some dubia, which were submitted to
the Congregation of Sacred Rites by a Sisterhood in the dio-
cese of Rennes:
The hymn Te Deum must be said in the Little Office
of the Blessed Virgin Mary from Christmas until Septua-
gesima, and from Easter until Advent; but in Advent and
from Septuagesima until Easter, only on the Feasts of the
Blessed Virgin.
In CJwro, on those days on which feasts of double rite
are celebrated, the Antiphons for Matins, Lauds, and Ves-
pers are to be doubled, i.e., said entire before and after the
Officium Parvum Beatce Maries Virginis. 757
Psalms, whenever the Office is recited in full, viz., with
three Nocturns. If, however, only one Nocturn is recited
on festa duplicia, the Antiphons must not be doubled.
The Latin text of this decree reads as follows:
"In Officio parvo B. M. V. recitari debet Te Deum a Nativi-
tate Domini usque ad Septuagesimam, et a Dominica Resurrec-
tionis usque ad Adventum; in Adventu autem et a Septuagesima
usque ad Pascha nonnisi in festis B. M. V.
"In Choro diebus, quibus celebrantur festa duplicia, Anti-
phonae ad Matutinum, Laudes et Vesperas duplicandcp. sunt,
si officium recitetur integrum, i.e., cum t'dbus Nocturnis, non
vero si unum tantum Nocturnum recite tur."
CEREMONIAL.*
*T""|ET all things be done decently and according to order, n
< " * says St. Paul (1 Cor. xiv, 40) . The use of cere-
monial is toward this end, and is inspired by t'he spirit
of reverence. In the following we offer suggestions, based
upon the practices of well-organized Communities, which
have been found to answer.
(1) At the sound of the bell the Community meet at
some place outside the chapel, and form into two ranks,
the youngest nearest the entrance, the Superior last. At
the given signal they enter the choir, two and two, and, after
genuflecting, proceed to their respective stalls.
(2) Kneeling, they say silently the introductory prayer,
(3) When the Superior gives the signal (by a tap on the
desk) they rise, and bowing profoundly (so that the tips of
fingers may touch the knees), say in silence the Ave Maria,
(4) At the signal, all turning eastward (i.e., toward the
altar), the Superior, or the Hebdomadary, that is, the one
who for the week conducts the service, begins Domine labia
mea aperies, making a sign of the cross upon the lips; then,
Deus in adjutorium meum intende, making the large sign of
the cross.
(5) At the Gloria all turn, facing each other, and bow pro-
foundly.
(6) Then the first Cantor goes into the middle to the
Lectern and commences the Invitatory, to which both
sides of the choir respond. The Psalm is said by the Can-
tor. On the greater festivals two Cantors should be used.
(7) In the third verse, at the words Venite adoremus, all
kneel til1 the words Nos autem , when they rise for the repe-
tition of the Invitatory.
(8) The first line of the hymn is given out by the first
Vide Taunton's " Little Office of Our Lady."
75^ Officium Paroum Beata Maria Virginis.
Cantor and the rest of the verse is taken up by his side oi
the choir; then the second choir take up the second verse,
and so on, both choirs joining in and bowing profoundly
for the last verse.
(9) The Antiphon is given out by the first Cantor, and
also the Psalm up to the asterisk, then all his side of the
choir take it up. At the end the Cantor repeats the Anti-
phon, and the second Cantor from the other side begins the
second Antiphon and Psalms.
(10) While the Psalms are being said the choir can re
dine in their stalls or sit down.
(11) A short pause ought to be made just after the last
verse, and all, rising and bowing profoundly, say the Gloria
Patri,
N.B. — This always takes place before the Gloria Patri
whenever said at the end of a Psalm.
(12) The Psalms over, all rise; the first Cantor says the
Versicle, to which all respond.
. (13) The Superior, or Hebdomadary, says Pater Noster
aloud, then all, bowing, continue it in secret till Et ne nos,
which is said by the Superior aloud, and all, rising, make
the answer.
(14) The Superior then gives the absolution.
(15) The Reader goes to the Lectern and after genuflect-
ing turns, bowing toward the Superior, and says Jube do-
mine. After the blessing, given by the Superior, to which
all reply Amen, the choir sits while the Reader reads the
Lesson.
(16) At the end of the Lesson the choir, started by the
Cantor, say the Responsory; but the Versicle is said by
the Reader, who having said it retires to his place, while the
next one in order comes out to read the second Lesson.
(17) The Superior, or Hebdomadary, ought to read in his
place the third Lesson, during w^hich, if it be the Superior,
all stand out of respect.
(18) The Lessons over, the Te Deum is started by the
Cantor, all rising and facing eastward.
(19) At the Te ergo all kneel, facing one another, rising at
the next verse.
(20) If Matins is not followed at once by Lauds after the
Te Deum the Versicle, Domine exaudi orationem, with the
Prayer from Lauds and the concluding Versicles, are said.
Otherwise —
at lauds.
(1) All turning toward the altar, the Superior or Heb-
domadary begins, making the sing of the cross, Deus iv
Officium Parvum Beatce Mar Tee virgtnts. 759
adjutorium. At the Gloria all turn, facing one another s
and bowing, profoundly, say the Gloria Patri.
N.B. — This ceremonial is used at all the hours.
(2) The first Cantor starts the first Antiphon and Psalm
and repeats the former at the end, and so with the third
and fifth.
(3) The second Antiphon and Psalm are started by the
second Cantor, and so with the fourth.
(4) During the Psalms in this and all other hours the
choir recline in their stalls or sit, as the custom may be.
The former for preference.
(5) If it is found that the reciting note is lowered after
several Psalms, at the Laudate it will be well for the first
Cantor to raise the pitch when giving out the Antiphon.
(6) The Psalmody over, all rise and face eastward while
the Superior, or the Hebdomadary, says the Little Chapter,
to which all answer, Deo Gratias. Then, all turning face-
ways, the first Cantor gives out the first line of the hymn
and all his side continue it. The second verse is said by
the opposite choir, and all bow during the last verse.
(7) The Versicle is said by the Cantor, and all make the
Response.
(8) Then he starts the Antiphon and the Benedictus.
(9) At the Canticle, which is to be said more solemnly
than the rest of the Office, all turn eastwards and make the
sign of the cross.
N.B. — This is done at the three Canticles. The Gloria is
said as usual.
(10) After the repetition by the Cantor of the Antiphon,
the first Cantor's side start Kyrie eleison, to which the second
Cantor's side respond Christe eleison, both sides joining in
the last invocation. Then the Superior, or Hebdomadary,
says the Versicles, to which all respond, and the prayer,
during which all except the reciter bow profoundly, rising
to answer Amen. Then follows the Commemoration. All
say the Antiphon; the Cantor follows with the Versicle,
to which all respond; the Superior, or other, recites the
prayer.
(11) After the concluding Versicles, all bow while saying
together in secret the Pater, rising for the Dominus det
nobis.
(12) All then kneel (except from Saturday Vespers until
after Sunday's Compline and during Paschal time, when all
remain standing, but facing eastwards) for the Antiphon
of Our Lady, which being over, after a few moments' private
prayer, all retire as they entered. Having arrived at the
appointed place (called the statid) the Superior passes throu^n
760 Officium Paroum Beatcz Maria, Virginis .
the ranks and turning, salutes each side, and then all depart
in peace.
THE LITTLE HOURS.
(1) These are said in the same way.
(2) The Hymn comes before the Psalms.
VESPERS.
(1) All as at Lauds, with the following exception.
(2) In the second Psalm all bow while saying the Sii
nomen Domini benedictum.
(3) All kneel for the first verse of the Am Maris Stella.
compline.
(1) The Converte is said turned eastwards, toward the altar.
(2) The rest of the Office as above.
(3) The Superior gives the final blessing, during which
ell bow profoundly.
(4) The Antiphon of Our Lady follows at once.
PRAYER TO BE SAID
PERI Domine os me-
um, ad benedicendum
nomen sanctum tuum : munda
quoque cor meum ab omni-
bus vanis, perversis, et alienis
cogitationibus : intellectum
illumina, affectum inflamma,
ut digne, attente, ac devote
hoc officium recitare valeam,
et exaudiri merear ante con-
spectum divinae Majestatis
tuae. Per Christum Domi-
num nostrum. R. Amen.
Domine in unione illius di-
vinae intentionis, qua ipse in
terris laudes Deo persolvisti,
has tibi horas persolvo.
BEFORE DIVINE OFFICE.
OLORD, open Thou my
mouth, that it may
bless Thy holy name ; cleanse
my heart too from all vain,
evil, or wandering thoughts.
Enlighten mine understand-
ing, kindle mine affections,
that I may be able to say
this office meetly with atten-
tion and devotion, and may
deserve to be heard before
the presence of Thy divine
Majesty. Through Christ
Our Lord. R. Amen.
O Lord, in union with that
divine intention wherewith
Thou Thyself, while on earth,
didst offer praises unto God,
I offer these hours unto Thee.
Officium Parvum Beata Maria Virginis. 761
PRAYER TO BE SAID AFTER DIVINE OFFICE.
To those who, after Divine Office, shall on their knees recite with,
devotion the following prayer, Pope Leo X. granted indulgence-
in respect of those shortcomings and faults which they may
have committed through human frailty, while saying Office.
BACROSANCm et in-
dividual Trinitati, cru-
cifixi Domini nostri Jesu
Christi humanitati, beatissi-
mae et gloriosissimae semper-
que Virginis Mariae fecundae
integritati, et omnium sancto-
rum universitati sit sempi-
terna laus, honor, virtus et
gloria ab omni creatura, no-
bisque remissio omnium pec-
catorum, per infinita saecula
saeculorum R. Amen.
V Beata viscera Mariae
Virginis, quae portaverunt ae-
terni Patris Filium.
R. Ht beata ubera quae
lactaverunt Christum Domi-
num.
Pater, Ave.
ATER noster, qui es in
coelis, sanctificetur no-
men tuum. Adveniat re-
gnum tuum. Fiat voluntas
tua, sicut in cgeIo et in terra.
Panem nostrum quotidianum
da nobis hodie. Et dimitte
nobis debita nostra, sicut et
nos dimittimus debitoribus
nostris. Et ne nos inducas in
tentationem: sed libera nos
a malo. Amen.
VE Maria, gratia plena,
Dominus tecum:
bene dicta tu in mulieribus, et
benedictus fruetus ventris
O the most holy and un-
divided Trinity, to the
manhood of our crucified
Lord Jesus Christ, to the
fruitful virginity of the most
blessed and glorious Mary,
ever a Virgin, to the entire
assembly of the saints, be
ascribed everlasting praise,
honor, power, and glory, by
every creature; and to us be
granted the remission of all
our sins, world without end.
R. Amen.
V. Blessed is the Virgin
Mary's womb, which bore
the Son of the everlasting
Father.
R. And blessed are the
paps which gave suck to
Christ our Lord.
Our Father, Hail Mary.
OUR Father, Who art in
heaven, hallowed be
Thy name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done on
earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive
those who trespass against,
us. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us
from evil. Amen.
AIL, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee :
blessed art thou among wom-
en, and blessed is the fruit of
f62 Ojficium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis.
tui Jesus. Sancta Maris,
Mater Dei, ora pro nobis
peccatoribus, nunc et in hora
mortis nostras Amen.
a REDO in Deum, Pa-
trem omnipotentem
Creatorem coeli et terrae. Et
in Jesum Christum, Filium
ejus unicum, Dominum no-
strum: qui conceptus est de
Spiritu sancto, natus ex
Maria Virgine, passus sub
Pontio Pilato, crucifixus,
mortuus, et sepultus: de-
scendit ad inferos: tertia die
resurrexit a mortuis ascendit
ad ccelos sedct ad dexteram
Dei Patris omnipotentis : inde
venturus est judicare vivos et
mortuos. Credo in Spiritum
sanctum sanctam Ecclesiam
Catholicam, sanctorum com-
munionem, remissionem pec-
catorum, carnis resurrec-
tionem, et vitam aeternam.
Amen.
thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary,
Mother of God, pray for us
sinners now and at the hour
of our death. Amen.
I BELIEVE in God the
Father almighty, Crea-
tor of heaven and earth. And
in Jesus Christ, His only Son,
Our Lord: Who was con-
ceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was
buried: He descended intc
hell : the third day He aros(
again from the dead: He as
cended into heaven, sitteth
at the right hand of God
the Father almighty: from
thence He shall come to judge
the living and the dead. I
believe in the Holy Ghost,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the
forgiveness of sins, the resur-
rection of the body, and the
life everlasting. Amen.
©fficfum ftanmm JSeata^ /ifcarlae Ditflints,— Gbe
Iboura ot ©ur XaDg*
AT VESPERS.
Ave Maria, etc., secreto.
Qua dicitur semper secreto in
principio omnium Hora-
rum beatce Maria.
*T^\EUS, in adjutorium me-
rL' um intende.
R. Domine, ad adjuvan-
dum me festina.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et
Spiritui sancto.
Hail Mary, etc., in silence.
The Ave Maria is always said
at the beginning of each of
the Hours of the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
OGOD, hasten to mine
aid.
R. O Lord, make haste to
help me.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost.
Ojpcium Parvum Bealaz Mar ice Virginis. 763
Sicut erat in principio, et
nunc, et semper, et in saecula
saeculorum. Amen. Alleluia.
Sic dicitur Alleluia ad omnes
Horas, per totum annum,
prcEterquam a Septuagesi-
ma usque ad Sabbat. Sanc-
tum; cujus loco tunc dici-
tur:
Laus tibi, Domine, Rex
set erase gloriae.
I. Extra Adventum.
Antiphona. Dum esset
Rex * in accubitu suo, nar-
dus mea dedit odorem su-
avitatis.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Missus est* Gabriel
Angelus ad Mariam Virgi-
nem desponsatam Joseph.
Ill Post Adventum.
Ant. O admirabile com-
mercium!* Creator generis
humani animatum corpus
sumens, de Virgine nasci
dignatus est: et procedens
homo sine semine, largitus
est nobis suam Deitatem.
psalm, cix.
BIXIT Dominus Domino
meo : * Sede a dextris
meis.
Donee ponam inimicos
tuos,* scabellum pedum tuo-
rum.
Vir^am virtutis tuae emittet
Dominus ex Siou:* domi-
nare in medio inimicorum
tuorum.
As it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.
From Septuagesima Sunday
until Holy Saturday, in-
stead of Alleluia, is said:
Praise be to Thee, O Lord,
King of glory everlasting.
From Candlemas until Ad-
vent.
Anthem. While the King *
was at table, my spikenard
yielded a sweet smell.
During Advent.
Ant. The angel Gabriel was
sent * to Mary the Virgin, who
was espoused to Joseph.
From Christmas until Candle-
mas.
Ant. O wondrous union!*
The Creator of mankind,
taking a living body, vouch-
safed to be born of a Virgin,
and becoming man, con-
ceived without seed, bestowed
upon us His Godhead
psalm cix.
HE Lord said to my
Lord: Sit Thou at My
right hand.
Until I make Thy enemies
Thy footstool.
The Lord will send forth
the scepter of thy power out
of Sion: rule thou in the
midst of thine enemies
764 Officium Parvum Beatoz Maria Virginis.
Tecum principium in die
virt utis tuae, in splendoribus
Sanctorum : * ex utero ante
luciferum genui te.
Juravit Dominus, et non
pcenitebit eum : * Tu es Sa-
cerdos in seternum secun-
dum ordinem Melchisedech.
Dominus a dextris tuis,*
confregit in die irae suae reges,
Judicabit in nationibus, im-
plebit ruinas : * conquassa-
bit capita in terra multorum.
Dt torrente in via bibet:*
propterea exaltabit caput.
Gloria Patri, etc.
I. Extra Advenlum.
Ant. Dum esset Rex in
accubitu suo, nardus mea de-
dit odorem suavitatis.
Ant. Laeva ejus * sub ca-
pite meo, et dextera illius
amplexabitur me.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Missus est Gabriel
Angelus ad Mariam Virgi-
nem desponsatam Joseph.
Ant Ave, Maria,* gratia
plena, Dominus tecum: be-
ne diet a tu in mulieribus, Al-
leluia.
III. Post Adventum.
Ant. O admirabile com-
meremm ! Creator generis
Thine is dominion in the
day of Thy power, amid the
brightness of the saints:
from the womb before the
day-star have I begotten
thee.
The Lord hath sworn,
and He will not repent:
Thou art a priest for ever
after the order of Melchise-
dech.
The Lord upon thy right
hand hath overthrown kings
in the day of His wrath.
He shall judge among the
nations; He shall fill the land
with the fallen. He shall
smite in sunder the heads in
the land of many.
He shall drink of a brook
in the way: therefore shall
He lift up His head.
Glory be, etc.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. While the King was
at table, my spikenard yield-
ed a sweet smell.
Ant. His left hand * is
under my head, and His
right hand shall embrace me.
During Advent.
Ant. The angel Gabriel was
sent to Mary the Virgin, who
w^as espoused to Joseph.
Ant. Hail, Mary,* full of
grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou amongst
women, Alleluia.
From Christmas until Candle-
mas.
Ant. O wondrous union!
The Creator of mankind, tak-
Officium Parvum BeatcB Mar ice Virginis. 765
humacti animatum corpus su-
mens, de Virgine nasci digna-
tus est: et procedens homo
sine semine, largitus est no-
bis suam Deitatem.
Ant. Quando natus es * in-
effabiliter ex Virgine, tunc
impletae sunt Scripturae: si-
cut pluvia in vellus descendi-
sti, ut salvum faceres genus
humanum; te laudamus, De-
us noster.
psalm, cxn
EAUDATE pueri Domi-
num: * laudate no-
men Domini.
Sit nomen Domini bene
dictum: * ex hoc nunc, et
usque in saeculum.
A solis ortu usque ad occa-
sum,* laudabile nomen Do-
mini.
Excelsus super omnes Gen-
tes Dominus,* et super coelos
gloria ejus.
Quis sicut Dominus Deus
noster, qui in altis habitat,*
et humilia respicit in ccelo et
in terra?
Suscitans a terra inopem : *
et de stercore erigens pau-
perem :
Ut collocet eum cum princi-
pibus,* cum principibus po-
puli sui.
Qui habitare facit sterilem
in domo,* matrem fiHorum
laetantem.
Gloria Patri, etc,
ing a living body, vouchsafed
to be born of a Virgin, and
becoming man, conceived
without seed,, bestowed upon
us His Godhead.
Ant When Thou wert
wondrously born * of a Vir-
gin, then were the Scriptures
fulfilled: Thou earnest down
like the rain upon the fleece,
that Thou mightest save
mankind. We praise Thee,
Our God.
PSAIvM CXII.
RAISE the Lord, ye ser-
vants : praise the name
of the Lord.
Blessed be the name of
the Lord, from this time
forth .for evermore.
From the rising of the sun
unto its going down the name
of the Lord is worthy to be
praised.
The Lord is high above all
nations; and His glory is
above the heavens.
Who is like unto the Lord
Our God, Who dwelleth on
high, yet r^gardeth lowly
things in heaven and on
earth ?
Who raise th up the needy
from the earth, and liftetk
the poor out of the dunghill;
That He may set him with
the princes, even with the
princes of His people.
Who maketh the barren
woman dwell in her house the
joyful mother of children.
Glory be, etc.
766 Officium Parvum Beatce Marice Virginis.
I. Extra Adventum.
Ant. Laeva ejus sub capite
meo, et dextera illius ample-
xabitur me
Ant. Nigra sum,* sed for-
mosa, filiae Jerusalem: ideo
dilexit me Rex, et introduxit
me in cubiculum suum.
From Candlemas until
A dvent.
Ant. His left hand is unde^
my head, and His right hand
shall embrace me.
Ant. I am black,* but
beautiful, O ye daughters of
Jerusalem : therefore the
King hath loved me, and
brought me into His cham-
ber.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Ave, Maria, gratia
plena, Dominus tecum: be-
ne dicta tu in mulieribus,
Alleluia.
Ant. Ne timeas Maria : * in-
venisti gratiam apud Domi-
num: ecce concipies, et paries
Filium, Alleluia.
777. Post Adventum.
Ant. Quando natus es in-
effabiliter ex Virgine, tunc im-
pletae sunt Scripturae: sicut
pluvia in vellus descendisti,
ut salvum faceres genus hu-
manum; te laudamus, Deus
noster
Ant. Rubum, quern vide-
rat Moyses * incombustum,
conservatam agnovimus tu-
am laudabilem virginitatem ;
Dei Genitrix, intercede pro
nobis.
During Advent.
Ant. Hail, Mary, full of
grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou amongst
women, Alleluia.
Ant. Fear not, O Mary:*
thou hast found grace before
the Lord. Behold, thou shalt
conceive and shalt bring-
forth a Son, Alleluia.
From Christmas unhl
Candlemas.
Ant. When Thou wert won-
drously born of a Virgin, then
were the Scriptures fulfilled:
Thou earnest down like the
rain upon the fleece, that
Thou might est save man-
kind. We praise Thee, Our
God.
Ant. The bush which Mo-
ses saw * unconsumed we
acknowledge to be thine ad-
mirable virginity, which thou
didst keep inviolate ; Mother
of God, plead for us.
PSALM, cxxi.
STATUS sum in his
< 1 * quae dicta sunt mihi:
* In domum Domini ibimus.
psalm cxxi.
I WAS glad at the things
that were said unto me:
We will go into the house of
the Lord
Officiiim Parvum Beaice Mar ice Virginis. 767
Stantes erant pedes nos-
tri,* in atriis tuis, Jerusalem.
Jerusalem quae aedificatur
ut ci vitas: * cujus partici-
pate ejus in idipsum.
Illuc enim ascenderunt tri-
bus, tribus Domini: * testi-
monium Israel ad confiten-
dum nomini Domini.
Quia illic sederunt sedes in
judicio,* sedes super domum
David.
Rogate quae ad pacem sunt
Jerusalem : * et abundantia
diligent ibus te.
Fiat pax in virtute tua : *
et abundantia in turribus tuis.
Propter fratres meos et
proximos meos * loquebar pa-
cem de te.
Propter domum Domini
Dei nostri,* quaesivi bona
tibi.
Gloria Patri, etc.
/. Extra Adventum.
Ant. Nigra sum sed formo-
sa, filiae Jerusalem: ideo di-
lexit me Rex, et introduxit
me in cubiculum suum.
Ant. Jam hiems transiit,*
imber abiit et recessit: surge
arnica mea, et veni.
II. In Adventu
A nt. Ne timeas, Maria : in-
/enisti gratiam apud Domi-
num: ecce concipies, et pa-
ries Filium, Alleluia.
Our feet were standing
within thy courts, O Jerusa-
lem.
Jerusalem, which is built
as a city, that is compact to-
gether.
For thither the tribes went
up, the tribes of the Lord:
an ordinance for Israel, to
give thanks to the name of
the Lord.
For there are set up
thrones of judgment, thrones
of the house of David.
Pray ye for the things that
are for the peace of Jerusa-
lem; and plenty be to them
that love thee.
Let peace be in thy strong-
hold, and plenty in thy
towers.
For my brethren and my
neighbors' sake I spake peace
concerning thee.
For the sake of the house
of the Lord our God, I have
sought good things for thee.
Glory be, etc.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. I am black, but beau-
tiful, O ye daughters of Jeru-
salem: therefore the King
hath loved me, and brought
me into His chamber.
Ant. Now winter is past,*
the rain is over and gone:
arise, my love, and come.
During Advent.
Ant. Fear not, Mary: thou
hast found grace before the
Lord. Behold, thou shalt
conceive and shalt bring forth
a Son, Alleluia.
768 Officium Parvum Beataz Maria Virginis,
Ant. Dabit ei Dominus *
sedem David patris ejus, et
regnabit in geternum.
III. Post Adventum.
Ant. Rubum, quern vide-
rat Moyses incombustum,
eorservatam agnovimus tu-
am laudabilem virginitatem;
Dei Genitrix, intercede pro
nobis.
Ant. Germinavit radix Jes-
se,* orta est stella ex Jacob:
Virgo peperit Salvatorem: te
laudamus, Deus noster.
psalm, cxxvi.
ISI Dominus gedificave-
rit domum :* in vanum
laboraverunt qui sediricant
earn.
Nisi Dominus custodierit
civitatem,* frustra vigilat qui
^ustodit earn.
Vanum est vobis ante lu-
cem surgere : * surgite post-
quam sederitis, qui manduca-
tis panem doloris.
Cum dederit dilectis suis
somnum: * ecce hereditas Do-
mini, filii : merces fructus
ventris.
Sicut sagittae in manu po-
tentis : * ita filii excussorum.
Be at us vir qui implevit
desiderium suum ex ipsis:*
non confundetur, cum lo-
quetur inimicis suis in porta.
Gloria Patri. etc
Ant. The Lord shall give
Him * the throne of David
His father, and He shall
reign for ever.
From Christmas until
Candlemas
Ant. The bush which Mo~
ses saw unconsumed we ac-
knowledge to be thine admir-
able virginity, which thou
didst keep inviolate; Mother
of God, plead for us.
Ant. The root of Jesse
hach budded,* a star hath
arisen out of Jacob; a vir-
gin hath brought forth a
Saviour; we give praise to
Thee, Our God.
PSALM CXXVI.
NLESS the Lord build a
house, they labor in
vain that build it.
Unless the Lord keep the
city, he watcheth in vain
that keepeth it.
In vain do ye rise before
the light : rise not till ye have
rested, ye that eat the bread
of sorrow.
When He giveth sleep to
His beloved, lo, children
are an heritage from the
Lord, and the fruit of the
womb a reward.
Like as arrows in the hand
of the mighty, so are the
children of the outcast.
Blessed is the man whose
desire is satisfied with them:
he shall not be confounded
wThen he speaketh with his
enemies in the gate
Glory be, etc
rr
Officium Parvum Be alee Mar ice Virginis.
769
/. Extra Adventum.
Ani. Jam hiems transiit,
imber abiit et recessit: surge
arnica mea, et veni.
Ant. Speciosa facta es,* et
suavis in deliciis tuis, sancta
Dei Genitrix.
77. In Adventu.
Ant. Dabit ei Dominus se-
dem David patris ejus, et
regnabit in aeternum.
Ant. Ecce ancilla Domini,*
fiat mihi secundum verbum
tuum.
III. Post Adventum.
Ant. Germinavit radix Jes-
se, orta est Stella ex Jacob:
Virgo peperit Salvatorem: te
laudamus, Deus noster.
Ant. Ecce Maria * genuit
nobis Salvatorem, quern Jo-
annes videns exclamavit di-
cens: Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce
qui tollit peccata mundi, Alle-
luia
PSALM. CXLVTI.
*-|— 'AUDA Jerusalem Do-
f 1 1 minum:* lauda Deum
tuum Sion.
Quoniam confortavit seras
portarum tuarum : * bene-
dixit filiis tuis in te.
Qui posuit fines tuos pa-
cem : * et adipe frumenti sa-
tiat te.
Qui emittit eloquium suum
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. Now winter is past,
the rain is over and gone:
arise, my love, and come.
Ant. Beautiful art thou,*
and sweet in thy delight, O
holy Mother of God.
During Advent.
Ant. The Lord shall give
Him the throne of David His
father, and He shall reign
for ever.
Ant. Behold the handmaid
of the Lord,* be it done unto
me according to thy word.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. The root of Jesse hath
budded, a star hath arisen
out of Jacob; a virgin hath
brought forth a Saviour; we
give praise to Thee, Our God.
Ant. Behold, Mary* hath
brought us forth a Saviour,
Whom when John saw, he
cried aloud, saying: Behold
the Lamb of God! Behold
Him Who taketh away the
sins of the world, Alleluia.
psalm cxlvii.
RAISE the Lord, O
Jerusalem : praise thy
God, O Sion.
For He hath strengthened
the bars of thy gates: He
hath blessed thy children
within thee.
Who maketh thy borders
peaceful, and filleth thee with
the fat of corn.
Who sendeth forth His de-
TP
77°
Officium Parvum Beatce Marice Virginis.
terras : * velociter currit ser-
mo ejus.
Qui dat nivem sicut la-
nam : * nebulam sicut cinerem
spar git.
Mittit crystallum suam si-
cut buccellas:* ante faciem
frigoris ejus quis sustinebit?
Emittet verbum suum, et
liquefaciet ea:* flabit spiri-
tus ejus, et fluent aquae.
Qui annuntiat verbum su-
um Jacob:* justitias, et ju-
dicia sua Israel.
Non fecit taliter omni na-
tioni : * et judicia sua non
manifestavit eis.
Gloria Patri, etc.
I. Extra Adventum.
Ant. Speciosa facta es, et
suavis in deliciis tuis, sancta
Dei Genitrix.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Ecce ancilla Domini,
fiat mihi secundum verbum
tuum.
Ill Post Adventum.
Ant. Ecce Maria genuit no-
bis Salvatorem, quern Joannes
videns exclamavit dicens :
Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tol-
lit peccata mundi, Alleluia.
/, III. Extra et post Ad-
ventum.
capitulum.
Eccli. xxiv.
Ab initio, et ante saecula
creata sum et usque ad futu-
cree upon earth : very swiftly
runneth His word.
Who giveth snow like wool :
He scattereth mist like ashes.
He sendeth His ice like
morsels: who shall stand
before the face of His co!d?
He sendeth forth His word
and melteth them; His wind
bloweth, and the waters flow.
Who declareth His word
unto Jacob: His justice and
judgment to Israel.
He hath not done so to
every nation; nor hath He
shown them His judgments.
Glory be, etc.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. Beautiful art thou,
and sweet in thy delight, O
holy Mother of God.
During Advent.
Ant. Behold the handmaid
of the Lord, be it done unto
me according to thy word.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. Behold, Mary hath
brougnt us forth a Saviour,
Whom when John saw, he
cried aloud, saying: Behold
the Lamb of God! Behold
Him Who taketh away the
sins of the world, Alleluia.
From Christmas until
Advent.
LITTLE CHAPTER.
Ecclus. xxiv.
From the beginning, and
before the world was I ere-
Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis. 771
rum saeculum non desinam,
et in habitatione sancta co-
ram ipso ministravi.
R. Deo gratias.
//. In Adventu.
CAPITULUM.
Isa. xi.
ated, and unto the world to
come I shall not cease to be,
and in the holy dwelling-
place have I ministered before
Him.
R. Thanks be to God.
During Advent,
LITTLE CHAPTER.
Isa. xi.
Egreditur virga de radice There shall come forth a
Jesse, et nos de radice ejus rod out of the root of Jesse,
ascendet, et requiescet su- and a flower shall rise up
per eum Spiritus Domini. out of his root, and the
Spirit of the Lord shall rest
upon him,
R. Deo gratias. R Thanks be to God.
HYMNUS.
VE, maris Stella,
Dei Mater alma,
Atque semper Virgo,
Felix cceli porta.
Sumens illud ave
Gabrielis ore,
Funda nos in pace,
Mutans Hevas nomen.
Solve vincla reis,
Profer lumen caecis,
Mala nostra pelle,
Bona cuncta posce.
Monstra te esse Matrem,
Sumat per te preces,
Qui pro nobis natus,
Tulit esse tuus.
Virgo singularis,
Inter omnes mitis,
Nos culpis solutos,
Mites fac et castos.
Vitam praesta puram,
Iter para tutum,
Ut videntes Jesum
Semper collaetemur.
HYMN.
AIL, thou star of ocean!
Portal of the sky!
Ever Virgin Mother
Of the Lord most high!
Oh! by Gabriel's Ave,
Uttered long ago,
Eva's name reversing,
Establish peace below.
*
Break the captives' fetters,
Light on blindness pour;
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.
Show .thyself a Mother;
Offer Him our sighs,
Who for us Incarnate
Did not thee despise.
Virgin of all virgins!
To thy shelter take us:
Gentlest of the gentle!
Chaste and gentle make us.
Still, as on we journey,
Help our weak endeavor,
Till with thee and Jesus
We rejoice for ever
772 Officium Parvum Beatce Mar tee Virginis.
Sit laus Deo Patri,
Summo Christo decus,
Spiritui sancto,
Tribus honor unus.
Amen.
V. Diffusa est gratia in la-
biis tuis.
R. Propterea benedixit* te
Deus in aeternum.
/. Extra Adventum.
Ant. Beat a mater,* et in-
tacta Virgo, gloriosa Regina
mundi, intercede pro nobis
ad Dominum.
Temp. Pasch., omissa prcedic-
ta Antiphona, dicitur:
Ant. Regina cceli * laetare,
Alleluia : quia quern meruisti
portare, Alleluia : resurrexit
sicut dixit, Alleluia: ora pro
nobis Deum, Alleluia.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Spiritus sanctus * in
te descendet, Maria : ne time-
as, habebis in utero Filium
Dei, Alleluia.
III. Post Adventum.
Ant. Magnum haereditatis
mysterium! * Templum Dei
f actus est uterus nescientis
virum: non est pollutus ex
ea carnem assumens: om-
nes gentes venient dicentes:
Gloria tibi, Domine.
Through the highest heaven,
To the almighty Three,
Father, Son, and Spirit,
One same glory be.
Amen.
V. Grace is poured forth on
thy Hps.
R. Therefore God hath
blessed thee for ever.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. O blessed Mother,*
and Virgin undefiled, O glori-
ous Queen of the world, plead
for us before the Lord.
During Eastertide, instead of
the above, is said:
Ant. O Queen of heaven,*
rejoice, Alleluia ! for He Whom
thou wast meet to bear, Al-
leluia, hath risen, as He said,
Alleluia ; pray for us to God,
Alleluia.
During Advent.
Ant. The Holy Ghost*
shall come upon thee, Mary :
fear not, thou shalt hold
within thy womb the Son of
God, Alleluia.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant How great the mys-
tery* of our inheritance!
The womb of one that
knoweth not man hath be-
come the temple of God!
He was not denied in taking
flesh of her. All nations
shall come and shall say1
Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Officium Parvum Beafce Marice Virginis. 775
CANTICUM B. M. V.
Luc. i.
{TpvAGNIFICAT * anima
?AJ% mea Dominum.
Et exult avit spiritus me-
us * in Deo salutari meo.
Quia respexit humilita-
tem ancillae suae : * ecce enim
ex hoc be at am me dicent
omnes generationes.
Quia fecit mihi magna qui
potens est : * et sanctum no-
men ejus.
Et misericordia ejus a
progenie in progenies * ti-
mentibus eum.
Fecit potentiam in bra-
chio suo : * dispersit superbos
mente cordis sui.
Deposuit potentes de sede,*
et exaltavit humiles.
Esurientes implevit bonis,*
et divites dimisit inanes.
Suscepit Israel puerum su-
um,* recordatus misericordiae
suae.
Sicut locutus est ad patres
nostros,* Abraham, et se-
mini ejus in saecula.
Gloria Patri, etc.
/. Extra Adventuma
Ant. Beata Mater, et in-
tacta Virgo, gloriosa Re-
gina mundi, intercede pro
nobis ad Dominum.
Tempore Paschali.
Ant. Regina cceli laetare,
Alleluia : quia quern meruisti
SONG OF THE B V. MARY.
Luke i.
fT\Y soul doth magnify
%lA the Lord.
And my spirit hath rejoiced
in God my Saviour.
For He hath regarded the
lowliness of His handmaid;
for behold from henceforth
all generations shall call 'me
blessed-
For He that is mighty
hath done great things unto
me; and holy is His name.
And His mercy is from
generation to generation un-
to them that fear Him.
He hath showed strength
with His arm: He hath
scattered the proud in the
conceit of their heart.
He hath put down the
mighty from their seat, and
hath exalted the humble.
He hath filled the hungry
with good things, and the
rich He hath sent empty
away.
He hath upholden His ser-
vant Israel, being mindful of
His mercy.
As He spake unto our
fathers, unto Abraham and
to his seed for ever.
Glory be, etc.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. O blessed Mother, and
Virgin undefiled, O glorious
Queen of the world, plead
for us before the Lord.
During Eastertide.
Ant. O Queen of heaven,
rejoice, Alleluia, for He
774 Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis.
portare, Alleluia: resurrexit
sicut dixit, Alleluia: ora pro
nobis Deum, Alleluia.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Spiritus sanctus in te
descendet Maria: ne timeas
habebis in utero Filium Dei,
Alleluia.
III. Post Adventum.
Ant. Magnum haereditatis
mysterium ! Templum Dei
f actus est uterus nescientis
virum: non est pollutus ex
ea carnem assumens: om-
nes gentes venient dicentes:
Gloria tibi, Domine.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christ e, eleison.
Kyrie. eleison.
* V . Domine, exaudi oratio-
nem meam.
* R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
I, Extra Adventum.
Oremus.
aONCEDB nos famulos
tuos, quaesumus, Do-
mine Deus, perpetua mentis
et corporis sanitate gaudere:
et gloriosa beatae Marias sem-
per Virginis intercessione a
praesenti liberari tristitia, et
aeterna perfrui laetitia. Per
Whom thou wast meet tc
bear, Alleluia, hath risen, as
He said, Alleluia; pray for
us to God, Alleluia.
During Advent.
Ant. The Holy Ghost shall
come upon thee, Mary; fear
not, thou shalt hold within
thy womb the Son of God,
Alleluia.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. How great the mys-
tery of our inheritance! The
womb of one that knoweth
not man hath become the
temple of God! He was not
defiled in taking flesh of her.
All nations shall come and
shall say: Glory be to Thee,
O Lord.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Let us pray.
RANT, we beseech Thee, '
O Lord God, that we,
Thy servants, may enjoy
perpetual health of mind and
body; and, by the glorious
intercession of the Blessed
Mary, ever Virgin, be de-
livered from present sorrow
* Here and elsewhere, before and after the Prayer, if a priest
sr deacon be saying the Office, V. Dominus vobiscum and R
Et cum spiritu tuo are said instead of V. Domine exaudi, etc-
Officium Parvum BeatcB Maria Virginis. 775
Christum Dominum nostrum;
R. Amen.
77. In Adventu.
Oremus.
DEUS, qui de beatae Ma-
rias Virginis utero,
Verbum tuum, Angelo nunti-
ante, carnem suscipere volui-
sti: praesta supplicibus tuis;
ut qui vere earn Genitricem
Dei credimus, ejus apud te
intercessionibus adjuvemur.
Per eumdem Christum Domi-
lum nostrum.
R. Amen.
777. Post Adventum.
Oremus.
|^\EUS, qui salutis asternas,
A*-* beatae Marias virgini-
tate fecunda, humano generi
praemia prasstitisti : tribue,
quassumus; ut ipsam pro
nobis inter cedere sent^'amus,
per quam meruimus aucto-
rem vitas suscipere, Dominum
nostrum Jesum Christum Fi-
lium tuum. Qui tecum.
R. Amen.
PRO SANCTIS.
I, III. Extra et post Ad-
ventum.
Ant. Sancti Dei omnes, in-
tercedes dignemini pro no-
stra omniumque salute.
V Laetamini in Domino, et
exultate justi
and possess eternal joy.
Through Christ our Lord.
7?. Amen.
During Advent.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who didst will
that Thine eternal.
Word should take flesh in
the womb of the Blessed Vir-
gin Mary, when the angel
delivered his message: grant
that Thy petitioners, who
verily believe her to be the
Mother of God, may be as-
sisted by her intercession.
Through the same Christ our
Lord.
R. Amen.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who, by the fruit-
ful virginity of blessed
Mary, hast given to mankind
the rewards of eternal salva-
tion, grant, we beseech Thee,
that we may experience her
intercession for us, by whom
we deserved to receive the
Author of life, Our Lord
Jesus Christ Thy Son. Who
liveth.
R. Amen.
COMMEMORATION OF THE
SAINTS
Throughout the year until
A dvent.
Ant. All ye saints of Godr
vouchsafe to plead for our
salvation and for that of all
mankind.
V. Be glad in the Lord,,
and rejoice, ye just.
776 Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis.
R, Et gloriamini, omnes
recti corde.
Oremus.
T£)ROTEGE, Domine, po-
r-L pulum tuum, et Apo-
stolorum tuorum Petri et
Pauli, et aliorum Aposto-
lorum patrocinio confiden-
tem, perpetua defensione
conserva.
OMNES Sancti tui, quse-
sumus Domine, nos
ubique adjuvent: ut dum
eorum merit a recolimus, pa-
trocinia sentiamus; et pa-
cem tuam nostris concede:
temporibus, et ab Eccle-
sia tua cunctam repelle ne-
quitiam : iter, actus et volun-
tates nostras, et omnium
famulorum tuorum, in salu-
tis tuae prosperitate dispone:
benefactoribus nostris sempi-
terna bona retribue, et omni-
bus fidelibus defunctis re-
quiem geternam concede. Per
Dominum nostrum Jesum
Christum Filium tuum: qui
tecum vivit et regnat in uni-
tate Spirit us sancti Deus,
per omnia saecula saeculorum.
R. Amen
* V. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem me am.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
V. Benedicamus Domino.
R. Deo gratias.
V. Fidelium animal per
misericordiam Dei requie-
scant in pace.
R. Allien.
R. And be joyful, all ye
that are of right heart.
Let us pray.
QfHIELD, O Lord, Thy
people, and ever keep
them in Thy care, who put
their trust in the pleading of
Thine apostles Peter and
Paul, and of the other
apostles.
AY all Thy saints, we
beseech Thee, O Lord,
everywhere come to our help,
that while we do honor to
their merits, we may also
enjoy their intercession:
grant Thine own peace unto
our times, and drive away
all wickedness from Thy
Church; direct our way, our
actions, and our wishes and
those of all Thy servants in
the way of salvation; to
our benefactors render ever-
lasting blessings, and to all
the faithful departed grant
eternal rest Through Our
Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee in the unity of the
Holy Ghost, God, world with-
out end.
R Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer„
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the
faithful, through the mercy
of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.
* If said by a priest or deacon, V. Dominus vobiscum, etc.
See note, page 774.
Officium Parvum Beata Maria Virginis.
Ill
PRO SANCTIS.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Ecce Dominus veniet,
et omnes Sancti ejus cum eo,
et erit in die ilia lux magna,
Alleluia.
V. Ecce apparebit Domi-
nus super nubem candi-
dam.
R. Et cum eo Sanctorum
millia.
COMMEMORATION OF THE
SAINTS
During Advent.
Ant. Behold, the Lord shall
come, and all His saints with
Him, and in that day there
shall be great light, Alleluia.
V. Behold, the Lord shall
appear upon a shining cloud
R. And with Him thou-
sands of saints.
Oremus.
aONSClENTIAS nostras,
quaesumus Domine, vi-
sitando purifica, ut veniens
Jesus Christus Filius tuus Do-
minus noster cum omnibus
Sanctis paratam sibi in nobis
inveniat mansionem. Qui te-
cum vivit et regnat in unitate
Spiritus sancti Deus per omnia
saecula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
,V. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem meam, etc.
Let us pray.
OLE ANSE our con-
sciences, we beseech
Thee, O Lord, by Thy visi-
tation, that when Jesus Christ
Thy Son, Our Lord, shall
come with all the saints, He
may find within us a resting-
place made ready for Him.
Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee in the unity of the Holy.
Ghost, God, world without
end.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer,
etc., as above.
AT COMPLINE.
Ave, Maria, etc.
Converte nos, Deus salu-
taris noster.
R. Et averte iram tuam a
nobis.
V. Deus, in adjutorium
meum intende.
R. Domine, ad adjuvan-
dum me festina.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Alleluia, vel Laus tibi, Do-
mine, Rex aeternae gloriae.
Hail, Mary, etc.
Convert us, O God our
Saviour.
R. And turn away Thine
anger from us.
V. O God, hasten to mine
aid.
R. O Lord, make haste to
help me.
Glory be, etc.
Alleluia, or Praise be to
Thee, O Lord, King of glory
everlasting.
A
77$ Officium Parvum Beatce, Mar ice Virginis.
psalm. CXXVIII.
£^ JB P E expugnaverunt
^5 me a juvenfeute mea : *
dicat nunc Israel.
Saepe expugnaverunt me
a juventute mea : * etenim non
potuerunt mihi.
Supra dorsum meum fabri-
caverunt peccatores : * pro-
longaverunt iniquitatem su-
am.
Dominus just us concidit
cervices peccatorum : * con-
fundantur, et convertantur
retrorsum omnes qui oderunt
Sion.
Fiant sicut fcenum tecto-
rum :* quod priusquam evella-
tur, exaruit.
De quo non implevit ma-
num suam qui me tit,* et si-
num suum qui manipulos
colli git.
Et non dixerunt qui praete-
ribant : Benedictio Domini
super vos : * benediximus vo-
bis in nomine Domini.
Gloria Patri, etc.
PSALM CXXVIII.
OFTEN have they fought
against me from my
youth; let Israel now say.
Often have they fought
against me from my youth;
but they could not prevail
against me.
The wicked have wrought
upon my back: they have
prolonged their iniquity.
The just Lord hath hewn
asunder the necks of sinners :
let them all be confounded
and turned back that hate
Sion.
Let them be as grass of
the housetops, which wither-
eth before it be plucked up.
Wherewith the mower fill-
eth not his hand ; nor he that
gather eth the sheaves, his
bosom.
And they that pass by say
not : The blessing of the Lord
be upon you : we bless you in
the name of the Lord.
Glory be, etc.
psalm, cxxix.
*T^\E profundis clamavi ad
tJLjr te, Domine:* Domi-
ne, exaudi vocem meam.
Fiant aures tuae intenden-
tes,* in vocem deprecati-
onis meae.
Si iniquitates observave-
ris, Domine : * Domine, quis
sustinebit ?
Quia apud te propitiatio
est:* et propter legem tuam
sustinui te, Domine.
Sustinuit anima mea in
PSALM CXXIX.
OUT of the depths have I
cried unto Thee, O
Lord. Lord, hear my voice.
O let Thine ears be atten-
tive to the voice of my sup-
plication.
If Thou, O Lord, wilt ob-
serve iniquities, Lord, who
shall stand it?
For with Thee there is
merciful forgiveness; and by
reason of Thy law I have
waited for Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on His
Officium Parvum Bealce Maria Virgin is. 779
verbo ejus : * speravit anima
mea in Domino.
A custodia matutina usque
ad noctem,* speret Israel in
Domino.
Quia apud Dominum mise-
ricordia:* et copiosa apud
eum redemptio.
Et ipse redimet Israel,* ex
omnibus iniquitatibus ejus.
Gloria Patri, etc.
PSALM. CXXX.
*T^\OMIXE, non est exalt a-
JlJ turn cor meum: * ne-
que elati sunt oculi mei.
Xeque ambulavi in mag-
nis : * neque in mirabilibus
super me.
Si non humiliter sentie-
bam:* sed exaltavi animam
meam:
Sicut ablactatus es super
m?.tre sua,* it a retributio in
anima mea.
Speret Israel in Domino,*
ex hoc nunc, et usque in sae-
culum.
Gloria Patri, etc.
HYMXrS .
EMEXTO, rerum Condi-
tor,
Nostri quod olim corporis,
Sacrata ab alvo Virginis
Nascendo formam sumpseris.
Maria, mater gratiae,
Dulcis parens clementiae,
Tu nos ab hoste protege,
Et mortis hora suscipe.
word. My soul hath hoped
in the Lord.
From the morning watch
even until night, let IsraeJ
hope in the Lord.
For with the Lord there
is mercy, and with Him plen-
tiful redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel
from all his iniquities.
Glory be, etc.
psalm cxxx.
OLORD, my heart is not
lifted up ; nor are mine
eyes lofty.
Neither do I walk in great
matters, nor in things too
wonderful for me.
If I have not been humbly
minded, but have lifted up
my soul,
As a child that is weaned
upon his mother's breast, so
let my reward be in my soul.
Let Israel hope in the Lord
from this time forth for ever-
more.
Glory be, etc.
HYMN.
REMEMBER, O Creator
X\, Lord,
That in the \ ir gin's sacred
womb
Thou wast conceived, and
of her flesh
Didst our mortality assume.
Mother of grace! O XIarv
blest!
To thee, sweet fount of life,
we fly;
Shield us through life, and
take us hence
thy dear bosom, when we
die.
780 Officium Parvum Beata Mar ice Virginis.
Jesu, tibi sit gloria,
Qui natus es de Virgine,
Cum Patre, et alrao Spiritu,
In sempiterna ssecula.
Amen.
7, 777. Extra et post
Adventum.
^APITULUM.
Eccli. xxiv.
Ego Mater pulchrae dilecti-
onis, et timoris, et agnitionis,
et sanctae spei.
R. Deo gratias
V. Ora pro nobis, sancta
Dei Genitrix.
R. Ut digni efficiamur pro-
missionibus Christi.
II. In Adventu.
CAPITULUM.
Isa. vii.
Ecce virgo concipiet, et
pariet Filium, et vocabitur
nomen ejus Emmanuel. Bu-
tyrum et mel comedet, ut
sciat reprobare malum, et eli-
gere bonum.
R. Deo gratias.
V. Angelus Domini nuntia-
vit Mariae.
R. Et concepit de Spiritu
?ancto.
I. Extra Adventum.
Ant. Sub tuum praesidium.
Tempore Paschali, omissa prce-
dicta Antiphona, dicitur:
Ant. Regina cceli.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Spiritus sanctus.
O Jesu! born of Virgin bright,
Immortal glory be to Thee:
Praise to the Father infinite,
And Holy Ghost eternally.
Amen.
From Christmas until
Advent.
LITTLE CHAPTER.
Ecclus. xxiv.
I am the Mother of fair
love, and of fear, and of
knowledge, and of holy hope.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. Pray for us, O holv
Mother of God.
R. That we may be made
worthy of the promises of
Christ.
During Advent.
LITTLE CHAPTER.
Isa. vii.
Behold, a virgin shall con-
ceive, and bear a Son, and
His name shall be called
Emmanuel : Butter and
honey shall He eat, that he
may know to refuse evil
and to choose good.
R. Thanks be to God.
V The angel of the Lord
declared unto Mary.
R And she conceived of
the Holy Ghost.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. We fly to thy pat-
ronage.
During Eastertide, instead of
the above, is said:
Ant. O Queen of heaven.
During Advent.
Ant. The Holy Ghost.
Officium Parvum Beata Maria Virginis.
78t
1 II. Post Adventum.
Ant. Magnum haereditatis
mysterium !
CANT. SIMEONIS.
Luc. ii.
Nunc dimittis servum tu-
um, Domine,* secundum
verbum tuum in pace.
Quia viderunt oculi mei *
salutare tuum:
Quod parasti * ante fac'em
omnium populorum.
Lumen ad revelationem
Gentium,* et gloriam plebis
tuae Israel.
/. Extra Adventum.
Ant. Sub tuum praesidium
confugimus, sancta Dei Geni-
trix : nostras deprecationes
ne de'spicias in necessitatibus
nostris, sed a periculis cunctis
libera nos semper, Virgo glo-
riosa et benedicta.
Tempore Paschali.
Ant. Regina cceli laetare,
Alleluia : quia quern meruisti
portare, Alleluia: resurrexit
sicut dixit, Alleluia: ora pro
nobis Deum, Alleluia.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Spiritus sanctus in te
descended Maria: ne timeas,
habebis in utero Filium Dei,
Alleluia.
III. Post Adventum.
Ant. Magnum haereditatis
mysterium ! Templum Dei
factus est uterus nescientis
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. How great the mys-
tery of our inheritance !
SONG OF SIME3N.
Luke ii.
Now Thou dost dismiss Thy
servant, O Lord, according
to Thy word in peace:
Because mine eyes have
seen Thy salvation,
Which Thou hast pre-
pared before the face of all
peoples :
A light to the revelation of
the Gentiles and the glory of
Thy people Israel.
From Candlemas till Advent.
Ant. We fly to thy patron-
age, O holy Mother of God;
despise not our petitions in
our necessities, but ever de-
liver us from all evil, O glori-
ous and blessed Virgin.
During Eastertide.
Ant. O Queen of heaven,
rejoice, Alleluia, for He Whom
thou wast meet to bear, Al-
leluia, hath risen, as He said,.
Alleluia ; pray for us to God ;
Alleluia.
During Advent.
Ant. The Holy Ghost shall
come upon thee, Mary; fear
not, thou shalt hold within
thy womb the Son of God,
Alleluia.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. How great the mys-
tery of our inheritance! The
womb of one that know-
782 Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis.
virum : non est pollutus ex ea
carnem assumens : omnes
' gentes venient dicentes : Glo-
ria tibi Domine.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison
Kyrie, eleison.
V. Domine, exaudi oratio-
nem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
I. Extra Adventum.
Oremus.
BEATiB et gloriosae sem-
per Virginis Mariae,
quaesumus, Domine, interces-
sio gloriosa nos protegat,
et ad vitam perducat seter-
nam. Per Dominum no-
strum Jesum Christum Filium
tuum; qui tecum vivit et re-
gnat in unitate Spiritus sancti
Deus, per omnia saecula sae-
culorum.
R. Amen.
II. In Adventu.
Oremus.
*T^HUS, qui de beatae Ma-
risa Virginis utero Ver-
bum tuum, Angelo nuntiante,
•carnem suscipere voluisti :
praesta supplicibus tuis; ut
qui vere earn Genitricem Dei
credimus, ejus apud te in-
tercessionibus adjuvemur.
Per eumdem Dominum no-
strum Jesum Christum, Fili-
11m tuum qui tecum vivit et
regnat in unitate Spiritus
sancti Deus, per omnia sae-
cula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
eth not man hath become the
temple of God! He was not
defiled in taking flesh of her.
All nations shall come and
shall say: Glory be to Thee,
O Lord.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Let us pray.
AY the glorious plead-
ing of the blessed and
glorious Mary, ever a vir-
gin, shield us, we beseech
Thee, O Lord, and bring us
to life everlasting. Through
Our Lord Jesus Thy' Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, God, world without
end.
R. Amen.
During Advent.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who didst will
that Thine eternal
Word should take flesh in the
womb of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, when the angel de-
livered his message; grant
that Thy petitioners, who
verily believe her to be the
Mother of God, may be as-
sisted by her intercession.
Through the same Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth
and reigneth with Thee, in
the unity of the Holy Ghost,
God, world without end.
R. Amen
Officium Parvum Beata Maria Virginis. 783;
///, Post Adventum.
Oremus.
*T^\EUS, qui salutis aeternae,
JLJ beatae Mariae virgini-
tate fecunda, humano generi
prsemia praestitisti : tribue,
quaesumus, ut ipsam pro no-
bis intercedere sentiamus,
per quam meruimus Aucto-
rem vitae suscipere Dominum
nostrum Jesum Christum Fi-
lium tuum, qui tecum vivit
et re gnat in unitate Spiritus
sancti Deus, per omnia sae-
cula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
V. Domine, exaudi oratio-
nem meam.
R Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
V Benedicamus Domino.
R. Deo gratias.
BENEDICTIO.
Benedicat et custodiat nos
omnipotens et misericors Do-
minus, Pater, *k et Filius,
et Spiritus sanctus.
R. Amen.
Deinde dzcitur una ex infra-
scripts antiphonis, et dici-
tur flexis genibus pr&ter-
quam tempore Paschali, et
similiter in fine Laudum.
A Sabbato ante I Dom. Ad-
ventus usque ad Purifica-
tionem inclusive.
Alma Redemptoris Mater,
quae pervia cceli
Porta manes, et stella ma-
ris, succurre cadenti
Surgere qui curat, populo:
tu quae genuisti,
From Christmas till Advent
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who by the fruit-
ful virginity of blessed!
Mary hast given to mankind
the rewards of eternal salva-
tion; grant, we beseech
Thee, that we may experi-
ence her intercession for us,
by whom we deserved to>
receive the Author of life,
Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy
Son, Who liveth and reigneth
with Thee, in the unity of the
Holy Ghost, God, world with-
out end.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
THE BLESSING.
May the almighty and
merciful Lord, >i* Father and
Son and Holy Ghost, bless
and keep us.
R. Amen.
Then is said one of the follow-
ing Anthems of the Blessed
Virgin Mary according to
the season. Except at Eas-
tertide it is said kneeling;
so also at the end of Lauds.
From the Saturday before the
first Sunday of Advent to
Candlemas inclusive.
Mother of Christ! hear
thou thy people's cry,
Star of the deep, and Por-
tal of the sky,
Mother of Him Who thee
from nothing made.
784 Officium Parvum Beataz Mar ice Virginia.
Natura mirante, tuum
sanctum Genitorem,
Virgo prirs ac posterius,
Gabrielis ab ore,
Sumens illud Ave, pecca-
torum miserere.
II. In Adventu.
V. Angelus Domini nunti-
avit Maria?.
R. Et concepit de Spiritu
sancto.
Oremus.
^>(RATIAM tuam, quaesu-
\5) mus Domine, mentibus
nostris infunde: ut qui, An-
gelo nuntiante, Christi Filii
tin incarnationem cognovi-
mus, per passionem ejus et
crueem, ad resurrectionis glo-
riam perducamur. Per eum-
dem Christum Dominum no-
strum.
R. Amen.
V. Divinum auxilium ma-
neat semper nobiscum,
R. Amen.
Pater, Ave, Credo, secreto.
A Vigilia Xativitatis usque
ad totam diem Purifications .
V. Post partum Virgo in-
violata permansisti.
R. Dei Genitrix, intercede
pro nobis.
Oremus
'TAEUS, qui salutis aeternae,
rL/ beatae Mariae Virgini-
tate foecunda, humano ge-
neri praemia praestitisti : tri-
bue, quaesumus; ut ipsam
pro nobis intercedere sent^-
Sinking we strive and cali
to thee for aid:
Oh, by that joy which
Gabriel brought to thee,
Pure Virgin first and last,
look on our misery.
In Advent.
V. The angel of the Lord
declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived ot
the Holy Ghost.
Let us pray.
OUR forth, we beseech
Thee, O Lord, Thy
grace into our hearts, that we,
to whom the Incarnation of
Christ, Thy Son was made
known by the message of an
angel, may by His Passion
and cross be brought to the
glory of His Resurrection.
Through the same Christ
our Lord.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine assist-
ance remain always with u :.
R. Amen.
Pater, Ave, and Credo, in
silence.
From the Vigil of Christmas
until the Purification.
V. After childbirth, O Vir-
gin, thou didst remain invio-
late.
R. C Mother of God, plead
for us.
Let us pray
OGOD, Who by the fiuu>
ful virginity of blessed
Mary hast given to mankind
the rewards of eternal salva-
tion ; grant, we beseech Thee,
:hat we may experience her
Officium Parvum Beaiz Maria Virginia. 785
amus, per quam meruimus
auctorem vitae suscipere, Do-
minum nostrum Jesum Chri-
stum Filium tuum : * qui
tecum vivit et regnat in imi-
tate Spiritus Sancti Deus per
omnia saecula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
V. Divinttm auxilium ma-
neat semper nobiscum.
R. Amen.
Pater, Ave, Credo, secreto.
A Purificatione usque ad
Completarium Sabbati
Sancti exclusive.
ANTIPHONA.
VE Re gin a coelorum,
Ave Domina Angelorum:
Salve radix, salve porta,
Ex qua mundo lux est orta'
Gaude Virgo gloriosa,
Super omnes speciosa:
Vale, o valde decora,
Et pro nobis Christum exora.
V. Dignare me laudare te,
Virgo sacrata.
R. Da mihi virtutem con-
tra hostes tuos.
Oremus.
aONCEDE, misericors
Deus, fragilitati no-
stras presidium: ut qui sanc-
tae Dei Genitricis memori-
am agimus, intercessionis
ejus auxilio a nostris iniqui-
tatibus resurgamus. Pereum-
dem Christum Dominum
nostrum.
R. Amen.
intercession for us, by whom
we deserved to receive the
Author of life, Our Lord Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth
and reigneth with Thee in
the unity of the Holy Ghost,
God, world without end.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine assist-
ance remain always with us.
R. Amen.
Pater, Ave, and Credo, in
silence.
From Candlemas until Com-
pline on Holy Saturday
exclusively.
"anthem.
I^v AIL, O Queen of heav'n
r"— b enthroned!
Hail, by angels Mistress owned f
Root of Jesse! Gate of morn,
Whence the world's true Ligku
was born:
Glorious Virgin, joy to thee,
Beautiful surpassingly!
Fairest thou where all are fair!
Plead for us a pitying prayer.
V. Vouchsafe that I may
praise thee, O Blessed Virgin.
R. Grant me strength
against thine enemies.
Let us pray.
OMOST merciful God,
grant succor unto our
frailty; that as we celebrate
the memory of the holy
Mother of God, so by the
help of her intercession we
may rise again from our sins.
Through the same Christ
our Lord
R. Amen.
* This Prayer in the Roman Breviary ends here; in the Propa-
ganda edition of the Officium Parvum, it is continued as printed
786 Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis.
V. Divinum auxilium ma-
iieat semper nobiscum.
R. Amen.
Pater, Ave, Credo, secreto.
A Completorio Sabbati Sanc-
ti usque ad Nonam Sabbati
post Pentecosten inclusive.
ANTIPHONA.
*T^> EGINA cceli laetare, Alle-
4-1 luia>
Quia quern meruisti portare,
Alleluia,
Resurrexit sicut dixit, Alleluia.
Ora pro nobis Deum, Alleluia.
V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo
Maria, Alleluia.
R. Quia surrexit Dominus
vere, Alleluia.
Oremus.
^l^VEUS, qui per resurrec-
r*-/ tionem Filii tui Do-
mini nostri Jesu Christi mun-
dum laetificare dignatus es:
praesta quaesumus; ut per
ejus Genitricem Virginem
Mariam perpetuae capiamus
gaudia vitae. Per eumdem
Christum Dominum nostrum.
R. Amen.
V. Divinum auxilium ma-
neat semper nobiscum.
R. Amen.
Pater, Ave, Credo, secreto.
A Completorio Sabbati post
Pentecosten usque ad Ad'
ventum.
ANTIPHONA.
ALVE Regina, Mater mi-
sericordiae, vita, dulcedo,
2t spes nostra salve.
V. May the divine assist
ance remain always with us.
R. Amen.
Pater, Ave, and Credo, in
silence.
From Coripline of Holy Sat -
urday until None on the
Saturday after Pentecost in-
clusively.
ANTHEM.
O QUEEN of heaven, re-
joice, Alleluia,
For He Whom thou wast
meet to bear, Alleluia,
Hath risen, as He said, Alleluia.
Pray for us to God, Alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad,
O Virgin Mary, Alleluia.
R. For the Lord hath
risen indeed, Alleluia.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who didst vouch-
safe to give joy to the
world through the Resurrec-
tion of Thy Son, Our Lord
Jesus Christ; grant, we be-
seech Thee, that, through
His Mother, the Virgin Mary,
we may obtain the joys of
everlasting life. Through
the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine assist-
ance remain always with us.
R. Amen.
Pater, Ave, and Credo, in
silence.
From Compline of the Satur-
day after Pentecost until
Advent.
ANTHEM.
AIL, holy Queen, Mother
of mercy. Hail, our life,
our sweetness, and our hopel
Officium Parvum Beakc Maria Virginis.
787
Ad te clamamus, exsules fiiii
Hevae;
Ad te suspiramus, gementes.
et nentes in hac lacrimarum
valle.
Eia ergo, advocata nostra,
illos tuos misericordes oculos ad
nos converte.
Et Jesum, benedictum fruc-
tum ventris tui, nobis post hoc
exsilium ostende.
O clemens, O pia, O dulcis
Virgo Maria.
V. Ora pro nobis, sancta
Dei Genitrix.
R. Ut digni efficiamur pro-
rnissionibus Christi.
To thee do we cry, poor
banished children of Eve.
To thee do we send up our
sighs, mourning, and weeping
in this vale of tears.
Turn then, most gracious
advocate, thine eyes of mercy
toward us.
And after this our exile show
unto us the blessed fruit of thy
womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet
Virgin Mary.
V. Pray for us, O holy
Mother of God.
R. That we may be made
worthy of the promises of
Christ.
o*
Oremus.
fcMNIPOTENS sempiter-
ne Deus, qui glorio-
sse Virginis Matris Mariae
corpus et anirnarn ut dig-
num Filii tui habitaculum
effici mereretur, Spiritu sanc-
to cooperante praeparasti :
da, ut cujus commemoratione
laetamtvr, ejus pia intercessi-
one ab instantibus malis, et
a morte perpetua libeiemur.
Per eurndem Christum Do-
minum nostrum.
R. Amen.
V. Divinum auxilium ma-
neat semper nobiscum.
R. Amen.
Pater, Ave, Credo, secreto.
Ave Maria, secreto.
Domine, labia mea aperies
R. Et os meum annuntia
bit laudem tuam.
Let us pray.
*ZJ*LMIGHTY, everlasting
cJr-K God, Who, by the co-
operation of the Holy Ghost,
didst so make ready the body
and soul of the glorious
Virgin Mother Mary that
she deserved to become a
meet dwelling for Thy Son ;
grant that we, who rejoice
in her memory, may through
her loving intercession be de-
livered from the evils that
hang over us, and from ever-
lasting death. Through the
same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine assist-
ance remain always with us.
R. Amen.
Pater, Ave, and Credo in
silence.
AT MATINS.
Hail, Mary, silently.
Lord, Thou shalt open my
lips.
R. And my mouth shall
declare Thy praise.
^88 Officium Parvum Beaicc Maria Vtrgz'ms.
V. Deus, in adjutotium
meum intende.
R. Domine, ad adjuvan-
ium me festina.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Alleluia, vel Laus tibi, Do-
mine, Rex aeternae gloriae.
INVITATOklUM.
Ave, Maria, gratia plena:
Dominus tecum. Ave, Ma-
ria, gratia plena: Dominus
tecum.
psalm, xciv.
VENITE, exultemus Do-
mino, iubilemus Deo
salutari nostro: praeoccupe-
mus faciem ejus in confessi-
one, et in psalmis jubilemus
Ave, Maria, gratia plena:
Dominus tecum.
Quoniam Deus magnus Do-
minus, et rex magnus super
omnes deos; quoniam non
repellet Dominus plebem su-
am, quia in manu ejus sunt
omnes fines terras, et alti-
tudines montium ipse conspi-
cit.
Dominus tecum.
Quoniam ipsius est mare,
et ipse fecit illud, et aridam
fundaverunt manus ejus: ve-
nite, adoremus, et procida-
mus ante Deum: ploremus
coram Domino qui fecit nos,
quia ipse est Dominus Deus
noster nos autem populus
ejus, et oves pascuae ejus.
Ave, Maria, gratia plena:
Dominus tecum.
Hodie si vocem ejus audi-
-e litis, nolite obdurare cor da
V. O God hasten, to mine
aid.
R. O Lord, make haste to
help me.
Glory be, etc.
Alleluia, or Praise be to
Thee, O Lord, King of glory
everlasting.
INVTTATORY.
Hail, Mary, full of grace ,
the Lord is with thee. Hail,
Mary, full of grace, the Lord
is with thee.
psalm xciv.
OCOME, let us exult in
the Lord; let us re
joice before God our Saviour
Let us come into His pres-
ence with thanksgiving; and
rejoice before Him with
psalms.
Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
For the Lord is a great
God, and a great King above
all gods; for the Lord will
not cast off His people, for
in His hand are all the ends
of the earth ; and the heights
of the mountains He be-
holdeth.
The Lord is with thee,
For the sea is His, and He
made it; and His hands
founded the dry land. Come,
let us worship and fall down
before God ; let us weep be-
fore the Lord that made us ;
for He is the Lord our God;
and we are His people, and
the sheep of His pasture.
Hail, Mary, full of grace;
the Lord is with thee.
To-day if ye shall hear
His voice, harden not your
Officium Parvum Beata Mar ice Virginis. 789
v^stra, sicut in exacerbatione
secundum diem tentationis
in deserto: ubi tentaverunt
me patres vestri, probaverunt
et viderunt opera mea.
Dominus tecum.
Quadraginta annis proxi-
mus fui generationi huic, et
dixi : Semper hi errant corde :
ipsi vero non cognoverunt
vias meas, quibus juravi in
ira mea, si introibunt in re-
quiem me am.
Ave, Maria, gratia plena:
Dominus tecum.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et
Spiritui sancto. Sicut erat
in principio, et nunc, et
semper, et in saecula sgeculo-
rum. Amen.
Dominus tecum.
Ave, Maria, gratia plena:
Dominus tecum.
hearts; as in the provoca-
tion, according to the day
of temptation in the wilder-
ness: where your fathers
tempted Me, proved and saw
My works.
The Lord is with thee.
Forty years long was I
nigh unto that generation,
and said: They do always
err in their heart; and they
have not known My ways
to whom I swore in My
wrath that they should not
enter into My rest.
Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
* Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost. As it was in
the beginning, is now, and
ever shall be, world without
end. Amen.
The Lord is with thee.
Hail, Mary, full of grace^
the Lord is with thee.
HYMNUS.
^^UEM terra, pontus, sidera,
Colunt, adorant, predi-
cant,
Trinam regentem machinam,
Claustrum Mariae bajulat.
Cui luna, sol, et omnia,
Deserviunt per tempora
Perfusa cceli gratiae,
Gestant puellae viscera.
HYMN.
V>JHE Lord, Whom earth,
V^J and air, and sea
With one adoring voice re-
sound;
Who rales them all in majesty;
In Mary's heart a cloister
found.
Lo! in a humble Virgin's womb
O'ershadowed by almighty
power,
He Whom the stars, and sun,
and moon,
Each serve in their appointed
hour.
Be-ata mater, mu^ere
O Mother blest, to wbom was
given
79° Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis.
Cujus supernus artifex
Mundum pugillo continens,
Ventris sub area clausus est.
Beata coeli nuntio,
Fcecunda sancto Spiritu,
Desideratus gentibus,
Cujus per alvum fusus est.
Jesu, tibi sit gloria,
Qui natus es de Virgine,
Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu,
In sempiterna saecula. Amen.
Within thy compass to con
tain
The Architect of earth and
heaven,
Whose hands the universe
sustain!
To thee was sent an angel down ;
In thee the Spirit was en-
shrined;
From thee came forth that
mighty One,
The long-desired of all man-
kind.
O Jesu! born of Virgin bright,
Immortal glory be to Thee;
Praise to the Father infinite,
And Holy Ghost eternally0
Amen.
Isti tres P salmi sequentes die.
diebus Dominicis, Feria II
et V ad Nocturnum.
Ant. Bene dicta tu * in mu-
lieribus, et benedictus fruc-
tus ventris tui.
PSALM. VIII.
Domine, Dominus noster,*
quam admirabile est nomen
tuum in uni versa terra!
Quoniam elevata est magni-
ficentia tua * super ccelos.
Ex ore inf antium et lacten-
tium perfecisti laudem prop-
ter inimicos tuos,* ut de-
struas inimicum et ultorem.
Quoniam yidebo ccelos tu-
os, opera digitorum tuorum,*
lunam et Stellas quae tu fun-
dasti.
Quid est homo, quod me-
The three following Psalms
are said on Sunday, Mon-
day, and Thursday at the
Nocturn.
Ant Blessed art thou*
amongst women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb.
PSAIyM VIII.
O Lord our Lord, how ad-
mirable is Thy name in the
whole earth!
For Thy magnificence is
exalted above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babes
and sucklings Thou hast per-
fected praise because of Thine
enemies, that Thou mayest
destroy the enemy and the
avenger.
For I will behold Thy
heavens, the works of Thy
fingers: the moon and the
stars which Thou hast set.
What is man that TKcia
Officium Parvum Beata Mar ice Virgin is. 791
mor est ejus ? * aut filius ho-
minis, quoniam visitas eum?
Minuisti eum paulo minus
ab angelis; gloria et honore
coronasti eum ;* et constituis-
ti eum super opera manuum
tuarum.
Omnia subjecisti sub pedi-
bus ejus, * oves et boves uni-
versas, insuper et pecora
campi.
Volucres coeli, et pisces ma-
ris,* qui per ambulant semi-
tas maris
Domine, Dominus noster,*
quam admirabile est nomen
tuum in universa terra!
Gloria Patri, etc.
Ant. Bene dicta tu in mu-
fieribus, et benedictus fruc-
tus ventris tui.
Ant. Sicut myrrha electa * •
odorem dedisti suavitatis,
sancta Dei Genitrix.
PSALM. XVIII.
a (ELI enarrant gloriam
Dei,* et opera ma-
nuum ejus annuntiat firma-
mentum.
Dies diei eructat verbum,*
et nox nocti indicat scienti-
am.
Non sunt loquelae, neque
sermones,* quorum non audi-
antur voces eorum.
In omnem t err am exivit
sonus eorum,* et in fines or-
bis terrae verba eorum.
In sole posuit tabernacu-
lum suum ; * et ipse tan quam
sponsus procedens de thala-
rno suo.
Exultavit ut gigas ad cur-
art mindful of him? or the
son of man that Thou visitest
him ?
Thou hast made him a little
less than the angels, Thou
hast crowned him with glory
and honor; and hast set him
over the works of Thy hands.
All things Thou hast put
under his feet: sheep and
all oxen, yea, also the beasts
of the field.
The birds of the air and the
fishes of the sea, that pass
through the paths of the sea.
O Lord our Lord, how
admirable is Thy name in all
the earth!
Glory be, etc.
Ant. Blessed art thou
amongst women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb.
Ant. Like unto choice
myrrh * thou yieldest a sweet
smell, O holy Mother of God
PSALM XVIII.
HE heavens are telling
the glory of God; and
the firmament declareth the
works of His hands.
Day unto day uttereth
speech ; and night unto night
showeth knowledge.
They are not speeches nor
words, whose voices are not
heard.
Unto all the earth their
sound hath gone forth, and
their words unto the ends of
the world.
In the sun hath He set
His tabernacle; and as a
bridegroom cometh out His
bride-chamber
He hath rejoiced as a
792 Officium Parvum Beatce Mar ice Virginis.
rendam viam; * a summo
ccelo egressio ejus*.
Et occursus ejus usque
ad summum ejus; * nec est
qui se abscondat a calore
ejus.
Lex Domini Lnmaculata,
comrertens animas;* testi-
monium Domini fidele, sa-
pientiam praestans parvulis.
Justitiae Domini rectae, lae-
tificantes corda ; * praeceptum
Domini lucidum, illuminans
oculos.
Timor Domini sanctus, per-
manens in saeculum saeculi ; *
judicia Domini vera, justi-
ficata in semetipsa.
Desiderabilia super au-
rum, et lapidem pretiosum
multum ; * et dulciora super
mel et favum.
Etenim servus tuus custo-
dit ea;* in custodiendis illis
retributio multa.
Delicta quis intelligit? Ab
occultis meis munda me;*
et ab alienis parce servo tuo.
Si mei non fuerint domi-
nati, tunc immaculatus ero,*
et emundabor a delicto maxi-
mo.
Et erunt ut complaceant
eloquia oris mei,* et medita-
tio cordis mei in conspectu
tuo semper.
Domine, adjutor meus,* et
redemptor meus.
Gloria Patri, etc
Ant. Sicut myrrha electa
odorem dedisti suavitatis,
sancta Dei Genitrix.
giant to run His course. His
going forth is from the end
of heaven;
And His course even unto
the end thereof: and there
is none that is hid from His
heat.
The law of the Lord is with-
out spot, converting souls:
the testimony of the Lord is
faithful, giving wisdom to
little ones.
The precepts of the Lord
are right, rejoicing hearts:
the commandment of the
Lord is lightsome, enlighten-
ing the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is holy,
enduring for ever and ever:
the judgments of the Lord
are true, justified in them-
selves.
More to be desired are they
than gold and many precious
stones; and sweeter than
honey and the honey-comb.
For Thy servant keepeth
them; and in keeping them
there is great reward.
Who understandeth his
sins? From my secret ones
cleanse me, and from stran-
gers spare Thy servant.
If they shall have no do-
minion over me, then shall I
be without spot: and I shall
be cleansed from grievous sin.
And the sayings of my
mouth and the meditation
of my heart in Thy sight
shall be ever pleasing.
O Lord, my helper and my
Redeemer.
Glory be, etc.
Ant Like unto choice
myrrh thou yieldest a sweet
smell. O holy Mother of God.
Ojficium Parvum Beatcz Mar ice Virginis. 793
Ant. Ante torum * hujus
Virginis frequentate nobis
dulcia cantica dramatis.
psalm. XXIII.
OMINI est terra, et
plenitudo ejus:* or-
bis terrarum, et universi qui
habitant in eo.
Quia ipse super maria fun-
davit eum,* et super flumi-
na prseparavit eum.
Quis ascendet in montem
Domini ? * aut quis stabit in
loco sancto ejus?
Innocens manibus et mun-
do corde,* qui non accepit
in vano animam suam, nec
juravit in dolo proximo suo
0
Hie accipiet benedictionem
a Domino,* et misericordiam
a Deo salutari suo.
Haec est generatio quaeren-
tium eum,* quaerentium fa-
ciem Dei Jacob.
Attollite portas, princi-
pes, vestras, et elevamini
portae aeternales,* et introibit
Rex glorias
Quis est iste Rex gloriae?*
Dominus fortis et potens,
Dominus potens in praelio.
Attollite portas, principes,
vestras, et elevamini portae
aeternales,* et introibit Rex
gloriae.
Quis est iste Rex gloriae ? *
Dominus virtutum, ipse est
Rex gloriae.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Ant. Ante torum hujus
Ant. Before this Virgin's
couch * sing us again and
again the sweet songs of the
play.
PSALM XXIII.
HE earth is the Lord's,
and the fulness there-
of: the world and all they
that dwell therein.
For He hath founded it
upon the seas; and hath
prepared it upon the rivers.
Who shall go up to the
mountain of the Lord? or
wTho shall stand in His holy
place ?
He that hath clean hands
and a pure heart: who hath
not taken his soul in vain,
nor sworn deceitfully to his
neighbor.
He shall receive a blessing
from the Lord, and mercy
from God his Saviour.
This is the generation of
them that seek Him: of
them that seek the face of
the God of Jacob.
Lift up your gates, O ye
princes, and be ye lifted up<
O eternal gates: and the
King of glory shall enter in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty:
the Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your gates, O ye
princes, and be ye lifted up,
O eternal gates; and the
King of glory shall enter in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts, He is the
King of glory.
Glory be, etc.
Ant. Before this Virgin' ^
couch sing us again and
794 Officium Parvum Beat.CE Maria Virginis.
Virginis frequentate nobis
dulcia cantica dramatis.
Isti ires Psalmi sequentes die.
Feria III et VI ad Noc-
turnum.
Ant. Specie tua,* et pul-
chritudine tua, intende, pro-
spere procede, et regna.
psalm, xuv.
RUCTAVIT cor meum
verbum bonum;* dico
ego opera mea Regi.
Lingua mea calamus scri-
bae,* velociter scribentis.
Speciosus forma prae filiis
hominum, diffusa est gratia
in labiis tuis ; * propterea
benedixit te Deus in aeter-
num.
Accingere gladio tuo super
femur tuum* potentissime.
Specie tua et pulchritu-
dine tua:* intende, prospere
procede, et regna.
Propter veritatem, et'man-
suetudinem, et justitiam ; *
et deducet te mirabiliter dex-
tera tua.
Sagittae tuae acutae, populi
sub te cadent,* in corda ini-
micorum Regis.
Sedes tua, Deus, in saecu-
lum safculi;* virga directi-
onis virga regni tui.
Dilexisti justitiam, et odi-
sti iniquitatem ; * propterea
unxit Te Deus, Deus tuus,
oleo laetitiae prae consortibus
tuis.
Myrrha, et gutta, et casia
again the sweet songs of the
play.
The three following Psalms
are said on Tuesday and
Friday at the Nocturn.
Ant. In Thy comeliness*
and Th)r beauty, go forth,
advance prosperously and
reign.
PSALM XLIV.
Y heart hath uttered a
good word : I address
my works to the King.
My tongue is the pen of a
writer that writeth swiftly.
Thou art beautiful above
the sons of men, grace is
poured forth on Thy lips;
therefore God hath blessed
Thee for ever.
'Gird Thy sword upon Thy
thigh, O Thou most mighty.
With Thy comeliness and
Thy beauty, bend [Thy
bow], advance prosperously
and reign.
In behalf of truth and
meekness and justice; and
Thy right hand shall guide
Thee wondrously.
Thine arrows are sharp;
under Thee shall the peoples
fall, into the hearts of the
King's enemies.
Thy throne, O God, is for
ever ?nd ever: the scepter
of Thy kingdom is a scepter
of uprightness.
Thou lovest justice and
hat est iniquity: therefore
God, Thy God, hath anointed
Thee with the oil of gladness
above Thy fellows.
Myrrh and aloes and cas-
Officium Parvum heatce 21 aria Virginis. 795;
a vestimentis tuis, a domi-
bus eburneis ; * ex quibus de-
lectaverunt te filiae regum in
nonore tuo.
Astitit Regina a dextris
tuis in vestitu deaurato,*
circumdata varietate.
Audi, filia, et vide, et in-
clina p urem tuam ; * et oblivi-
scere populum tuum, et do-
mum patris tui.
Et concupiscet Rex deco-
rem tuum,* quoniam ipse
est Dominus Deus tuus, et
adorabunt eum.
Et filiae Tyri in muneribus *
vultum tuum deprecabuntur;
omnes divites plebis.
Omnis gloria ejus filiae Re-
gis ab intus,* in fimbriis au-
reis, circumamicta varietati-
bus.
Adducent ur Regi virgines
post earn,* proximae ejus affe-
rentur tibi.
Afferentur in laetitia et
exultatione ; * adducentur in
templum Regis.
Pro patribus tuis nati
sunt tibi nlii;* constitues
eos principes super omnem
terrain.
Memores erunt nominis
tui,* in omni genera tione et
generationem.
Propterea populi count e-
buntur tibi in aeternum,* et
in saeculum saeculi.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Ant. Specie tua, et pulchri-
cudine tua, intende, pro-
spere procede, et regna.
sia perfume Thy garments,
from out of ivory palaces::
from which kings' daughters'
gladden Thee in Thine honor.
On Thy right hand stand-
eth the Queen, in golden rai-
ment wrought about with
variety.
Hearken, O daughter, and'
consider, and incline thine
ear; forget also thine own
people and thy father's house.
And the King shall greatly
desire thy beauty; for He is;
the Lord thy God, and Him
they shall adore.
And the daughters of Tyre,,
all the rich ones of the people,
with gifts shall entreat thy
face.
All her glory [is that] of
the ' King's daughter from
within, with fringes of gold,,
arrayed in divers colors.
After her shall virgins be
brought unto the King: her
neighbors shall be brought
unto thee.
With joy and gladness
shall they be brought: they,
shall be brought into the
temple of the King.
Instead of thy fathers,
sons are born to thee: thou
shaft make them princes over
all the earth.
They shall be mindful of
thy name from generation
to generation.
Therefore shall the people
praise thee for ever: yea
for ever and ever..
Glory be, etc.
Ant. In Thy comeliness
and. Thy beauty, go forth,
advance prosperously and
reign.
796
Offiaum jl arvum Bearce Mar ice Virgtnis.
Ant. Adjuvabit earn * De-
ns vultu suo: Deus in medio
ejus, non commovebitur.
PSALM. XLV.
*THVEUS noster refugium,
„-L/ et virtus;* adjutor in
tribulationibus quae invene-
runt nos nimis.
Propterea non timebimus
dum turbabitur terra,* et
transferentur montes in cor
maris.
Sonuerunt, et turbatae sunt
aquae eorum; * conturbati
sunt montes in fortitudine
ejus.
Fluminis impetus laetificat
civitatem Dei:* sanctifica-
vit tabernaculum suum Al-
tissimus.
i Deus in medio ejus, non
commovebitur;* adjuvabit
earn Deus mane diluculo.
Conturbatae sunt gentes,
et inclinata sunt regna : * de-
dit vocem suam, mota est
terra.
Dominus virtutum nobi-
scum;* susceptor noster De-
us Jacob.
Venite, et videte opera
Domini, quae posuit prodigia
super terram,* auferens bella
usque ad rinem terrae.
Arcum conteret, et confrin-
get arma,* et scuta com-
buret igni.
Vacate, et videte quoniam
ego sum Deus : * exaltabor in
gentibus et exaltabor in
terra.
Ant. God shall help her*
with His countenance; God
is in the midst of her, she
shall not be moved.
psalm xxv.
OUR God is a refuge and
strength; a helper in
troubles, which have come
upon us heavily.
Therefore shall we not fear
when the earth shall be
troubled; and the mountains
shall be removed into the
heart of the sea.
Their waters roar and
are troubled: the mountains
are troubled at the violence
thereof.
The stream of the river
maketh glad the* city of
God: the Most High hath
hallowed His tabernacle.
God is in the midst of
her, she shall not be moved:
God shall help her in the
morning early.
Nations were troubled, and
kingdoms bowed down: He
gave forth His voice: the
earth quaked.
The Lord of hosts is with
us: the God of Jacob is our
helper.
Come ye and behold the
works of the Lord : what won-
ders He hath wrought upon
earth, making wars to cease
even to the ends of the earth.
He shall break the bow
and snap the weapons in
sunder; and the shields shall
He burn with fire.
Be still, and see that T am
God: I will be exalted
among the nations, and I will
be exalted in the earth.
Officium Parvum Beatce Mar ice Virginis. 797
Dominus virtutum nobi-
scum ; * susceptor noster De-
ns Jacob.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Ant. Adjuvabit earn Deus
vultu suo: Deus in medio
ejus, non commovebitur.
Ant. S i c u t laetantium *
omnium nostrum habitatio
est in te, sancta Dei Genitrix.
psalm, lxxxvi.
BUNDAMENTA ejus in
montibus Sanctis ; * di-
ligit Dominus portas Sion
super omnia tabernacula Ja-
cob.
Gloriosa dicta sunt de te,*
civitas Dei!
Memor ero Rahab, et Ba-
bylonis,* scientium me.
Ecee alienigenae, et Tyrus,
et populus iEthiopum,* hi
fuerunt illic.
Numquid Sion dicet: Ho-
mo et homo natus est in ea,*
et ipse fundavit earn Altissi-
mus?
Dominus narrabit in scrip-
turis populorum et princi-
pum,* horum qui fuerunt in
ea.
Sicut laetantium omnium *
habitatio est in te.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Ant. Sicut laetantium om-
nium nostrum habitatio est in
te, sancta Dei Genitrix.
The Lord of hosts is with
us: the God of Jacob is our
helper.
Glory be, etc.
Ant. God shall help her
with His countenance; God
is in the midst of her; she
shall not be moved.
Ant. As of people all re-
joicing,* so is our dwelling
in thee, O holy Mother of
God.
PSALM LXXXVI.
IS foundations are in
the holy mountains;
the Lord loveth the gates of
Sion above all the dwellings
of Jacob.
Glorious things are spoken
of thee, O city of God.
I will be mindful of Rahab
and of Babylon, that know
me.
Behold strangers, and Tyre,
and the people of the Ethio-
pians, these were there.
Shall it not be said of Sion :
This one, and that one, is
born in her: and the Most
High Himself hath founded
her?
The Lord shall tell it in
His writings of peoples and
of princes, of them that have
been in her.
As of people all rejoicing,
so is our dwelling in thee.
Glory be, etc.
Ant, As of people all re-
joicing, so is our dwelling in
thee, O holy Mother of God.
798 Officium Parvum Beata Maria Yirginis.
Isti ires P salmi sequentes di-
cuntur Feria quarta et Sab-
bato ad Nocturnum.
Ant. Gaude, Maria Vir-
go,* cunctas haereses sola
interemisti in uni verso mun-
do.
PSALM. XCV.
aANTATE Domino canti-
cum novum,* cant ate
Domino, omnis terra.
Cantate Domino, et be-
nedicite nomini ejus : * annun-
tiate de die in diem salu-
tare ejus.
Annuntiate inter gentes
gloriam ejus,* in omnibus
populis mirabilia ejus.
Ouoniam ma gnus Domi-
nus, et laudabilis nimis ; * ter-
ribilis est super omnes deos.
Ouoniam omnes dii genti-
um daemonia ; * Dominus au-
tem coelos fecit.
Confessio et pulchritudo
in conspectu ejus;* sancti-
monia et magniricentia in
sanctificatione ejus.
AfTerte Domino patriae gen-
tium; afTerte Domino glori-
am et honorem ; * afTerte Do-
mino gloriam nomini ejus.
Tollite hostias, et introite
in atria ejus;* adorate Do-
minum in atrio sancto ejus.
Commoveatur a facie ejus
universa terra ; * dicite in
Gentibus, quia Dominus reg-
navit.
Etenim correxit orbem ter-
ra?, qui non commovebitur ; *
judicabit populos in acquit ate.
The three following bstxvitis
are said on Wednesday
and Saturday at the Noc-
turn:
Ant. Rejoice, O Virgin
Mary,* alone thou hast de-
stroyed all heresies through-
out the world
PSALM XCV.
OSIXG unto the Lord
a new song: sing
unto the Lord, all the earth.
Sing unto the Lord, and
bless His name: tell forth
His salvation from day to
day.
Tell forth His glory among
the Gentiles: His wonders
amongst all peoples.
For the Lord is great, and
highly to be praised: He is
to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the
Gentiles are devils; 1 ut the
Lord made the heavens.
Praise and beauty are be-
fore Him; holiness and maj-
esty are in His sanctuary.
Bring unto the Lord, O ye
kindred of the Gentiles, bring
unto the Lord glory and
honor: bring unto the Lord
glory unto His name.
Bring sacrifices, and come
into His courts: adore ye
the Lord in His holy court.
Let all the earth be moved
at His presence: tell ye
among the Gentiles that the
Lord hath reigned.
For He hath established
the world, and it shall not
be moved: He will judge
the peoples with equity
Officium Parvum Bealce Mar ice Virginis. 799
Laetentur coeli, et exult et Let the heavens rejoice
terra; commoveatur mare et and let the earth be glad:
plenitudo ejus ; * gaudebunt let the sea be moved, and
campi, et omnia quae in eis the fulness thereof ; the fields
sunt. shall be joyful, and all
things that are therein.
Tunc exultabunt omnia lig- Then shall all the trees
na silvarum a facie Domini, of the woods rejoice before
quia venit,* quoniam venit the face of the Lord, for He
judicare terram. cometh: for He cometh to
judge the earth.
Judicabit orbem terrae in He shall judge the world
aequitate,* et populos in with equity, and the peoples
veritate sua in His truth.
Gloria Patri, etc. Glory be, etc.
Ant. Gaude, Maria Virgo, Ant. Rejoice, O Virgin
cunctas haereses sola intere- Mary, alone thou hast de-
misti in uni verso mundo. stroyed all heresies through-
out the world.
Ant. Dignare me * laudare Ant. Vouchsafe that 1 *
te, Virgo sacrata : da mihi vir- may praise thee, holy Vir-
tutem contra hostes tuos. gin; grant* me might against
, thine enemies.
psalm, xcvr.
DOMINUS regnavit ; exul-
tet terra ; * laetentur
insulae multae.
Nubes et caligo in circu-
itu ejus;* justitia et judi-
cium correctio sedis ejus.
Ignis ante ipsum praece-
det,* et inflammabit in cir-
cuitu inimicos ejus.
Illuxerunt fulgura ejus orbi
terrae ; * vidit, et commota
est terra.
Montes sicut cera fluxerunt
a facie Domini;* a facie Do-
mini omnis terra.
Annuntiaverunt coeli justi-
tiam ejus;* et viderunt om-
nes populi gloriam ejus.
Confundantur omnes qui
psalm xcvi.
HE Lord doth reign;
let the earth rejoice:
let the multitude of the isles
be glad.
Clouds and darkness are
round about Him: justice
and judgment are the foun-
dation of His throne.
Fire shall go forth before
Him, and shall burn up His
enemies on every side.
His lightnings shone upon
the world: the earth saw,
and was moved.
The mountains melted like
wax before the face of the
Lord; yea, all the earth, at
the presence of the Lord.
The heavens declared His
justice; and all the peoples
saw His glory.
Let them all be con-
800 Offiaum Parvum Beata Maria Virginis.
adorant sculptilia,* et qui founded that adore graven
gloriantur in simulacris suis. things; and that glory in
their idols.
Adorate eum, omnes an- Adore Him all ye, His
geli ejus;* audivit, et laetata angels; Sion heard, and was
est Sion. glad.
Et exult averunt filiae Ju- And the daughters of Ju-
dae,* propter judicia tua Do- da rejoiced, because of Thy
mine. judgments, O Lord.
Quoniam tu Dominus Altis- For Thou art Lord most
simus super omnem t err am ; * high over all the earth : Thou
nimis exaltatus es super om- art exalted exceedingly above
nes deos. all gods.
Qui diligitis Dominum, odi- Ye that love the Lord hate
te malum ; * custodit Domi- evil : the Lord keepeth the
nus animas sanctorum suo- souls of His saints; He will
rum, de manu peccatoris li- deliver them out of the hand
berabit eos. of the sinner.
Lux orta est justo,* et rec- Light is risen to the just;
tis corde laetitia. and gladness to such as are
right of heart.
Laetamini, justi, in Do- Rejoice in the Lord, O ye
mino;* et confitemini memo- just: %and give praise to the
riae sanctificationis ejus. remembrance of His holi-
ness.
Gloria Patri, etc. Glory be, etc.
Ant. Dignare me laudare Ant. Vouchsafe that I may
te, Virgo sacrata: da mini praise thee, holy Virgin;
virtutem contra hostes tuos. grant me might against thine
enemies.
Ant. Post partum * Virgo Ant. After childbirth, O
inviolata permansisti: Dei Virgin, thou didst remain
Genitrix, intercede pro nobis, inviolate; plead for us, O
Mother of God.
In Advent. Ant. Angelus In Advent. Ant. The angel
Domini * nuntiavit Mariae, of the Lord declared unto
et concepit de Spiritu sancto. Mary, and she conceived of
the Holy Ghost.
psalm, xcvn.
aANTATE Domino can-
ticum novum,* quia
mirabilia fecit.
Salvavit sibi dextera ejus,*
et brachium sanctum ejus.
PSALM xcvn.
BING unto the Lord a
new song: for He
hath done wonderful things.
His right hand and His
holy arm hath wrought sal
vation for Him.
Officium Parvum Beai(B Marix Virginis. 80 1
Notum fecit Dominus sa-
lutare suum ; * in conspectu
Gentium revelavit justitiam
suam.
Recordatus est miseri-
cordiae suae,* et veritatis suae
domui Israel.
Viderunt omnes termini
terrae * salutare Dei nostri.
Jubilate Deo omnis terra ; *
cantate et exultate, et psal-
lite.
Psallite Domino in cithara,
in cithara et voce psalmi;*
in tubis ductilibus, et voce
tubae corneae.
Jubilate in conspectu Regis
Domini ; * moveatur mare, et
plenitudo ejus; orbis terra-
rum, et qui habitant in eo.
Flumina plaudent manu,
simul montes exultabunt a
conspectu Domini, * quo-
niam venit judicare t err am.
Judicabit orbem terrarum
in justitia,* et populos in
aequitate.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Ant. Post partum Mr go
inviolata permansisti : Dei
genitrix, intercede pro nobis.
In Advent. Ant. Angelus
Domini nuntiavit Mariae, et
concepit de Spiritu sancto.
Alleluia.
V. Diffusa est gratia in
labiis tuis.
R. Propterea benedixit te
Deus in aeternum.
The Lord hath made
known His salvation: He
hath revealed His justice
in the sight of the Gentiles.
He hath remembered His
mercy and His truth toward
the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth
have seen the salvation of
Our God.
Sing joyfully unto God,
all the earth; sing, rejoice^
and give praise.
Give praise unto the Lord
upon the harp, upon the
harp and with voice of
psalms: with the long
trumpets and sound of the
horn.
Sing joyfully before the
Lord our King; let the
sea be moved, and the
fulness thereof; the com-
pass of the earth, and * they
that dwell therein.
The rivers shall clap their
hands, ^the mountains shall
rejoice together at the
presence of the Lord, for He
cometh to judge the earth.
He shall judge the world
with justice, and the peoples
with equity.
Glory be, etc.
Ant. After childbirth, O
Virgin, thou didst remain
inviolate; plead for us, G
Mother of God.
In Advent. Ant. The
angel of the Lord declared
unto Mary, and she con-
ceived of the Holy Ghost.
Alleluia.
V. Grace is poured forth
upon thy lips.
R. Therefore God hath,
blessed thee for ever.
So 2 Ojficium Parvum Beata Marice Virginis,
Pater noster, etc., secreto.
V. Et ne nos inducas in
tentationem.
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
/, III. Extra et post
Adventum.j
ABSOLUTIO.
Precibus et meritis beatae
Mariae semper Virginis, et
omnium Sanctorum, perdu-
cat nos Dominus ad regna
coelorum.
R. Amen.
V. Jube, domne, bene-
dicere.
BEXEDICTIO.
Nos cum prole pia bene-
dicat Virgo Maria.
R. Amen.
LECTIO I.
Eccli. xxiv.
In omnibus requiem quae-
sivi, et in haereditate Domini
morabor. Tunc praecepit, et
dixit mihi Creator omnium:
et qui creavit me, requievit
in tabernaculo meo, et dixit
mihi: In Jacob inhabita, et
in Israel haereditare, et in
electis meis mitte radices.
Tu autem, Domine, miserere
nobis.
R. Deo gratias.
R. Sancta et immaculata
virginitas, quibus te laudibus
efferam nescio: Quia quern
cceli capere non poterant, tuo
gremio contulisti.
V. Benedicta tu in mulie-
Our Father, etc., in silence.
V. And lead us not into
temptation.
R. But deliver us from
evil.
The following Lessons, etc.,
are said throughout the
year, except during Ad-
vent.
THE ABSOLUTION.
Through the prayers and
merits of blessed Mary, ever
a Virgin, and of all the
saints, may the Lord bring
us to the kingdom of heaven.
R. Amen.
V. Pray, a blessing.
THE BLESSING.
May the Virgin Mary with
her loving Child bless us.
R. Amen.
LESSON I.
Ecclus. xxiv.
In all these I sought rest,
and I shall abide in the
inheritance of the Lord.
Then the Creator of all
things commanded and said
to me; and He that made
me rested in my tabernacle,
and He said to me: Let
thy dwelling be in Jacob,
and thine inheritance in
Israel, and take root in My
chosen people. Do Thou,
Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Thanks be to God.
R. O holy and immacu-
late virginity, I know not
with what praises to extol
thee. For Him Whom
heaven could not hold thou
didst carry at thy bosom.
V* Blessed art thou
Officium Parvum Beatcz Marias. Virginis.
803
ribus, et benedictus fructus
ventris tui. Quia quern coeli
capere non poterant tuo-
gremio contulisti.
V. Jube, domne, bene-
dicere.
BENEDICTIO.
Ipsa Virgo virginum
intercedat pro nobis ad
Dominum.
R. Amen.
LECTIO EL.
Et sic in Sion firmata sum,
et in civitate sanctificata
similiter requievi, et in Jeru-
salem potestas mea. Et
radicavi in populo honori-
ficato, et in parte Dei mei
haereditas illitts, et in ple-
nitudine Sanctorum detentio
mea. Tu autem, Domine,
miserere nobis.
R. Deo gratias.
R. Beata es, Virgo Maria,
quae Dominum portasti Crea-
torem mundi. Genuisti qui
te fecit, et in aeternum
permanes Virgo.
V. Ave Maria, gratia
plena : Dominus tecum.
Genuisti qui te fecit, et in
aeternum permanes Virgo.
Quando dicitur Te Deum
laudamus, assumitur in
fme hujus Res pons orii;
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et
Spirit ui Sancto. Genuisti qui
amongst women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb.
For Him Whom heaven
could not hold thou didst
carry at thy bosom.
V. Pray, a blessing.
The blessing.
May the Virgin of virgins
herself plead for us before
the Lord.
R. Amen.
LESSON II.
And so was I established
in Sion, and in the holv
city likewise I rested; and
my power was in Jerusalem.
And I took root in an honor-
able people, and in the por-
tion of my God is His
inheritance, and my abode
is in the full assembly of
saints. Do Thou, Lord, have
mercy on us.
R. Thanks be to God.
R. Blessed art thou, O
Virgin Mary, who didst bear
the Lord, the Creator oi
the world. Thou didst bring
forth Him that made thee
and remainest a virgin for
ever.
V. Hail, Mary, full of
grace, the Lord is with
thee. Thou didst bring forth
Him that made thee, and
remainest a virgin for ever.
When the Te Deum is said,
at the end of the Respon-
sory is added:
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost. Thou didst
bring forth Him that made
9
804 Officium Parvum Beatce Mar ice' Virginis.
te fecit, et in aeternum
permanes Virgo.
V. Jube, domne, benedi-
cere.
BENEDICTIO.
Per Virginem Matrem
concedat nobis Dominus salu-
tem et pacem.
R. Amen.
LECTIO III.
Quasi cedrus exaltata sum
in Libano, et quasi cypressus
in monte Sion; quasi palma
exaltata sum in Cades, et
quasi plantatio rosae in Jeri-
co. Quasi oliva speciosa in
eampis, et quasi platanus
exaltata sum juxta aquam
in plateis. Sicut cinnamo-
mum et balsamum aroma-
tizans odorem dedi: quasi
myrrha electa dedi suavi-
tatem odoris. Tu autem,
Domine miserere nobis.
R. Deo gratias.
Sequens Responsorium omit-
titur quando dicitur Te
Deum.
R. Felix namque es, sacra
Virgo Maria, et omni laude
dignissima: Quia ex te or-
tus est sol justitise, Christus
Deus noster.
V. Ora pro populo, inter-
veni pro clero, intercede
pro devoto femineo sexu;
sentiant omnes tuum juva-
men, quicumque celebrant
tuam sanctam commemora-
tionem. Quia ex te ortus
est sol justitiae, Christus Deus
aoster.
thee, and remainest a virgin
for ever.
V. Pray, a blessing.
THE BLESSING.
Through the Virgin Mother
may the Lord grant us
salvation and peace.
R. Amen.
LESSON III.
I was exalted like a cedar
in Lebanon, and as a cypress-
tree on Mount Sion. I was
exalted like a palm-tree in
Cades, and as a rose-plant
in Jericho. As a fair olive-
tree in the plains, and as a
plane-tree by the water in
the streets, was I exalted. I
gave forth a sweet fragrance
like cinnamon and aromatic
balm. I yielded a sweet
smell like choicest myrrh.
Do Thou, Lord, have mercy
on us.
R. Thanks be to God.-
When the Te Deum is said,
the following Responsory
is omitted.
R. Happy indeed art thou,
O holy Virgin Mary, and
most worthy of all praise :
For out of thee arose the
Sun of righteousness, Christ
our God.
V. Pray for the people,
intercede for the clergy,
plead for religious women.
Let all enjoy thine aid
who keep holy commem-
oration of thee. For out
of thee arose the Sun of
righteousness, Christ our God.*
Officium Parvum Beatce Marice Virginis. 805
V. Gloria Patri, et Filio,
et Spiritui Sancto. Christus
Deus noster.
Sequens Hymnus Te Deum
die. a Nativ. Domini usque
ad Septuag., et a Dom.
Resurrectionis usque ad Ad-
vent. , et quando dicitur,
omittitur III Responsorium,
et in II Responsorio dicitur
Gloria Patri, ut dictum
est supra: in Adventu autem
et a Septuag. usque ad Pa-
scha non die. nisi in Festis
B. Alar ice.
HYMNUS SS. AMBROSII ET
AUGUSTINI.
E Deum laudamus:* te
Dominum confitemur.
Te aeternum Patrem : * ono-
nis terra veneratur.
Tibi omnes Angeli,* tibi
coeli, et universal Potestates:
Tibi Cherubim et Sera-
phim * incessabili voce pro-
clamant :
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus,
* Dominus Deus Sabaoth
Pleni sunt coeli et terra *
majestatis gloriae tuae.
Te gloriosus * Apostolo-
rum chorus,
Te Prophetarum laudabilis
numerus,
Te Martyrum candidatus *
Jaudat exercitus.
Te per orbem terrarum *
sancta confitetur Kcclesia,
V. Glory be to the Father*,
and to the Son, and to the
. Holy Ghost. Christ our God.
The following Hymn, Te De-
um, is said from Christmas
until Septuagesima, and
from Easter Sunday until
Advent. When it is' said,
the third Responsory is
omitted, and Gloria Patri
is said in the second Re-
sponsory, as was noted above.
In Advent and from Sep-
tuagesima until Easter it
is only said on festivals of
the Blessed Virgin.
HYMN OF SS. AMBROSE ANC
AUGUSTINE.
E praise Thee, O God;
we acknowledge Thee
to be the Lord.
Thee, the Father everlast-
ing, all the earth doth wor*
ship.
To Thee all the angels, to
Thee the heavens, and all
the powers,
To Thee the cherubim and
Seraphim cry out without
ceasing:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord
God of hosts.
Full are the heavens and
the earth of the majesty of
Thy glory.
Thee the glorious choir of
the apostles,
Thee the admirable com-
pany of the prophets,
Thee the white-robed army
of martyrs doth praise.
Thee the holy Church
throughout the world dotb
confess,
T5
So 6 Officium Parvum Beata Maria, Virginis.
Patrem * immensae Ma-
jestatis,
Venerandum tuum verum,*
et unicum Filium,
Sanctum quoque * Paracli-
tum Spiritum.
Tu Rex gloriae,* Christe.
Tu Patris * sempiternus
es Filius.
Tu ad liberandum suscep-
turus hominem,* non horru-
isti Virginis uterum.
Tu, devicto mortis aculeo,*
aperuisti credentibus regna
ccelorum,
Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes,*
in gloria Patris.
Judex crederis * esse ventu-
rus.
* Te ergo quaesumus, tuis
famulis subveni:* quos pre-
tioso sanguine redemisti.
Sterna fac cum Sanctis
oris * in gloria numerari.
Salvum fac populum tuum,
Domine ; * et benedic hae-
reditati tuae.
Et rege eos,* et extolle illos
usque in aeternum.
Per singulos dies * bene-
dicimus te.
Et laudamus nomen tuum
in saeculum,* et in saeculum
saeculi.
Dignare, Domine, die isto *
sine peccato nos custodire.
Miserere nostri, Domine : *
miserere nostri.
Fiat misericordia tua, Do-
The Father of incompre-
hensible Majesty,
Thine adorable, true, and
only Son,
And the Holy Ghost the
Paraclete.
Thou, O Christ, art the
King of glory.
Thou art the everlasting
Son of the Father.
Thou, having taken upon
Thee to deliver man, didst
not disdain the Virgin's
womb.
Thou, having overcome
the sting of death, hast
opened to believers the king-
dom of heaven.
Thou sittest at the right
hand of God, in the glory of
the Father.
Thou, we believe, art the
Judge to come.
* We beseech Thee, there-
fore, to help Thy servants,
whom Thou hast redeemed
with Thy precious blood.
Make them to be num-
bered with Thy saints in
glory everlasting.
O Lord, save Thy people,
and bless Thine inheritance,
And govern them, and
exalt them for ever.
Day by day we bless Thee.
And we praise Thy name
for ever; yea, for ever and
ever.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, this
day, to keep us without sin.
Have mercy on us, O Lord;
have mercy on us.
Let Thy mercy, O Lord,
* Kneel at this verse.
Officium Parvum Beaia Maria Virginis. 807
mine, super nos : * quemad-
modum speravimus in te.
In te, Domine, speravi: *
non confundar in aeternum.
II. In Adventu.
ABSOLUTIO.
Precibus et meritis beatae
Mariae semper Virginis, et
omnium Sanctorum, perdu-
cat nos Dominus ad regna
coelorum.
R. Amen.
V. Jube, domne, benedi-
cere.
BENEDICTIO.
Nos cum prole pia bene-
dicat Virgo Maria.
R. Amen.
LECTIO H
Luc. i.
Missus est Angelus Ga-
briel a Deo in civitatem
Galilaeae, cui nomen Naza-
reth, ad Virginem desponsa-
tam viro, cui nomen erat
Joseph, de domo David, et
nomen Virginis Maria. Et
ingress us Angelus ad earn,
dixit: Ave, gratia plena: Do-
minus tecum: benedicta ut
in mulieribus. Tu autem,
Domine, miserere nobis.
R. Deo gratias.
R. Missus est Gabriel ange-
lus ad Mariam Virginem de-
sponsatam Joseph, nuntians
ei verbum, et expavescit
Virgo de lumine. Ne ti-
meas, Maria, invenisti gra-
tiam apud Dominum: Ecce
be upon us; as we have
trusted in Thee.
In Thee, O Lord, have I
trusted: let me not be con-
founded for ever.
The following Lessons, etc.,
are said during Advent.
THE ABSOLUTION.
Through the prayers and
merits of Blessed Mary, ever
a virgin, and of all the saints,
may the Lord bring us to the
kingdom of heaven.
R. Amen.
V. Pray, a blessing.
THE BLESSING.
May the Virgin Mary with
her loving Child bless us.
R. Amen.
LESSON 1.
Luke i.
The angel Gabriel was
sent from God into a city of
Galilee called Nazareth, to a
Virgin espoused to a man
whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David ; and
the Virgin's name was Mary.
And the angel being come in,
said unto her: Hail, full of
grace, the Lord is with thee:
blessed art thou amongst
women. Do thou, Lord,
have mercy on us.
R. Thanks be to God.
R. The angel Gabriel was
sent to Mary, the Virgin, who
was espoused to Joseph, de-
claring to her the word, and
the Virgin trembles at the
light. Fear not, Mary, thou
hast found grace with the
8c 8 Offichim Parvum Beata Maria Virginis.
concipies, et paries, et voca- Lord: Behold thou shalt
bitur Altissimi Filius. conceive, and shalt bring
V. Dabit ei Dominus De- forth, and He shall be called
us sedem David patris ejus, the Son of the Most High,
et regnabit in domo Jacob in V. The Lord shall give
aeternum. Ecce concipies, et unto Him the throne of
paries, et vocabitur Altissimi David His father, and He
Filius. shall reign in the house of
Jacob for ever. Behold, thou
shalt conceive, and shalt bring
forth, and He shall be called
the Son of the Most High.
V. Jube, domne, benedi- V. Pray, a blessing,
cere.
BENEDICTIO.
Ipsa Virgo virginum inter-
cedat pro nobis ad Dominum.
R. Amen.
LECTIO II.
Quae cum audisset, turba-
ta est in sermone ejus, et
cogitabat qualis esset ista
salutatio. Et ait angelus ei:
Ne timeas Maria, invenisti
enim gratiam apud Deum:
Ecce concipies in utero, et
paries Filium, et vocabis
nomen ejus Jesum. Hie
erit. magnus, et Filius Al-
tissimi vocabitur, et dabit
illi Dominus Deus sedem Da-
vid patris ejus, et regnabit
in domo Jacob in aeternum,
et regni ejus non erit finis.
Tu autem, Domine, miserere
nobis.
R. Deo gratias.
R. Ave, Maria, gratia ple-
na: Dominus tecum. Spi-
THE BLESSING.
May the Virgin of virgins
herself plead for us before
the Lord.
R. Amen.
LESSON II.
And when she had hearu
these things, she was troubled
at his saying, and thought
within herself what manner
of salutation this should be.
And the angel said unto her
Fear not, Mary, for thou
hast found grace with God.
Behold, thou shalt conceive
in the womb, and shalt bring
forth a Son, and thou shalt
call His name Jesus. He
shall be great, and shall be
called the Son of the Most
High. And the Lord God
will give unto Him the
throne of David His father,
and He shall reign in the
house of Jacob for ever ; and
of His kingdom there shall
be no end. Do thou, Lord,
have mercy on us.
R. Thanks be to God.
R. Hail, Mary, full of
grace, the Lord is with thee.
Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis* 809
ritus sanctus superveniet in
te, et virtus Altissimi obum-
brabit tibi: quod enim ex
te nascetur sanctum, voca-
bitur Filius Dei.
'■ V. Ouomodofiet istud, quo-
niam virum non cognosco?
Et respondens Angelus, dixit
ei: Spiritus sanctus superve-
niet in te, et virtus Altissimi
obumbrabit tibi: quod enim
ex te nascetur sanctum, voca-
bitur Filius Dei.
V. Jube, domne, benedi-
cere.
BEXEDICTIO.
Per Virginem matrem con-
cedat nobis Dominus salu-
tem et pacem.
R. Amen.
LECTIO in.
Dixit autem Maria ad Ange-
lum: Quomodo net istud,
quoniam virum non cog-
nosco ? Et respondens,
Angelus dixit ei: Spiritus
sanctus superveniet in te,
et virtus Altissimi obum-
brabit tibi. Ideoque et quod
nascetur ex te sanctum, vo-
cabitur Filius Dei. Et ecce
Elizabeth cognata tua, et
ipsa concepit Filium in
senectute sua: et hie mensis
sextus est illi quae vocatur
sterilis: quia non erit im-
possibile apud Deum omne
verbum. Dixit autem
Maria: ecce ancilla Domini,
fiat mihi secundum verbum
The Holy Ghost shall come
upon thee, and the power of
the Most High shall over-
shadow thee; for the Holy
which shall be born of thee
shall be called the Son of God.
V. How shall this be done,
seeing I know not man ? And
the angel answering said unto
her: The Holy Ghost shall
come upon thee, and the
power of the Most High shall
overshadow thee; for the
Holy which shall be born oT
thee shall be called the Son
of God. .
V. Pray, a blessing.
THE BLESSING.
Through the Virgin Mother
may the Lord grant us salva-
tion and peace.
R. Amen.
LESSON III.
And Mary said to the an-
gel : How shall this be done,
seeing I know not man r
And the angel answering said
unto her: The Holy Ghost
shall come upon thee, and
the power of the Most
High shall overshadow thee.
And therefore also the Holy
which shall be born of
thee shall be called the
Son of God. And behold,
thy cousin Elizabeth, she
also hath conceived a son
in her old age, and this is
the sixth month with her
who is called barren; foi
no word shall be impossible
with God. And Mary said:
Behold the handmaid of the
l,ord, be it done to me
8io Officiujyi Parvum Beata Maria Virginia.
tuum. Tu autem, Domine,
miserere nobis.
R. Deo gratias.
R. Suscipe verbum, Virgo
Maria, quod tibi a Domino
per Angelum transmissum
est: concipies, et paries
Deum pariter et hominem.
Ut benedicta dicaris inter
omnes mulieres.
V. Paries quidem Filium,
%et virginitatis non patieris
detriment um: efficieris gra-
vida, et eris mater semper
intacta. Ut benedicta dica-
ris inter omnes mulieres.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et
Spiritui Sancto. Ut bene-
dicta dicaris inter omnes
mulieres.
according to thy word. Dc
Thou, Lord, have mercy or>
us.
R. Thanks be to God.
R. Receive, O Virgin
Mary, the word which the
Lord hath sent thee through
an angel: Thou shalt con-
ceive, and shalt bring forth
both God and man, that
thou mayest be called
blessed amongst all women.
V. Yea, thou shalt bring
.forth a Son, and shalt suffer
no loss of virginity: thou
shalt be with child, and
shalt be a mother ever
undefiled. That thou mayest
be called blessed amongst
all women. Glory be to
the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
That thou mayest be called
blessed amongst all women.
AT I
Deus, in adjutorium meum
intende.
R. Domine ad adjuvan-
dum me festina.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Alleluia, vel Laus tibi,
Domine, Rex aeternae gloriae.
I. Extra Adventum.
Ant Assumpta est * Maria
in ccelum, gaud^nt Angeli,
laudantes benedicunt Domi-
num.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Missus est * Gabriel
Angelus ad Mariam Virgi-
nem desponsatam Joseph.
O God, hasten to mine
aid.
R. O Lord, make haste
to help me.
Glory be, etc.
Alleluia, or Praise be to
Thee, O Lord, King of
everlasting glory.
From Candlemas until Advent.
Ant. Mary is taken up *
into heaven, the angels re-
joice, and praising, bless the
Lord.
During Advent.
Ant. The angel Gabriel was
sent * to Mary the Virgin^
who was espouse# to Joseph
Officium Parvum BeaicE Maria Virginis, 8 * *
///. Post Adventum.
Ant. O admirabile com-
mercium ! * Creator generis
humani, animatum corpus
sumens, de Virgine nasci
dignatus est: et procedens
homo sine semine, largitus
est nobis suam Deitatem.
psalm, xcn.
DOMINUS regnavit, de-
cbrem indutus est,*
indutus est Dominus forti-
tudinem, et praecinxit se.
Etenim firmavit orb em
terras,* qui non commove-
bitur.
Parata sedes tua ex tunc;*
a saeculo tu es.
Elevaverunt flumina, Do-
mine,* elevaverunt flumina
vocem suam.
Elevaverunt flumina fluc-
tus , suos,* a vocibus aqua-
rum multarum.
Mirabiles elationes maris ; *
mirabilis in altis Dominus.
Testimonia tua credibilia
facta sunt nimis:* Domum
tuam decet sanctitudo, Do-
mine, in longitudinem dierum
Gloria Patri, etc.
/. Extra Adventum.
Ant. Assumpta est Maria
in coelum, gaudent Angeli,
laudantes benedicunt Do-
liimum.
Ant. Maria Vir^o * as-
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. O wondrous union!
The Creator of mankind,
taking a living body, vouch-
safed to be born of a Virgin,
and becoming man, con-
ceived without seed, be-
stowed upon us His God-
head.
psalm xcn.
HE Lord reigneth: He
is clothed with beauty:
the Lord is clothed with
strength, and hath girded
Himself.
For He hath 'stablished
the world, which shall not
be moved.
Thy throne is prepared
of old: Thou art from
everlasting.
The floods have lifted
up, O Lord: the floods
have lifted up their voice.
The floods have lifted
up their waves, with the
noise of many waters.
Wonderful are the surges
of the sea: wonderful is the
Lord on high.
Thy testimonies are made
exceedingly trustworthy :
holiness becometh Thine
house, O Lord, unto length
of days.
Glory be, etc.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. Mary is taken up
into heaven, the angels re-
joice, and praising, bless the
Lord.
Ant The . Virgin Marv *
8l2
Officium Parvum Beata Marice Virginis.
sumpta est ad aethereum
thalamum, in quo Rex regum
stellato sedet solio.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Missus est Gabriel
Angelus ad Mariam Virginem
desponsatam Joseph.
Ant. Ave, Maria,* gratia
plena, Dominus tecum: bene-
dicta tu in mulieribus, Alle-
luia.
777. Post Adventum.
Ant. O admirabile com-
mercium ! Creator generis
humane animatum corpus su-
mens, de Virgine nasci
dignatus est: et procedens
homo sine semine, largitus
est nobis suam Deitatem.
Ant. Quando natus es *
ineffabiliter ex Virgine, tunc
impletae sunt Scripturae sicut
pluvia in vellus descendisti,
ut salvum faceres genus
humanum ; te laudamus,
Deus noster.
psalm, xcix.
Jubilate Deo, omnis
fj terra;* seivite Domino
in laetitia.
Introite in conspectu ejus :*
m exult atione.
Scitote quoniam Dominus
ipse est Deus;* ipse fecit
nos, et non ipsi nos.
Populus ejus et oves
pascuae ejus,* introite port as
is taken up into the heavenly
bride-chamber, where the
King of kings sitteth on a
starry throne.
During Advent.
Ant. The angel Gabriel
was sent to Mary the Virgin
who was espoused to Joseph
Ant Hail, Mary,* full of
grace, the Lord is with
thee; blessed art thou
amongst women, Alleluia.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. O wondrous union!
The Creator of mankind,
taking a living body, vouch-
safed to be born of a Virgin ,.
and becoming man, con-
ceived without seed, be-
stowed upon us His God-
head.
Ant. When Thou wert
wondrously born * of a
Virgin, then were the Scrip-
tures fulfilled: Thou earnest
down like the rain upon thw;
fleece, that Thou might est
save mankind. We praise
Thee, Our God.
psalm xcix.
0[lNG joyfully unto Goo
all the earth: serve
ye the Lord with gladness.
Come in before His pres-
ence with exceeding joy.
Know ye that the Lord
He is God: He hath made
us, and not we ourselves.
We are His people and
the sheep of His pasture:
go ye into His gates with
thanksgiving, and into His
Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis. Si 3
ejus in confessione, atria ejus
in hymnis ; confitemini illi.
Laudate nomen ejus, quo-
niam suavis est Dominus ; in
aeternum misericordia ejus,*
et usque in generationem et
generationem Veritas ejus.
Gloria Patri, etc.
I. Extra Adventum.
Ant. Maria Virgo as-
sumpta est ad aether eum
thalamum, in quo Rex regum
stellato sedet solio.
Ant. In odorem * unguen-
torum tuorum currimus :
adolescentulae dilexerunt te
nimis-
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Ave, Maria, gratia
plena, Dominus tecum : bene-
dicta tu in mulieribus,
Alleluia.
Ant. Ne timeas Maria:*
invenisti gratiam apud Do-
minum: ecce concipies, et
paries Filium, Alleluia.
777. Post Adventum.
Ant. Quando natus es
Ineffabiliter ex Virgine, tunc
impletae sunt Scripturae:
sicut pluvia in vellus descen-
disti, ut salvum facer es genus
humanum : te laudamus,
Deus noster.
Ant. Rubum, quern vide-
rat Moyses * incombustum,
conservatam agnovimus tu-
am laudabilem virginitatem :
courts with hymns; and
give thanks unto Him.
Praise ye His name; for
the Lord is gracious, His
mercy is for ever,N and His
truth endureth from genera-
tion to generation.
Glory be, etc.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
The Virgin Mary is taken
up into the heavenly bride-
chamber, where the King
of kings sitteth on a starry
throne.
Ant. We run after the
sweet smell * of thine oint-
ments; maidens love thee
exceedingly.
During Advent.
Ant. Hail, Mary, full of
grace, the Lord is with
thee; blessed art thou
amongst women, Alleluia.
Ant. Fear not, Mary:*
thou hast found grace before
the Lord: behold, thou shalt
conceive, and shalt bring
forth a Son, Alleluia.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. When Thou wert
wondrously born of a Virgin,
then were the Scriptures
fulfilled; Thou earnest down
like the rain upon the
fleece, that Thou mightest
save mankind. We praise
Thee, Our God.
Ant. The bush which Mo-
ses saw * unconsumed we
acknowledge to be thine ad-
mirable virginity, which thou
814 Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis.
Dei Genitrix, intercede pro
nobis.
PSALM. LXII.
SpvEUS, Deus meus,* adte
JLJ de luce vigilo.
Sitivit in te anima mea;*
quam multipliciter tibi caro
mea!
In terra deserta, et invia,
et inaquosa,* sic in sancto
apparui tibi, ut viderem vir-
tutem tuam et gloriam tuam.
Quoniam melior est miseri-
cordia tua super vitas,* la-
bia mea laudabunt te.
Sic benedicam te in vita
mea;* et in nomine tuo le-
vabo manus meas.
Sicut adipe et pinguedine
repleatur anima mea,* et la-
biis exultationis laudabit os
meum.
Si memor fui tui* super
stratum meum, in matutinis
meditabor in te;* quia fuisti
adjutor meus.
Et in velamento alarum
tuarum exultabo, adhaesit
anima mea post te ; * me sus-
cepit dextera tua,
Ipsi vero in vanum quaesi-
erunt animam meam; introi-
bunt in inferiora terrae ; * tra-
dentur in manus gladii; par-
tes vulpium erunt.
Rex vero laetabitur in Deo ;
laudabuntur omnes qui ju-
didst keep inviolate; O
Mother of God, plead for us.
psalm LXII.
OGOD, my God, to Thee
do I wake at break of
day.
For Thee my soul thirsteth ;
for Thee my flesh longeth, O
how exceedingly!
In a desert, pathless, and
waterless land: so have I
come before Thee in the holy
place, that I might see Thy
power and Thy glory.
For Thy mercy is better
than life: my lips shall
praise Thee.
Thus will I bless Thee all
my life long; and in Thy
name will I lift up my hands.
Let my soul be rilled as
with marrow and fatness;
and my mouth shall praise
Thee with joyful lips.
If I have remembered Thee
upon my bed, on Thee will I
meditate in the morning ; be-
cause Thou hast been my
helper.
And I will rejoice under
the covert of Thy wings : my
soul cleaveth unto Thee;
Thy right hand upholdeth
me.
But they seek my soul in
vain: they shall go into the
lower parts of the earth,
they shall be delivered into
the power of the sword:
they shall be portions for
foxes.
But the king shall rejoice
in God, all they that swear
by Him shall be praised:
because the mouth of their
Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis. 815
rant in eo,* quia obstructum
est os loquentium iniqua.
Gloria Patri, etc.
I. Extra Adventum.
A nt. In odorem unguento-
rum tuorum currimus: ado-
lescentulae dilexerunt te ni-
mis.
Ant. Benedicta, filia,* tu
a Domino, quia per te fruc-
tum vitas communicavimus.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Netimeas, Maria: in-
venisti gratiam apud Do-
minum: ecce concipies, et
paries Filium, Alleluia.
Ant. Dabit ei Dominum *
sedem David patris ejus, et
regnabit in seternum.
II J. Post Adventum.
Ant. Rubum, quern viderat
Moyses incombustum, con-
servatam agnovimus tuam
laudabilem virginitatem : Dei
Genitrix, intercede pro nobis.
Ant. Germinavit radix Jes-
se,* orta est stella ex Jacob:
Virgo peperit Salvatorem: te
laudamus, Deus noster.
CANTICUM TRIUM PUERORUM.
Dan. Hi.
BENEDICITE, omnia
opera Domini, Do-
mino;* laudate et superex-
altate eum in saecula.
that speak wicked things
is stopped.
Gloria Patri, etc.
From Candlemas until
A dvent.
Ant. We run after the
sweet smell of Thine oint-
ments; maidens love Thee
exceedingly.
Ant. Blessed art thou,
daughter,* of the Lord, for
through thee do we share in
the fruit of life.
During Advent.
Ant. Fear not, Mary; thou
hast found grace before the*
Lord: behold, thou shalt con-
ceive, and shalt bring forth
a Son, Alleluia.
Ant. The Lord shall give
unto Him * the throne of
David His father, and He
shall reign for ever.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. The bush which Moses
saw unconsumed we acknowl-
edge to be thine admirable
virginity, which thou didst
keep inviolate; O Mother of
God, plead for us.
Ant. The root of Jesse hath
budded,* a star hath arisen
out of Jacob : a Virgin hath
brought forth a Saviour; we
give praise to Thee, Our
God.
CANTICLE OF THE THREE
CHILDREN.
Dan. Hi.
LL ye works of the
Lord, bless the Lord,
praise and exalt Him above
all for ever.
816 Officium Parvum Beatce Mar ice Virginis.
Benedicite, angeli Domi-
ni, Domino;* benedicite, cce-
li, Domino.
Benedicite, aquae omnes,
quae super ccelos sunt, Do-
mino ; * benedicite, omnes vir-
tutes Domini, Domino.
Benedicite, sol et luna, Do-
mino ; * benedicite, stellae
cceli, Domino.
Benedicite, omnis imber et
ros, Domino;* benedicite,
omnes spiritus Dei, Domino.
Benedicite, ignis et aestus,
Domino;* benedicite, frigus
et aestus, Domino.
Benedicite, rores et pruina,
Domino;* benedicite, gelu et
frigus, Domino.
Benedicite, glacies et nives,
Domino;* benedicite, noctes
et dies, Domino.
Benedicite, lux et tenebrae,
Domino;* benedicite, fulgura
et nubes. Domino.
Benedicat terra Domi-
num;* laudet et superexaltet
eum in saecula.
3enedicite, montes et col-
les, Domino;* benedicite,
universa germinantia in terra,
Domino.
Benedicite, fontes, Domi-
no;* benedicite, maria et flu-
mina, Domino.
Benedicite, cete, et omnia
quae moventur in aquis, Do-
mino;* benedicite, omnes vo-
lucres cceli, Domino.
Benedicite, omnes bestiae et
pecora, Domino;* benedicite,
filii hominum, Domino.
Benedicat Israel Domi-
num;* laudet et superex-
altet eum in saecula.
O ye angels of the Lord,
bless the Lord: O ye heav-
ens, bless the Lord.
O all ye waters that are
above the heavens, bless
the Lord: O all ye powers
of the Lord, bless the Lord.
O ye sun and moon, bless
the Lord; O ye stars of
heaven, bless the Lord.
O every shower and dew,
bless ye the Lord; O all ye
spirits of God, bless the Lord.
O ye fire and heat, bless
the Lord; O ye cold and
heat, bless the Lord.
O ye dews and hoar-
frosts, bless the Lord; O
ye frost and cold, bless the
Lord.
O ye ice and snow, bless
the Lord; O ye nights and
days, bless the Lord.
O ye light and darkness,
bless the Lord ; O ye lightnings
and clouds, bless the Lord.
O let the earth bless the
Lord; let it praise and exalt
Him above all for ever.
O ye mountains and hills,
bless the Lord; O all ye
things that spring up in the
earth, bless the Lord.
O ye fountains, bless the
Lord; O ye seas and rivers,
bless the Lord.
O ye whales, and all that
move in the waters, bless the
Lord; O all ye fowls of the
air, bless the Lord.
O all ye beasts and cattle,
bless the Lord; O ye sons
of men, bless the Lord.
O let Israel bless the Lord ;
let him praise and exalt Him
above all for ever.
Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis. 817
Benedicite, sacerdotes Do-
mini, Domino;* benedicite,
servi Domini, Domino.
Benedicite, spiritus et ani-
mas justorum, Domino;* be-
nedicite, sancti et humiles
corde, Domino.
Benedicite, Anania, Aza-
ria, Misael, Domino;* lau-
date et super exaltate eum in
ssecula.
Benedicamus Patrem, et
Filium, cum sancto Spiritu;*
laudemus et superexaltemus
eum in ssecula.
Benedictus es, Domine, in
firmamento cceli;* et lauda-
bilis, et gloriosus, et super-
exalt atus in saecula.
Non die. Gloria Patri.
I. Extra Adventum.
Ant. Benedicta, filia, tu a
Domino, quia per te fructum
vitae communicavimus.
Ant. Pulchra es* et decora,
filia Jerusalem: terribilis ut
castrorum acies ordinata.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Dabit ei Dominus se-
dem David patris ejus, et
regnabit in seternum.
Ant. Ecce ancilla Domini,*
fiat mihi secundum verbum
tuum.
III. Post Adventum.
Ant. Germinavit radix Jes-
se, orta est stella ex Jacob:
Virgo peperit Salvatorem: te
laudamus, Deus noster.
O ye priests of the Lord,
bless the Lord ; O ye servants
of the Lord, bless the Lord.
O ye spirits and souls of
the just, bless the Lord; O
ye holy and humble of heart,
bless the Lord.
O Ananias, Azarias, and
Misael, bless ye the Lord;
praise and exalt Him above
all for ever.
Let us bless the Father,
and the Son, with the Holy
Ghost; let us praise Him
and magnify Him for ever.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord,
in the firmament of heaven;
and worthy of praise, and glori-
ous, and magnified for ever.
Gloria Patri is not said.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. Blessed art thou,
daughter, of the Lord, for
through thee do we share in
the fruit of life.
Ant. Thou art beautiful *
and comely, O daughter of
Jerusalem: terrible as an
army set in array.
During Advent.
Ant. The Lord shall give
unto Him the throne of
David His father, and He
shall reign for ever.
Ant. Behold the handmaid
of the Lord:* be it done unto
me according to thy word.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. The loot of Jesse hath
budded, a star hath arisen
out of Jacob: a Virgin hath
brought forth a Saviour; we
give praise to Thee, Our God .
818 Officium Parvum Beatce Marice Virginis.
Ant. Ecce Maria * genuit
nobis Salvatorem, quern Jo-
annes videns exclamavit, di-
cens: Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce
qui tollit peccata mundi, Alle-
luia.
PSALM C XL VIII.
"T^AUDATE Dominum de
< ■ * ccelis;* laudate eum
in excelsis.
Laudate eum, omnes angeli
ejus;* laudate eum, omnes
virtutes ejus.
Laudate eum, sol et luna;*
laudate eum, omnes stellae
et lumen.
Laudate eum cceli ccelo-
rum;* et aquse omnes, quae
super ccelos sunt, lauderit
nomen Domini.
Quia ipse dixit, et facta
sunt;* ipse mandavit, et
creata sunt.
Statuit ea in aeternum, et
in saeculum saeculi;* praecep-
tum posuit, et non praeter-
ibit.
Laudate Dominum de ter-
ra:* dracones, et omnes
abyssi.
Ignis, grando, nix, glacies,
spiritus procellarum,* quae
faciunt verbum ejus.
Montes, et omnes colles;*
ligna fructifera, et omnes ce-
dri.
Bestiae, et universa pe-
cora;* serpentes, et volu-
cres pennatae.
Reges terras, et omnes po-
puli,* principes, et omnes ju-
dices terrae.
Ant. Behold, Mary * hath
borne us a Saviour, Whom
when John saw he called
out, saying: Behold the
Lamb of God, behold Him
Who taketh away the sins of
the world, Alleluia.
PSALM CXLVIII.
RAISE the Lord from
the heavens ; praise
Him in the heights.
Praise Him, all ye His
angels; praise Him, all His
hosts.
Praise Him, sun and moon;
praise Him, all ye stars and
light. <
Praise Him, ye heavens of
heavens; and let all the
waters that are above the
heavens, praise the name of
the Lord.
For He spake, and they
were made: He commanded,
and they were created.
He hath established them
for ever, and for evermore;
He hath made a decree, and
it shall not pass away.
Praise the Lord from the
earth; ye dragons and all
deeps.
Fire, hail, snow, ice, and
stormy winds, which fulfil
His word.
Mountains and all hills;
fruitful trees and all cedars.
Beasts and all cattle;
creeping things, and feath-
ered fowls.
Kings of the earth and all
peoples; princes and all
judges of the earth.
Offlcium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis. 8i<J
Juvenee et virgines, senes
cum junioribus laudent no-
men Domini,* quia exalta-
tum est nomen ejus solius.
Confessio ejus super cce-
lum et terram;* et exaltavit
cornu populi sui.
Hymnus omnibus Sanctis
ejus;* filiis Israel, populo
appropinquanti sibi.
Gloria Patri, etc.
7. Extra Adventum
Ant. Pulchra es et de-
cora, filia Jerusalem; terri-
bilis ut castrorum acies ordi-
nata.
77. In Adventu.
Ant. Ecce ancilla Domini,
fiat mihi secundum verbum
tuum.
III. Post Adventum.
Ant. Ecce Maria genuit
nobis Salvatorem, quern Jo-
annes videns exclamavit di-
cens: Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce
qui tollit peccata mundi,
Alleluia.
7, 777. Extra et post
Adventum.
CAPITTJLUM.
Cant. vi.
Viderunt earn filiae Sion, et
beatissimam praedicaverunt,
et reginae laudaverunt earn.
R. Deo gratias.
Young men and maidens;
old men and children, let-
them praise the name of the^
Lord; for His name alone i&
exalted.
His praise is above heaven
and earth; and He hath
exalted the horn of His
people.
A song of praise to all his
saints; to the children of
Israel, a people drawing nigh
unto Him.
Gloria Patri, etc.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. Thou art beautiful
and comely, O daughter of
Jerusalem: terrible as an
army set in array.
During Advent.
Ant. Behold the handmaid
of the Lord; be it done unto
me according to thy word.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. Behold, Mary hath
borne us a Saviour, Whom
when John saw he called out,
saying: Behold the Lamb
of God, behold Him Who
taketh away the sins of the
world, Alleluia.
From Christmas until
• Advent.
LITTLF CHAPTER.
Cant. vi.
The daughters of Sion
saw her, and declared her
most blessed; and queens
praised her.
R. Thanks be to God.
820 Officium Parvum Beata Maria Virgims.
II. In Adventu.
CAPITULUM.
Isa. xi.
Egredietur virga de radice
Jesse, et flos de radice ejus
ascendet. Et requiescet su-
per eum Spiritus Domini.
R. Deo gratias.
HYMNTJS.
Q GLORIOSA Virginum,
Sublimis inter sidera,
Qui te creavit, parvulum
Lactente nutris ubere.
Quod Heva tristis abstuiit-
Tu reddis almo germine:
Intrent ut astra flebiles,
Coeli recludis cardines.
Tu regis alti janua,
Et aula lucis fulgida:
Vitam datam per Virginem,
Gentes redemptae, plaudite,
Jesu, tibi sit gloria,
Qui natus es de Virgine,
Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu,
In sempiterna ssecula- Amen.
V. Benedicta tu in mulie-
ribus.
During Advent.
UTTLE CHAPTER.
Isa. xi.
There shall come forth a
rod out of the root of Jesse,
and a flower shall rise up
out of his root. And the
Spirit of the Lord shall rest
upon Him.
R. Thanks be to God.
O QUEEN of all the virgin
choir,
Enthroned above the starry
sky,
Who with thy bosom's milk
didst feed
Thine own Creator, Lord
most high.
What man had lost in hapless
Eve,
Thy sacred womb to man
restores ;
Thou to the wretched here be-
neath
Hast open'd heaven's eternal
doors.
Hail, O refulgent Hall of light 1
Hail, Gate august of heaven's
high King!
Through thee redeem'd to end-
less life,
Thy praise let all the nations
sing.
O Jesu! born of Virgin bright,
Immortal glory be to Thee;
Praise to the Father infinite
And Holy Ghost eternally.
Amen.
V. Blessed art thou
amongst women.
Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis. 821
R. Et benedictus fructus
ventris tui.
I. Extra Adventum.
Ant. Beata Dei Genitrix
Maria,* Virgo perpetua, tem-
plum Domini, sacrarium
Spiritus Sancti: sola sine
exemplo placuisti Domino
nostro Jesu Christo: ora pro
populo, interveni pro clero,
'ntercede pro devoto femineo
sexu.
Tempore Paschali, omissa prae-
dicta Ant., dicitur Antiph.:
Ant. Regina coeli * laetare,
Alleluia ; quia quern meruisti
portare, Alleluia; resurrexit,
sicut dixit, Alleluia: ora pro
nobis Deum, Alleluia.
77. In Adventu.
Ant. Spiritus Sanctus * in
te descendet, Maria: ne ti-
meas, habebis in utero Filium
Dei, Alleluia. "
277. Post Adventum.
Ant. Mirabile mysterium *
declaratur hodie : innovantur
naturae: Deus homo f actus
est: id quod fuit permansit,
et quod non erat assumpsit,
non commixtionem passus,
neque divisionem.
R. And blessed is the
fruit of thy womb.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. O Mary, blessed
Mother of God,* ever a
Virgin, the Lord's own
temple, shrine of the Holy
Ghost, thou alone as none
other didst please Our Lord
Jesus Christ ; pray for the
people; intercede for the
clergy; plead for religious
women.
During Eastertide is said
instead of the above:
Ant. O Queen of heaven,*
rejoice, Alleluia; for He
Whom thou wast meet to
bear, Alleluia, hath risen, as
He said, Alleluia; pray for
us to God, Alleluia.
During Advent
Ant. The Holy Ghost*
shall come down upon thee,
Mary; fear not, thou shalt
hold within thy womb the
Son of God, Alleluia.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. A wondrous mys-
teiy * is revealed to-day:
marvels are wrought. God
is made man; He still
remaineth what He was,
and hath taken , upon Him
what He was not, suffering
neither confusion nor divi-
sion.
82 2 Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis.
CANT. ZACHARI^.
hue. i.
BENEDICTUS Dominus
Deus Israel,* quia
visitavit, et fecit redemp-
tionem plebis suae.
Et erexit cornu salutis
nobis * in domo David pueri
sui.
Sicut locutus est per os
sanctorum,* qui a saeculo
sunt, prophetarum ejus.
Salutem ex inimicis no-
stris,* et de manu omnium
qui oderunt nos:
Ad faciendam miseri-
cordiam cum patribus no-
stris,* et memorari testa-
menti sui sancti.
Jusjurandum quod juravit
ad Abraham patrem nostrum,
* daturum se nobis :
Ut sine timore, de manu
inimicorum nostrorum libe-
rati,* serviamus illi:
In sanctitate et justitia
coram ipso,* omnibus diebus
nostris.
Et tu, puer, propheta
Altissimi vooxberis : * praeibis
enim ante faciem Domini
parare vias ejus.
Ad dandam scientiam salu-
tis plebi ejus,* in remissio-
nem peccatorum eorum.
Per viscera misericordiae
Dei nostri,* in quibus visi-
tavit nos oriens ex alto.
Illuminare his qui in tene-
bris et in umbra mortis
sedent,* ad dirigendos pedes
nostros in viam pacis.
Gloria Patri. etc.
CANTICLE OF Z A CHARY,
Luke i.
BLESSED be the Lord
God of Israel, because
He hath visited and wrought
the redemption of His people ,
And hath raised up a horn
of salvation to us in the
house of David His servant ;
As He spoke by the mouth
of His holy prophets, who
are from the beginning:
Salvation from our enemies,
and from the hand of all
that hate us.
To perform mercy to our
fathers, and to remember
His holy testament.
The oath which He swore
to Abraham our father, that
He would grant to us,
That being delivered from
the hand of our enemies, we
may serve Him without fear,
In holiness and justice
before Him all our days.
And thou, child, shalt
be called the prophet of
the Highest; for thou shalt
go before the face of the
Lord to prepare His ways:
To give knowledge of sal-
vation to His people, unto
the remission of their sins;
Through the bowels of
the mercy of Our God, in
which the Orient from on
high hath visited us.
To enlighten them that
sit in darkness and in the
shadow of death; to direct
our feet into the way of
peace.
Glory be, etc.
Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis. 823
I.I. Extra Adventum.i.
Ant. Beata Dei Genitrix
Maria, Virgo perpetua, tem-
plum Domini, sacrarium
Spiritus Sancti: sola sine
exemplo placuisti Domino
nostro Jesu Christo: ora pro
populo, interveni pro clero,
intercede pro devoto femineo
sexu.
Tempore Paschali.
Ant. Regina coeli laetare,
Alleluia ; quia quern meruisti
portare, Alleluia; resurrexit,
sicut dixit, Alleluia: ora pro
nobis Deum, Alleluia.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Spiritus Sanctus in
te descendet, Maria: ne
timeas habebis in utero Fi-
lium Dei, Alleluia.
777. Post Adventum.
Ant. Mirabile mysterium
declaratur hodie : innovantur
naturae: Deus homo f actus
est: id quod fuit permansit,
et quod non erat assumpsit,
non commixtionem passus,
neque divisionem.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
V. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. O Mary, blessed
Mother of God, ever a
Virgin, the Lord's own
temple, shrine of the Holy
Ghost, thou alone as none
other didst please Our Lord
Jesus Christ; pray for the
people; intercede for the
clergy; plead for religious
women.
During Eastertide.
Ant. O Queen of heaven,
rejoice, Alleluia; for He
Whom thou wast meet to
bear, Alleluia, hath risen, as
He said, Alleluia; pray for
us to God, Alleluia.
During Advent.
Ant. The Holy Ghost
shall come down upon thee,
Mary; fear not, thou shalt
hold within thv womb the
Son of God, Alleluia.
From Christmas until
Candlemas,
Ant. A wondrous mys-
tery is revealed to-day:
marvels are wrought. God
is made man; He still
remaineth what He was,
and hath taken upon Him
what He was not, suffering
neither confusion nor divi-
sion.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
824 Officium Parvum Beatce Mar ice Virginis.
I., II. Extra Adventum et
in Adventu.
Oremus
^T^EUS, qui de beatae
JLJ Mariae Virginis utero,
Verbum tuum, Angelo
nuntiante, caraem suscipere
voluisti: praesta supplicibus
tuis; ut qui vere earn Geni-
tricem Dei credimus, ejus
apud te intercessionibus ad-
juvemur. Per eumdem
Christum Dominum nos-.
trum.
R. Amen.
From Candlemas until
Christmas.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who didst wil*
that Thine eternal Word
should take flesh in the
womb of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, when the angel deliv-
ered his message: grant that
Thy petitioners, who verily
believe her to be the Mother
of God, may be assisted by
her intercession. Through
the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
777. Post Adventum.
Oremus.
*T"VEUS, qui salutis aeter-
nae, beatae Mariae vir-
ginitate fecunda, humano
generi praemia praestitisti :
tribue, quaesumus; ut ipsam
pro nobis intercedere senti-
amus, per quam meruimus
auctorem vitae suscipere,
Dominum nostrum Jesum
Christum Filium tuum.
R. Amen
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who, by the
fruitful virginity of
blessed Mary, hast given to
mankind the rewards of
eternal salvation; grant, we
beseech Thee, that we may
experience her intercession
for us, by whom we deserved
to receive the Author of life,
Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy
Son.
R. Amen.
PRO SANCTIS.
7., 777. Extra et post
Adventum.
Ant. Sancte Dei omnes,
intercedere dignemini pro
nostra omniumque salute.
V- Laetamini in Domino,
et exultate justi.
R. Et gloriamini, omnes
recti corde.
COMMEMORATION OF THE
SAINTS
Throughout the Year except
in Advent.
Ant. All ye saints of God,
vouchsafe to plead for our
salvation and for that of all
mankind.
V. Be glad in the Lord, and
rejoice, ye just.
R And be joyful, all ye
that arc3 right of heart.
Officium Parvum Beaice Mar ice Virginis. 825.
Oremus.
ROTEGE, Domine,
populum tuum, et
apostolorum tuorum Petri
et Pauli, et aliorum aposto-
lorum patrocinio confidentem,
perpetua defensione con-
serva.
OMNES Sancti tui, quse-
sumus Domine, nos
ubique adjuvent: ut dum
eorum merit a recolimus, pa-
trocinia sentiamus; et pacem
tuam nostris concede tem-
poribus, et ab Ecclesia tua
cunctam repelle nequitiam ;
iter, actus et voluntates
nostras, et omnium famu-
lorum tuorum, in salutis tuae
prosperitate dispone ; bene-
factoribus nostris sempiterna
bona retribue, et omnibus
fidelib:is defunctis requiem
aeternam concede. Per Do-
minum nostrum Jesum
Christum Filium tuum: qui
tecum vivit et regnat in
unitate Spiritus sancti Deus,
per omnia saecula saeculo-
rum.
R. Amen.
* V. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
V. Benedicamus Domino.
R Deo gratias.
V. Fidelium animae per
misericordiam Dei requie-
scant in pace.
R. Amen.
Let us pray,
Q[HIELD, O Lord, Thy
}^ people, and ever keep
them in Thy care, who put
their trust in the pleading
of Thine apostles Peter and
Paul, and of the other
apostles.
AY all Thy saints, we
beseech Thee, O
Lord, everywhere come to
our help, that while we do
honor to their merits, we
may also enjoy their inter-
cession: grant Thine own
peace unto our times, and
drive away all wickedness
from Thy Church ; direct bur
way, our actions, and our
wishes and those of all Thy
servants in the way of
salvation; to our benefactors
render everlasting blessings,
and to all the faithful de-
parted grant eternal rest.
Through Our Lord Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth
and reigneth with Thee in the
unity of the Holy Ghost,
God, world without end.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the
faithful, through the mercy
of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.'
* If said by a priest or deacon, V. Dominus vobiscum, etc.
826 Officium Parvum Beata Maria Virginia.
PRO SANCTIS.
//. In Adventu.
Ant. Ecce Dominus veniet,
et omnes Sancti ejus cum
eo, et erit in die ilia lux
magna, Alleluia.
V. Ecce apparebit Do
minus super nubem candi-
dam
R. Et cum eo Sanctorum
millia.
Oremus.
aONCIENTIAS nostras,
quaesumus Domine,
visitando purifica, ut veniens
Jesus Christus Filius tuus
Dominus noster cum omni-
bus Sanctis paratam sibi in
nobis inveniat mansionem.
Qui tecum vivet et regnat
in unitate Spiritus sancti
Deus per omnia saecula sse-
culorum.
R. Amen.
V. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
yeniat.
V. Benedicamus Domino.
R. Deo gratias.
V. Fidelium animae per
misericordiam Dei requie-
scant in pace.
R. Amen.
Si terminandum sit Officium,
dicuntur ea quce sequuntur;
alioquin, si alia subse-
quatur Hora, in fine uliimce
Horce.
Pater noster, etc., totum
secreto.
V. Dominus det nobis
9uam pacem.
COMMEMORATION OF THE
SAINTS
During Advent.
Ant. Behold, the Lord
shall come, and all His saints
with Him, and in that day-
there shall be great light,
Aleluia.
V. Behold, the Lord shall
appear upon a shining cloud.
R. And with Him thou-
sands of saints.
Let us . pray.
OLEANSE our con-
sciences we beseech
Thee, O Lord, by Thy visita-
tion, that when Jesus Christ,
Thy Son, Our Lord, shall
come with all the saints,
He may find within us a
resting-place made ready
for Him. Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee in the
unity of the Holy Ghost,
God, world without end.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the
faithful through the mercy
of God rest in peace.
R. Amen.
The following are only said
if the Office is to end with
Lauds. They are said at
the end of the last Hour
if any other Hour follow.
Our Father, etc., in
silence throughout.
V. May the Lord grant us
His peace.
Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis. 827
R. Et vitam aeternam.
Amen.
Deinde dicitur una ex Anti-
phonis B.M.V., ut in fine
Completorii, p. 783, et did-
tur flexis genibus, prceter-
quam Tempore Paschali.
R. And life everlasting.
Amen.
Then is said — kneeling, un-
less it be Eastertide — one of
the Anthems of the Blessed
Virgin, according to the
season, as at the end of
Compline, p. 783.
AT PRIME.
Ave Maria, etc. Hail Mary, etc.
V. Deus, in adjutorium V. O God, hasten to mine
meum intende. aid.
R. Domine, ad adjuvan- R. O Lord, make haste to
dum me festina. help me.
Gloria Patri, etc. Glory be, etc.
Alleluia, vel Laus tibi, Do- Alleluia, or Praise be to
mine, Rex seternae gloriae. Thee, O Lord, King of ever-
lasting glory.
HYMNTJS.
^j^EMENTO, rerum Condi-
Nostri quod olim corporis,
Sacrata ab alvo Virginis
Nascendo, formam sumpseris.
Maria, Mater gratiae,
Dulcis parens clementiae,
Tu nos ab hoste protege,
Et mortis hora suscipe.
EMEMBER, O Creatoi
That in the Virgin's sacred
womb
Thou wast conceived, and of
her flesh
Didst our mortality assume.
Mother of grace ! O Mary blest !
To thee, sweet fount of life,
we fly;
Shield us through life, and take
us hence,
To thy dear bosom, when we
die.
Jesu tibi sit gloria
Qui natus es de Virgine,
Cum Patre, et aimo Spiritu,
In sempiterna saecula. Amen.
O Jesu! born of Virgin bright!
Immortal glory be to Thee,
Praise to the Father infinite,
And Holy Ghost eternally.
Amen
828 Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis.
I. Extra Adventum.
Ant. Assumpta est.
II. In Adventu,
Ant. Missus est.
III. Post Adventum.
Ant. O admirabile com-
mercium.
PSALM LIII.
BEUS, in nomine tuo sal-
vum me fac ; * et in
virtute tua judica me.
Deus, exaudi orationem
meam ; * auribus percipe verba
oris mei.
Quoniam alieni insur-
rexerunt adversum me, et
fortes quaesierunt animam
meam, * et non proposue-
runt Deum ante eonspectum
suum. ,
Ecce enim Deus adjuvat
me, * et Dominus susceptor
est animae meae.
Advert e mala inimicis
meis; * et in veritate tua
disperde illos.
Voluntarie sacrificabo tibi,*
et confitebor nomini tuo, Do-
mine, quoniam bonum est.
Quoniam ex omni tribu-
latione eripuisti me,* et super
inimicos meos despexit ocu-
"us meus.
Gloria Patri, etc.
psalm, lxxxiv.
BENEDIXISTI, Domine,
terrain tuam ; * averti-
sti captivitatem Jacob.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. Mary is taken up.
During Advent.
Ant. The angel Gabriel
was sent.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. O wondrous union!
PSALM LIII.
Q^AVE me, O God, by
Js!!^ Thy name; and judge
me in Thy strength.
Hear my prayer, O God:
give ear unto the words of
my mouth.
For strangers have risen
up against me, and the
mighty have sought after
my soul: and they have not
set God before their eyes.
For behold, God is my
helper, and the Lord is the
protector of my soul.
Turn back evil upon mine
enemies: and destroy them
in Thy truth.
I will freely sacrifice unto
Thee, and will give thanks
to Thy name, O Lord, for it
is good.
For Thou hast delivered
me out of all my trouble ; and
mine eye hath looked down
upon mine enemies.
Glory be, etc.
psalm lxxxiv.
HOU hast blessed Thy
land, O Lord: Thou
hast turned away the cap-
tivity of Jacob.
Ojjicium Parvum Beatcz Mar ice Virgin is. 829
Remisisti iniquitatem ple-
bis tuae;* operuisti omnia
peccata eorum.
Mitigasti omnem iram tu-
am, * avertisti ab ira indig-
nationis tuae.
Converte nos, Deus salu-
taris noster, * et averte iram
tuam a nobis.
Numquid in aeternum ira-
sceris nobis ?* aut extendes
iram tuam a generatione in
generationem ?
Deus tu conversus vivifi-
cabis nos ; * et plebs tua laeta-
bitur in te.
Ostende nobis, Domine,
misericordiam tuam, * et salu-
tare tuum da nobis.
Audiam quid loquatur in
me Dominus Deus, * quoni-
am loquetur pacem in ple-
bem suam.
Et super sanctos suos,* et
in eos qui convertuntur ad
cor.
Verumtamen prope timen-
tes eum salutare ipsius,* ut
.dihabitet gloria in terra no-
stra.
Misericordia et Veritas obvi-
averunt sibi;* justitia et pax
osculatse sunt.
Veritas de terra orta est, *
et justitia de coelo prospexit.
Etenim Dominus dabit be-
nignitatem,* et terra nostra
dabit fructum suum.
Justitia ante eum ambu-
labit,* et ponet in via gressus
suos.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Thou hast forgiven the
iniquity of Thy people:
Thou hast covered all their
sins.
Thou hast softened all
Thine anger: Thou hast
turned away from the wrath
of Thine indignation.
Convert us, O God our
Saviour; and turn away
Thine anger from us.
Wilt Thou be angry with
us for ever: or wilt Thou
stretch out Thy wrath from
generation to generation?
Thou wilt turn again, O
God, and quicken us; and
Thy people shall rejoice in
Thee.
Show us Thy mercy, O
Lord; and grant us Thy sal-
vation.
I will hearken what the
Lord shall say within me;
for He will speak peace unto
His people.
And unto His saints; and
unto them that are con-
verted in heart.
Surely His salvation is
unto them that fear Him:
that glory may dwell in our
land.
Mercy and truth have met
together: justice and peace
have kissed.
Truth is sprung out of the
earth ; and justice hath looked
down from heaven.
For the Lord shall give
goodness ; and our earth shall
yield her fruit.
Justice shall walk before
Him; and shall set His steps
in the right way.
Glory be, etc.
§3° Officium Parvum Beatce Maries Virginis.
PSALM CXVI.
"T^AUDATE Dominum,
t ' * omnes gentes;* lau-
date eum, omnes populi.
Quoniam confirmata est
super nos misericordia ejus?*
et Veritas Domini manet in
aeternum.
Gloria Patri, etc.
I. Extra Adventum.
Ant. Assumpta est Maria
in ccelum, gaudent angeli, lau-
dantes benedicunt Dominum.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Missus est Gabriel an-
gelus ad Mariam Virginem
desponsatam Joseph.
III. Post Adventum.
Ant. O admirabile com-
mercium ! Creator generis
humani animatum corpus
sumens, de virgine nasci
dignatus est; et 'procedens
homo sine semine, largitus
est nobis suam Deitatem.
J, III. Extra et post Advent.
capitulum. Cant. vi.
Quae est ista quae progredi-
tur quasi aurora consurgens,
pulchra ut luna, electa ut
sol, terribilis ut castrorum
acies ordinata?
R. Deo gratias.
II. In Adventu.
capitulum. Isa. vii.
Ecce Virgo concipiet, et
pariet Filium, et vocabitur
nomen ejus Emmanuel. Bu-
tyrum et mel comedet, ut
sciat reprobare malum, et
eligere bonum.
PSALM CXVI.
O PRAISE the Lord, all
ye nations : praise
Him, all ye peoples.
For His mercy is con-
firmed upon us; and the
truth of the Lord remaineth
for 2ver.
Glory be, etc.
From Candlemas to Advent.
Ant. Mary is taken up into
heaven. The angels rejoice
and praising bless the Lord.
During Advent.
Ant. The angel Gabriel was
sent to Mary the Virgin, who
was espoused to Joseph.
III. From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. O wondrous union!
the Creator of mankind,
taking a living body, vouch-
safed to be born of a virgin;
and becoming man, conceived
without seed, bestowed upon
us His Godhead.
From Christmas to Advent.
LITTLE CHAPTER. Cant. vL
Who is she that cometh
forth as the morning rising r
fair as the moon, bright as
the sun, terrible as an army
set in array?
R. Thanks be to God.
During Advent.
LITTLE CHAPTER. Isa. vii.
Behold, a Virgin shall con-
ceive and shall bear a Son,
and His name shall be called
Emmanuel: butter and honey
shall He eat, that He may
know to refuse the evil and
choose the good.
Officium Parvum Beatce Mar ice Virginis.
831
R. Deo gratias.
V. Dignare me laudare te,
Virgo sacrata.
R. Da mihi virtutem con-
tra hostes tuos.
Kyrie, eleison.
Cliriste, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
V. Domine exaudi orati-
onem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
/. Extra Adventum.
Oremus.
CT^\ BUS, qui virginalem au-
\J lam beatae Mariae in
qua habit ares, eligere digna-
tus es: da, quaesumus; ut
sua nos defensione munitos,
jucundos facias suae interesse
commemorationi. Qui vivis
et regnas cum Deo Patre
in unitate Spiritus Sancti
Deus, per omnia saecula
sseculorum.
R. Amen.
II. In Adventu
Oremus.
•"f^v EUS, qui de beatae Mariae
JLJ Virginis utero, Verbum
tuum, Angelo nuntiante, car-
nem suscipere voluisti: prae-
sta supplicibus tuis: ut qui
vere earn Genitricem Dei cre-
dimus, ejus apud te interces-
sionibus adjuvemur. Per
eumdem Dominum nostrum
Jesum Christum Filium tuum :
qui tecum vivit et regnat in
R. Thanks be to God.
V. Vouchsafe that I may
praise thee, O holy Virgin.
R. Grant me strength
against thine enemies.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who didst vouch-
safe to choose the vir-
gin palace of blessed Mary
for Thy dwelling; grant, we
beseech Thee, that we, who
are shielded by her protec-
tion, may by Thy grace join
with gladness in her com-
memoration. Who livest
and reignest with God the
Father, in the unity of the
Holy Ghost, God, world
without end.
R, Amen.
During Advent.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who didst will
that Thine eternal
Word should take flesh in
the womb of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, when the angel
delivered his message: grant
that Thy petitioners, who
verily believe her to be the
Mother of God, may be
assisted by her intercession
with Thee. Through the
same Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Our Lord, Who liveth and
832
Officium Parvum Beatce Marice Virginis.
unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus,
per omnia saecula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
///. Post Adventum.
Oremus.
DEUS, qui salutis aeternae,
beatae Mariae virgini-
tate fecunda, humano ge-
neri praemia praestitisti : tri-
bue, quaesumus ; ut ipsam pro
nobis intercedere sentiamus,
per quam meruimus aucto-
rem vitae suseipere, Dominum
nostrum Jesum Christum Fi-
lium tuum: qui tecum vivit
et regnat in unitate Spiritus
Sancti Deus, per omnia sae-
cula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
V. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
V. Benedicamus Domino.
R. Deo gratias.
V. Fidelium animae per mi-
sericordiam Dei requiescant
in pace.
R. Amen.
reigneth with Thee, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, God,
world without end.
R. Amen.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who, by the fruit-
ful virginity of blessed
Mary, hast given to mankind
the rewards of eternal salva-
tion : grant, we beseech Thee,
that we may experience her
intercession for us, by whom
we deserved to receive the
Author of life, Our Lord
Jesus Christ, Thy Son. Who
liveth and reigneth with
Thee in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, God, world without
end.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the
faithful, through the mercy
of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.
AT TIERCE.
Ave, Maria, etc.
V. Deus, in adjutorium
meum intende.
R. Domine, ad adjuvan-
dum me festina.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Alleluia, or Laus tibi, Do-
mine, Rex aeternae gloriae.
Hail, Mary, etc.
V. O God, hasten to mine
aid.
R. O Lord, made haste to
iielp me.
Glory be, etc.
Alleluia, or Praise be to
Thee, O Lord, King of ever-
lasting glory.
Officium Parvum Beatce Mar ice Virginis. 833
HYMNUS.
EMENTO, rerum Condi-
tor,
+ Nostri quod olim corporis,
Sacrata ab alvo Virginis
Nascendo, formam sumpseris.
Maria, Mater gratiae,
Dulcis parens dementias,
Tu nos ab hoste protege,
Et mortis hora suscipe.
Jesu tibi sit gloria
Qui natus es de Virgine,
Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu,
In sempiterna sarxula. Amen.
/. Extra Adventum.
Ant. Maria Virgo.
77. In Adventu.
Ant. Ave Maria.
777. Post Adventum.
Ant. Quando natus es.
PSALM. CXIX.
VTT*D Dominum cum tri-
gj, 1 , bularer clamavi,* et
exaudivit me.
Domine, libera animam
meam a labiis iniquis * et
a lingua dolosa.
Quid detur tibi, aut quid
HYMN;
EMEMBER, O Creator
Lord,
That in the Virgin's sacred
womb
Thou wast conceived, ard of her
flesh
Didst our mortality assume.
Mother of grace! O Mary
blest!
To thee, sweet fount of life,
we fly;
Shield us through life, and take
us hence,
To thy dear bosom when we
die.
O Jesus! born of Virgin bright,.
Immortal glory be to Thee,
Praise to the Father infinite,
And Holy Ghost eternally.
Amen..
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. The Virgin Mary.
During Advent.
Ant. Hail, Mary.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
A nt. When thou wert won-
drously born.
PSALM CXIX.
HEN I was in trouble,
I cried unto the
Lord: and He heard me.
O Lord, deliver my soul
from wicked lips and from a
deceitful tongue.
What shall be given unte
Thee, or what shall be added
&34 Officium Parvum Beaice Mar ice Virginis.
apponatur tibi * ad linguam
dolosam ?
Sagittae potentis acutae,*
cum carbonibus desolatoriis.
Heu mihi, quia incolatus
meus prolongatus est, habi-
tavi cum habitantibus Ce-
dar ; * multum incola f uit ani-
ma mea.
Cum his qui oderunt pacem
eram pacificus ; * cum loque-
bar illis, impugnabant me
gratis.
Gloria Patri, etc.
psalm, cxx.
EV AVI oculos meos in
, I i montes,* unde veniet
auxilium mihi.
Auxilium meum a Domi-
no,* qui fecit ccelum et ter-
ram.
Non det in commotionem
pedem tuum,* neque dor-
mitet qui custodit te.
Ecce non dormi tabit ne-
que dormiet,* qui custodit
Israel.
Dominus custodit te, Do-
minus protectio tua * super
manum dexteram tuam.
Per diem sol non uret te,*
neque luna per noctem.
Dominus custodit te ab
omni malo,* custodiat ani-
mam tuam Dominus.
Dominus custodiat intro-
itum tuum, et exitum tuum,*
ex hoc nunc, et usque in sse-
culum.
Gloria Patri, etc.
unto Thee, to a deceitful
tongue ?
Sharp arrows of the mighty
One, with destroying coals.
Woe is me, that my so-
journ is prolonged: I have
dwelt with the inhabitants
of Cedar: my soul hath long
been a sojourner.
With them that hated
peace I was peaceable: when
I spake unto them, they
fought against me without
cause.
Glory be, etc.
psalm cxx.
I HAVE lifted up mine
eyes unto the hills,
from whence my help shall
come.
My help is from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
Let Him not suffer thy
foot to be moved; neither
let Him slumber that keepeth
thee.
Behold, He that keepeth
Israel, shall neither slumber
nor sleep.
The Lord is thy keeper:
the Lord is thy defence upon
thy right hand.
The sun shall not burn
thee by day, nor the moon
by night.
The Lord keepeth thee
from all evil: may the Lord
keep thy soul.
May the Lord keep thy
coming in, and thy going out,
from this time forth for ever-
more.
Glory be, etc.
Qfficium Parvum Beata Maria Virginis. 835
psalm, cxxi.
*TT^ STATUS sum in his
f I A quae dicta sunt mihi : *
In domum Domini ibimus.
Stantes erant pedes nostri *
in atriis tuis, Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, quae aedifica-
tur ut ci vitas,* cujus parti-
cipatio ejus in idipsum.
Illuc enim ascenderunt tri-
bus, tribus Domini,* testi-
monium Israel ad confiten-
dum nomini Domini.
Quia illic sederunt sedes
in judicio,* sedes super do-
mum David.
Rogate quae ad pacem sunt
Jerusalem,* et abundantia
diligentibus te.
Fiat pax in virtute tua, *
et abundantia in turribus tu-
is
Propter fratres meos, et
proximos meos, * loquebar
pacem de te.
Propter domum Domini
Dei nostri,* quaesivi bona tibi,
Gloria Patri, etc.
/. Extra Adventum.
Ant. Maria Virgo assumpta
est ad aethereum thalamum,
in quo Rex regum stellato
sedet solio.
77 In Adventu.
Ant. Ave, Maria, gratia
plena: Dominus tecum: be-
nedicta tu in mulieribus,
Alleluia,
psalm cxxi.
WAS glad at the things
that were said unto me :
We will go into the house of
the Lord.
Our feet were standing
within thy courts, O Jeru-
salem.
Jerusalem, which is built
as a city, that is compact
together.
For thither the tribes went
up, the tribes of the Lord:
an ordinance for Israel, to
give thanks to the name
of the Lord.
For there are set up
thrones of judgment, the
thrones of the house of David.
Pray ye for the things that
are for the peace of Jerusa-
lem; and plenty be to them
that love Thee.
Let peace be in Thy strong-
hold, and plenty in Thy
towers.
For my brethren and my
neighbors' sake I spake peace
concerning thee.
For the sake of the house
of the Lord our God I have
sought good things for thee.
Glory be, etc.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. The Virgin Mary is
taken up into the heavenly
bride-chamber, where the
King of kings sitteth on a
starry throne
During Advent.
Ant. Hail, Mary, full of
grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou amongst
women, Alleluia.
836 Officium Parvum Beat(E Maria Virginis.
III. Post Adventum
Ant. Quando natus es in-
effabiliter ex Virgine, tunc
impletae sunt Scripturae: si-
cut pluvia in vellus descen-
disti, ut salvum faceres ge-
nus humanum ; te laudamus,
Deus noster.
I, III. Extra et post
Adventum.
CAPITULUM.
Eccli. xxiv.
Et sic in Sion firma-
ta sum, et in civitate sancti-
ficata similiter requievi, et
in Jerusalem potestas mea.
R. Deo gratias.
II. In Adventu.
CAPITULUM.
Isa. xi.
Bgredietur virga de radice
Jesse, et flos de radice ejus
ascendet : et requiescet
super eum Spiritus Domini.
R. Deo gratias.
V. Diffusa est gratia in
labiis tuis.
R. Propterea benedixit te
Deus in aeternum.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
V. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
From Christmas until Candle
mas.
Ant. When Thou wert won-
drously born of a Virgin, then
were the Scriptures fulfilled
Thou earnest down like the
rain upon the Heece, that
Thou mightest save mankind.
We praise Thee, Our God.
From Christmas until
Advent.
LITTLE CHAPTER.
Ecclus. xxiv.
And so was I established
in Sion, and in the holy
city likewise I rested; and
my power was in Jerusalem,
R. Thanks be to God.
During Advent.
LITTLE CHAPTER.
Isa. xi.
There shall come forth a
rod out of the root of Jesse,
and a flower shall rise up out
of his root^ and the Spirit
of the Lord shall rest upon
him.
R Thanks be to God.
V. Grace is poured forth
upon thy lips.
R. Wherefore God hath
blesred thee for ever.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Ojficium Parvum Beatod Maria Virginis.
837
/, III. Extra et post
Adventum.
Oremus.
Deus, qui salutis aeternae,
beatae Mariae virginitate fe-
cund a, humano generi prae-
mia praestitisti : tribue quae-
sumus; ut ipsam p^o nobis
intercedere sentiamus, per
quam meruimus auctorem
vitae suscipere Dominum nos-
trum Jesum Christum Filium
tuum: qui tecum vivit et
regnat in unitate Spiritus
sancti Deus, per omnia sae-
cula saeculorum.
R Amen.
II. In Adventu.
Oremus.
Deus, qui de beatae Mariae
Virginis utero, Verbum
tuum7 angelo nuntiante,
carnem suscipere voluisti :
praesta supplicibus tuis: ut
qui vere earn Genitricem Dei
credimus, ejus apud te inter-
cessionibus adjuvemur. Per
eumdem Dominum nostrum
Jesum Christum Filium
tuum: qui tecum vivit et
regnat in unitate Spiritus
sancti Deus, per omnia
saecula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
V. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
V. Benedicamus Domino.
R. Deo gratias.
V. Fidelium animae per
From Christmas until
Advent.
Let us pray.
O God, Who, by the fruit-
ful virginity of blessed Mary,
hast given to mankind the.
rewards of eternal salva-
tion: grant, we beseech
Thee, that we" may experi-
ence her intercession for us,
by whom we deserved to
receive the Author of life,
Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy
Son. Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee in the
unity of the Holy Ghost*
world without end.
R. Amen.
During Advent.
Let us pray.
O God, Who didst will
that Thine eternal Word
should take flesh in the
womb of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, when the angel de-
livered his message: grant
that Thy petitioners, who
verily believe her to be the
Mother of God, may be
assisced by her intercession
with Thee. Through the
same Jesus Christ, Thy Son
our Lord, Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost,
God, world without end.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V Mav the souls of the
S3 8 Officium Parvum Beata Mar ice Virginis.
misericordiam Dei requies- faithful, through the merc^
cant in pace. of God, rest in peace.
R, Amen. R Amen.
AT SEXT.
Ave Maria, etc.
V. Deus, in adjutorium
meum intende.
R. Domine, ad adjuvan-
dum me festina.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Alleluia, vel Laus tibi,
Domine, rex astern ae gloriae.
HYMNUS.
EMENTO, rerum Condi-
tor,
INostri quod olim corporis,
Sacrata ab alvo Virginis
Nascendo, formam sumpseris.
Maria, Mater gratiae,
Dulcis parens clementiae,
Tu nos ab hoste protege,
Et mortis hora suscipe.
Hail, Mary etc.
V. O God, hasten to mine
aid.
R. O Lord, make haste
to help me.
Glory be, etc.
Alleluia, or Praise be to
Thee, O Lord, King of ever-
lasting glory.
HYMN.
EMEMBER, O Creator
, Lord,
That in the Virgin's sacred
womb
Thou wast conceived, and of
her flesh
Didst our mortality assume.
Mother of grace! O Mary
blest!
To thee, sweet fount of life,
we fly;
Shield us through life, and take
us hence,
To thy dear bosom, when we
die.
Jesu tibi sit gloria,
Qui natus es de Virgine,
Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu,
In sempiterna saecula. Amen.
I. Extra Adventum.
Ant. In odorem.
II. In Advenlu.
Ant. Ne timeas, Maria.
O Jesu! born of Virgin bright
Immortal glory be to Thee,
Praise to the Father infinite,
And Holy Ghost eternally.
Amen.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. We run after the
sweet smell.
During Advent.
Ant. Fear not, Mary.
Officium Parvum Beata Maria Virginis.
839
///. Post Adventum.
. A nt. Rubum quern viderat.
PSALM. CXXII.
* d I'D te levavi oculos me-
sJ^-y os, * qui habitas in
coelis.
Ecce sicut oculi servorum *
in manibus dominorum suo-
rum:
Sicut oculi ancillae in mani-
bus dominae suae ; * ita oculi
nostri ad Dominum Deum
nostrum, donee misereatur
nostri.
Miserere nostri, Domine,
miserere nostri, * quia
multum repleti sumus despec-
tione.
Quia multum repleta est
anima nostra, * opprobrium
abundantibus, et despectio
superbis.
Gloria Patri, etc.
From Christmas until
Candlemas
Ant. The bush which Moses
saw,
PSALM CXXII.
NTO Thee have I lifted
up mine eyes, O Thou
that dwellest in the heavens.
Behold, as the eyes of
slaves are on the hands of
their masters;
As the eyes of a hand-
maid are on the hands of
her mistress, so are our
eyes unto the Lord our
God, until He have mercy
upon us.
Have mercy upon us,
O Lord, have mercy upon
us; for we are greatly
filled with contempt.
Yea, our soul is greatly
filled: we are the reproach
of the rich, the contempt
of the proud.
Glory be, etc.
psalm. CXXIII.
C|^|ISI quia Dominus erat
, ■ in nobis, dicat nunc
Israel,* nisi quia Dominus
erat in nobis,
Cum exurgerent homines
in nos,* forte vivos deglutis-
sent nos:
Cum irasceretur furor eo-
rum in nos, * forsitan aqua
absorbuisset nos.
Torrentem per transivit
anima nostra ; * forsitan per-
transisset anima nostra
aquam intolerabilem.
Benedictus Dominus,* qui
PSALM CXXIII.
rthe Lord had not
been with us, now
may Israel say: If the
Lord had not been with us,
When men rose up against
us, peradventure they had
swallowed us up alive;
When their fury was en-
kindled against us, per-
chance the waters had swal-
lowed us up.
Our soul hath passed
through a torrent: per-
adventure our soul would
have passed through over-
whelming waters.
Blessed be the Lord, Who
840 Officium Parvum Beata^Marice Virginis.
non dedit nos in captionem
dentibus eorum.
Anima nostra sicut passer
erepta est * de laqueo venan-
tium.
Laqueus contritus est,* et
nos liberati sumus.
Adjutorium nostrum in
nomine Domini,* qui fecit
ccelum et t err am.
Gloria Patri, etc.
psalm, cxxiv.
QUI confidunt in Domino,
sicut mons Sion : * non
commovebitur in aeternum,
qui habi;at in Jerusalem.
Montes in circuitu ejus ; et
Dominus in circuitu .populi
sui,* ex hoc nunc et usque
in sseculum.
Quia non relinquet Do-
minus virgam peccatorum
super sort em justorum,* ut
non extendant justi ad ini-
quitatem manus suas.
Benefac, Domine, bonis,*
et rectis corde.
Declinantes autem in obli-
gationes, adducet Dominus
cum operantibus iniquita-
tem;* pax super Israel.
Gloria Patri, etc.
/. Extra Adventum.
Ant. In odorem unguen-
torum tuorum currimus :
adolescentulae dilexerunt te
nimis.
hath not given us up to be
a prey unto their teeth.
Our soul hath been de-
livered as a sparrow out
of the snare of the fowlers
The snare is broken, and
we are delivered.
Our help is in the name
of the Lord, Who made
heaven and earth.
Glory be, etc.
psalm cxxiv.
HEY that trust in the
Lord shall be as
Mount Sion: he shall not be
moved for ever that dwelleth
in Jerusalem.
The hills stand round
about her: even so is the
Lord round about His
people from this time forth
for evermore.
For the Lord will not leave
the rod of sinners over the
lot of the just: that the
just may not stretch forth
their hands unto wickedness.
Do well, O Lord, unto
those that are good, and
unto them that are right
of heart.
But such as turn aside
unto deceits, the Lord shall
number with the workers
of iniquity; but peace shall
be upon Israel.
Glory be, etc.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. We run after the
sweet smell of Thine oint-
ments: maidens have loved
Thee exceedingly.
Officium Parvum Beatce Mar ice Virginis. 841
77. In Adventu.
Ant. Ne timeas, Maria:
invenisti gratiam apud Do-
minum : ecce concipies et pa-
ries Filiuin, Alleluia.
777, Post Adventum.
Ant. Rubum quenrviderat
Moyses incombustum, con-
servatam agnovimus tuam
laudabilem virginitatem : Dei
Genitrix, intercede pro nobis.
7, III. Extra et post
Adventum.
CAPITULUM.
Eccli. xxiv.
Et radicavi in populo
honorificato, et in parte Dei
mei haereditas illius, et in
plenitudine Sanctorum de-
tentio mea.
R. Deo gratias.
II. In Adventu.
CAPITULUM.
Luc. i
Dabit illi Dominus Deus
sedem David patris ejus,
et regnabit in domo Jacob
in sternum, et regni ejus
non erit finis.
R. Deo gratias.
V. Benedicta tu in mulieri-
bus.
R. Et benedict us fructus
fentris tui.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison
During Advent.
Ant. Fear not, Mary: thou
hast found grace before the
Lord: behold, thou shalt con-
ceive, and shalt bring forth
a Son, Alleluia.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. The bush which
Moses saw unconsumed, we
acknowledge to be thine
admirable virginity, which
thou didst keep inviolate:
Mother of God, plead for us,
From Christmas until
Advent.
LITTLE CHAPTER-
Ecclus. xxiv.
And I took root in an
honorable people, and in
the portion of my God,
His inheritance: and my
abode is in the full assembly
of saints.
R. Thanks be to God.
During Advent
LITTLE CHAPTER.
Luke i.
The Lord God shall give
Him the throne of David
His father; and He shall
reign in the house of Jacob
for ever, and of His kingdom
there shall be no end.
R. Thanks be to God.
V Blessed art thou
amongst women.
R. And blessed is the
fruit of thy womb.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us,
JUord, have mercy on us.
842
Officium Parvum Beatce Mar ice Virginis.
V. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
/. Extra Adventum.
Or emus.
aONCEDB, misericors
Deus, fragilitati no-
strae praesidum: ut, qui
sanctae Dei Genitricis memo-
riam agimus, intercessionis
ejus auxilio, a nostris iniqui-
tibus resurgamus. Per eum-
dem Dominum nostrum
Jesum Christum Filium
tuum: qui tecum vivet et
regnat in unitate Spiritus
Sancti Deus, per omnia sae-
cula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
77. In Adventu.
Oremus.
Deus, qui de beatae Mariae
Virginis utero, Verbum tuum,
Angelo nuntiante, carnem
suscipere voluisti : praesta
supplicibus tuis: ut qui vere
earn Genitricem Dei credi-
mus, ejus apud te interces-
sionibus adjuvemur. Per
eumdem Dominum nostrum
Jesum Christum Filium tuum :
qui tecum vivit et regnat
in unitate Spiritus Sancti
Deus, per omnia saecula
saeculorum.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Let us pray
OMOST merciful God,
grant succor unto our
frailty; that as we cele-
brate the memory of the
holy Mother of God, so
by the help of her inter-
cession we may rise again
from our transgressions.
Through the same Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord,
Who liveth and reigneth
with Thee in the unity of
the Holy Ghost, God, world
without end.
R. Amen.
During Advent.
Let us pray.
O God, Who didst will that
Thine eternal Word should
take flesh in the womb
of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
when the angel delivered
his message; grant that
Thy petitioners, who verily
believe her to be the Mother
of God, may be assisted by
her intercession with Thee.
Through the same Jesus
Christ our Lord, Wlio
liveth and reigneth with
Thee, in the unity of the
Holy Ghost, God, world
without end.
R. Amen.
Officium Parvum Beatcz Mar ice Virginis. 843
///. Post Advenium.
Oremus.
Deus, qui salutis setemae,
beatae Mariae virginitate
fecunda, humano generi
praemia praestitisti : tribue,
quaesumus; ut ipsam pro
nobis intercedere sentiamus,
per quam meruimus aucto-
rem vitae suscipere Dominum
nostrum Jesum Christum Fi-
lium tuum: qui tecum vivit
et regnat in unitate Spiritus
Sancti Deus, per omnia sae-
cula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
V. Domine exaudi, ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
V. Benedicamus Domino.
R. Deo gratias.
V. Fidelium animae per
misericordiam Dei requie-
scant in pace.
R. Amen.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Let us pray.
O God, Who, by the fruit-
ful virginity of blessed
Mary, hast given to man-
kind the rewards of eternal
salvation; grant, we beseech
Thee, that we may ex-
perience her intercession for
us, by whom we deserved
to receive the Author of
life, Our Lord Jesus Christ,
Thy Son, Who liveth ana
reigneth with Thee in the
unity of the Holy Ghost,
God, world without end.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the
faithful through the mercy
of God rest in peace.
R. Amen.
AT NONE.
Ave, Maria, etc.
V. Deus, in adjutorium
meum intende.
R. Domine, ad adjuvan-
dum me festina.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Alleluia, vel Laus tibi Do-
mine, Rex aeternae gloriae.
HYMNUS.
EMENTO, rerum Condi-
tor,
Nostri quod olim Corporis,
Hail, Mary, etc.
V. O God, hasten to mine
aid.
R. O Lord, make haste
to help me.
Glory be, etc.
Alleluia, or Praise be
to Thee, O Lord, King of
everlasting glory.
HYMN.
EMEMBER, O Creator
Lord,
That in the Virgin's sacred
womb
844 Officium Parvum Beaice Mar ice Virginis.
Sacrata ab alvo Virginis
Nascendo, formam sumpseris.
Maria, Mater gratise,
Dulcis parens clementiae,
Tu nos ab hoste protege,
Et mortis hora suscipe.
Jesu tibi sit gloria.
Qui natus es de Virgine,
Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu,
In sempiterna saecula. Amen.
/. Extra Adventum.
Ant. Pulchra es.
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Bcce ancilla Domini.
III. Post Adventum.
Ant. Ecce Maria.
psalm, cxxv.
IN convertendo Dominus
captivitatem Sion,*
facti sumus sicut consolati.
Tunc repletum est gaudio
os nostrum, * et lingua
nostra exultatione.
Tunc dicent inter gentes : *
Magnificavit Dominus facere
cum eis.
Magnificavit Dominus fa-
cere nobiscum;* facti sumus
laetantes.
Thou wast conceived, and of
her flesh
Didst our mortality assume
Mother of grace! O Mary
blest!
To thee, sweet fount of life,
we fly;
Shield us through life, and
take us hence
To thy dear bosom when we
die.
O Jesu! born of Virgin brigrr.
Immortal glory be to Thee
Praise to the Father infinite.
And Holy Ghost eternally.
Amen..
From- Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. Thou art beautiful.
During Advent.
Ant. Behold the hand-
maid of the Lord
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. Behold, Mary.
psalm cxxv.
HEN the Lord turned:
again the captivity
of Sion, we became like
men consoled.
Then was our mouth
rilled with gladness, and
our tongue with joy.
Then shall they say
among the Gentiles: The
Lord hath done great things^
for them.
The Lord hath done great,
things for us: we are become
? ovf ul
Officium Parvum BeatcB Afarice Virginis.
Converte, Domine, capti-
vitatem nostram, * sicut
torrens in austro.
Qui seminant in lacrymis,*
in exultatione metent.
Euntes ibant et flebant,*
mittentes semina sua.
Yenientes autem venient
cum exultatione, * port antes
manipulos suos.
Gloria Patri, etc.
psalm, cxxvi.
ISI Dominus aedifica-
verit domum, * in
vanum laboraverunt qui
aedificant earn.
Xisi Dominus custodierit
civitatem, * frustra vigilat
qui custodit earn.
Vanum est vobis aute
lucem surgere; * surgite
postquam sederitis. qui
manducatis panem doloris.
Cum dederit dilectis suis
somnum, * ecce haereditas
Domini filii; merces, fructus
ventris.
Sicut sagittae in manu
potentis, * ita filii excusso-
rum.
Beatus vir qui implevit
desiderium suum ex ipsis:*
non confundetur cum lo-
quetur inimicis suis in porta.
Gloria Patri, etc.
psalm, cxxvu.
BEATI omnes qui timent
Dominum,* qui ambu-
lant in viis ejus.
Turn again our captivity,,
O Lord, as a river in the
south.
They that sow in tears,
shall reap in joy.
They went forth on their
way and wept, scattering
their seed.
But returning they shall
come with joy, bringing
their sheaves with them.
Glory be: etc.
psalm cxxvi.
NLESS the Lord build
a house, they labor
in vain that build it.
Unless the Lord keep the
city, he watcheth in vain
that keepeth it.
In vain do ye rise before
the light: rise not till ye
have rested, O ye that eat the
bread of sorrow.
When He giveth sleep
to His beloved: lo, children
are an heritage from the
Lord, and the fruit of the
womb a reward.
Like as arrows in the
hand of the mighty One,
so are the children of the
outcast.
Blessed is the man whose
desire is satisfied with them:
he shall not be confounded
when he speaketh with his;
enemies in the gate.
Glory be, etc.
psalm cxxvn.
BLESSED are all they
that fear the Lord,,
that walk in His ways.
xx
346 Officium Parvum Beata Mar ice Virginis.
Labores manuum tuarum
quia manducabis, * beatus
es, et bene tibi erit.
Uxor tua sicut vitis
abundans, * in lateribus
domus tuae.
Filii tuij sicut novelise
olivarum,* in circuitu mensae
tuae.
Ecce sic benedicetur
homo * qui timet Dominum.
Benedicat tibi Dominus
ex Sion, * et videas bona
Jerusalem omnibus diebus
vitae tuae.
Et videas filios filiorum.
tuorum, * pacem super
Israel.
Gloria Patri, etc.
L Extra Adventum
Ant. Pulchra es et decora,
filia Jerusalem: terribilis ut
castrorum acies ordinata
II. In Adventu.
Ant. Ecce ancilla Domini,
fiat mini secundum verbum
tuum.
III. Post Adventum.
Ant. Ecce Maria genuit
nobis Salvatorem, quern
Joannes videns exclamavit,
dicens: Ecce Agnus Dei,
ecce qui tollit peccata mundi,
Alleluia.
For thou shalt eat the
labors of thy hands: blessed
art thou, and it shall be well
with thee.
Thy wife shall be as a
fruitful vine on the walls of
thy house.
Thy children as olive-
plants, round about thy
table.
Behold, thus shall the
man be blessed that feareth
the Lord.
May the Lord bless thee
out of Sion, and mayest
thou see the good things
of Jerusalem all the day-
of thy life.
Mayest thou see thy
children's children, and peace
upon Israel.
Glory be; etc.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Ant. Thou art beautiful
and comely, O daughter of
Jerusalem: terrible as an
army set in array.
During Advent.
Ant Behold the hand-
maid of the Lord: be it
done unto me according
to thy word.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Ant. Behold, Mary hath
borne us a Saviour, Whom
when John saw, he cried out
saying: Behold the Lamb
of God, behold Him Who
taketh away the sins of the
world, Alleluia.
Officium Parvum Beaice Mar ice Virginis. 847
/, 777. Extra et post
Adventum.
CAPITULUM.
Eccli. xxiv.
In plateis, sicut cinnamo-
mum, et balsamum aroma-
tizans odorem dedi; quasi
myrrha electa dedi suavi-
tatem odoris.
R. Deo gratias.
V. Post partum Virgo
inviolata permansisti.
R. Dei Genitrix, intercede
pro nobis.
77. In Adventu.
CAPITTJLUM.
Isa. vii.
Ecce virgo concipiet, et
pariet Filium, et vocabitur
nomen ejus Emmanuel. Buty-
rum et mel comedet, ut sciat
reprobare malum et eligere
bonum.
R. Deo gratias.
V. Angelus Domini nuntia-
vk Mariae.
R. Et concepit de Spiritu
sancto.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
V. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
I. Extra Adventum.
Oremus.
EAMULORUM tuorum
quaesumus Domine,
delictis ignosce; ut qui tibi
From Christmas until
Advent.
UTTXK CHAPTER.
Ecclus. xxiv.
In the ways, like cinna-
mon and aromatic balm,
I gave forth a sweet fra-
grance: like the choicest
myrrh, I yielded a sweet
smell.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. After childbirth, O
Virgin, thou didst remain
inviolate.
R. Plead for us, O Mother
of God.
During Advent.
LITTLE CHAPTER.
Isa. vii.
Behold a virgin shall con*
ceive, and shall bear a son;
and His name, shall be called
Emmanuel. Butter and
honey shall He eat, that
He may know to refuse the
evil, and to choose the good.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. The angel of the Lord
declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of
the Holy Ghost.
Lord, have mercy on us,
Christ, have mercy on us
Lord, have mercy on us.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
From Candlemas until
Advent.
Let us pray.
BORGIVE, O Lord, we
beseech Thee, the sins
of Thy servants; so that
848
Officiiim Parvum Berlce Mariaz Virginis.
plaeere de actibus nostris
non valemus, Genitricis Filii
tui Domini nostri interces-
sione salvemur. Qui tecum
vivit et re gnat in unit ate
Spirit us Sancti Deus, per
omnia saecula saeculorum.
R Ameii-
II. In Achentn.
Oremus
Deus, qui de beatae Mariae
Virginis utero, Verbum tuum,
Angelo nuntiante, carnem
suseipere voluisti: praesta
supplicibus tuis: ut qui vere
earn Genitricem Dei eredi-
mus, ejus apud te interces-
sionibus adjnvemur. Per
eumdem Dominum nostrum
Jesum Christum Filium
tuum: qui tecum vivit et
regnat in unit ate Spirit us
sancti Deus, per omnia
saecula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
III. Post Adventum.
Oremus.
Deus, qui salutis aeternae,
beatae Mariae virginitate fe-
cunda, humano generi prae-
mia praestitisti : tribue, quae-
sumus; ut ipsam pro nobis
intercedere sentiamus, per
quam meruimus auctorem
vitae suseipere, Dominum
nostrum Jesum Christum
Filium tuum: qui tecum
we who cannot become
pleasing to Thee from our
own actions, may be saved
by the pleading of the
Mother of Thy Son. Our
Lord, Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee in the
unity of the Holy Ghost,
God, world without end.
R. Amen.
During Advent.
Let us pray.
O God, Who didst will
that Thine eternal Word
should* take flesh in the
womb of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, when the angel
delivered his message :
grant that Thy petitioners,
who verily believe her to
be the Mother of God,
may be assisted by her in-
tercession with Thee.
Through the same Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord,
Who liveth and reigneth
with Thee, in the unity of
the Holy Ghost, God, world
without end.
R. Amen.
From Christmas until
Candlemas.
Let us pray.
O God, Who, by the
fruitful virginity of blessed
Mary, hast given to mankind
the rewards of eternal salva-
tion: grant, we beseech
Thee, that we may ex-
perience her intercession
for us, by whom we deserved
to receive the Author of
life, Our Lord Jesus Chrisr.
Officium Parvum Beatcz Maria Virginis. 849
vivit et regnat in imitate
Spiritus sancti Deus, per
omnia saecula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
V. Domine exaudi ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
V. Benedicamus Domino.
R. Deo gratias.
V. Fidelium animse per
misericordiam Dei requie-
scant in pace.
R. Amen.
Thy Son. Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee in the
unity of the Holy Ghost,
God, world without end.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the
faithful, through the mercy
of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen,
Commemorations.
1. TN this Office, when a Commemoration is made of a
«-■-» Patron Saint, it should be at Vespers and Lauds,
between the Prayer which follows the Antiphons of the
Magnificat and Benedictus and the Commemoration of
Saints, " Sancti Dei omnes" or " Ecce Dominus veniet." .
2. The Commemorations given for Lauds and Second
Vespers are taken when the Commemoration of a saint,
such as that of a founder of a Religious Order, is of daily
occurrence.
3. These Commemorations are from the Roman Breviary.
Commemoration of St. Joseph.
FIRST AND SECOND VESPERS.
Ant. £5[CCE fidelis ser-
^-4. vus et prudens,
quern constituit Dominus
super familiam suam. .
V. Gloria et divitiae in
domo ejus.
R. Et justitia ejus manet
in saeculum sasculi.
LAUDS.
Ant. *T*PSE Jesus erat
r*-» incipiens quasi
annorum triginta, ut puta-
batur fllius Joseph.
Ant. TOEHOLD the
r*— * faithful and
wise steward whom the Lord
set over his family.
V. Glory and wealth shall
be in his house.
R. And his justice remains
for ever and ever.
LAUDS.
Ant. '"ZI'ND Jesus Him-
cJ<-*-*> self was be-
ginning about the age of
thirty years, being (as it was
supposed) , the son of Joseph.
8 So Officium Parvum Beatce Mar ice Virginis.
V. Os justi meditabitur sa-
pientiam.
R. Et lingua ejus loquetur
judicium.
Oremus.
^piEUS, qui ineffabili
providentia beatum
Joseph sanctissimae Genitricis
tuae sponsum eligere dig-
natus es: praesta, quaesu-
mus, ut quern protectorem
veneramur in terris, interces-
sorem habere mereamur in
coelis.
V. The mouth of the just
shall meditate wisdom.
R. And his tongue shall
speak judgment.
v * Let us pray.
OGOD, Who, in Thy
wonderful providence,
didst vouchsafe to choose
blessed Joseph to be the
spouse of Thy most holy
Mother, grant, we beseech
Thee, to us who venerate him
as our protector on earth, to
be found worthy of having
him for our advocate in
heaven.
Commemoration of St. Augustine.
AT FIRST VESPERS.
Ant. |J DOCTOR Opti-
me, Ecclesiae
Sanctae lumen, beate Augus-
tine, divinae legis amator, de-
precare pro nobis Filium
Dei.
V. Amavit eum Dominus
et ornavit eum.
R. Stolam gloriae induit
eum.
Ant. (~\ THOU most ex-
cellent Doctor
and light of the holy Church,
St. Augustine, lover of di-
vine law, pray for us to the
Son of God.
V. The Lord loved him
and adorned him.
R. He clothed him with a
robe of glory.
Oremus.
"jCTDESTO supplicationi-
^J*-*-* bus nostris, omnipo-
tens Deus, et quibus fiduciam
sperandae pietatis indulges,
intercedente beato Augus-
tino, confessore tuo atque
pontifice, consuetae miseri-
cordiae tribue benignus ef-
fectum.
Let us pray.
/^flVE ear to our suppli-
cations, Almighty God,
and, as Thou hast given us
grace to trust in Thy loving
kindness, so, by the inter-
cession of blessed Augustine,
Thy confessor and bishop,
grant us of Thy goodness the
fruit of Thy accustomed
mercy.
Officiutn Parvum Beata Maria Virginis. 851
Ant. £I2fUGE, serve bone.
et fidelis, quia
in pauca fuisti fidelis, supra
multa te constituam, dicit
Dominus.
V. Justum deduxit Do-
minus per vias rectas.
R. Et ostendit illi regnum
Dei.
Oremus.
Adesto, as above.
AT LAUDS.
Ant. yTTT'ELL done, thou
\JlK> good and
faithful servant ; because
thou hast been faithful over
a few things, I will place thee
over many things, says the
Lord.
■ V. The just the Lord
leadeth the righteous way.
R. And showeth him the
kingdom of God.
Let us pray.
Give ear, as above.
AT SECOND VESPERS.
Ant. O Doctor optime, etc.
(as at First Vespers).
V. Justum, etc.
R. Et ostendit, etc. (as at
Lauds).
Oremus.
Adesto, as above.
Ant. O thou most excel-
lent Doctor (the same as
at First Vespers).
V. The just, etc.
R. And showeth, etc. (as
at Lauds).
4 Let us pray.
Give ear, as above.
Ant.
&
Commemoration of St. Benedict.
AT FIRST VESPERS.
[IMILABO eum
viro sapienti,
qui aedificavit domum suam
supra petram.
V. Amavit eum Dominus
et ornavit eum.
R. Stolam gloriae induit
eum.
Oremus.
Intercessio nos, qusesu-
mus, Domine, beati Bene-
dicti Abbatis cpmmendet :
ut quod nostris meritis non
valemus, ejus patrocinio
assequamur.
Ant.
I LIKEN him to
the wise man,
who built his house upon a
rock.
V. The Lord loved him
and adorned him.
R. He clothed him with
a robe of glory.
Let us pray.
Let the intercession of the
blessed abbot, St. Benedict,
we beseech Thee, O Lord,
commend us unto Thee,
that what by our own
merits we are unworthy to
receive, we may obtain by
his patronage.
852 Officium Parvum Beatcz Maria Virginis.
AT LAUDS.
Ant.
et fidelis, quia
in pauca fuisti fidelis, supra
multa te constituam: intra
in gaudium Domini tui.
V. Justum deduxit Do-
minus per vias rectas.
R. Et ostendit illi regnum
Dei.
Prayer
Ant. '//I 'ELL done, thou
vJlA» good and
faithful servant; because thou
hast been faithful over a few
things, I will place thee over
many things : enter thou into
the joy of thy Lord.
V. The just the Lord
leadeth the righteous way.
R. And showeth him the
kingdom of God.
as above.
Ant.
BIC vir, despiciens
mundum et
AT SECOND VESPERS,
Ant
terrena triumphans, divitias
ccelo condidit ore, manu.
Y I f HIS man, despis-
J-M ing the world,
and triumphing over terres-
trial things, stored up treas-
ures for heaven by word and
deed.
Versicle and Response as at Lauds. Prayer as above.
Commemoration of St. Francis Seraphicus.
AT FIRST VESPERS.
Ant.
OjlMILABO eum
viro sapienti,
qui sedificavit domum suam
supra petram.
V. Amavit eum Dominus
et ornavit eum.
R. Stolam gloriae induit
eum.
Oremus.
Deus, qui ecclesiam tuam
beati Francisci meritis fce-
tu novae prolis amplificas;
tribue nobis ex ejus imita-
tione terrena despicere, et
ccelestium donorum semper
participatione gaudere.
*J* LIKEN him to
Ant.
the wise man,
who built his house upon a
rock.
V. The Lord loved him
and adorned him.
R. He clothed him with
a robe of glory.
Let us pray.
0 God, Who, through the
merits of blessed Francis,
dost enlarge Thy Church by
the progeny of a new spir-
itual family; grant unto us
that, by imitating him, we
may despise terrestrial things,
and ever rejoice in the par-
ticipation of heavenly gifts.
Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis. 853
AT LAUDS.
Ant. /ZjUGE serve bone
^-H et fidelis, quia
in pauca fuisti fidelis: supra
multa te constituam, intra in
gaudium Domini tui.
V. Justum deduxit Do-
minus per vias rectas.
R. Et ostendit illi regnum
Dei. ,
Prayer
Ant. >// 1 ELL done, thou
VxA» good and faith-
ful servant; because thou hast
been faithful over a few
things, I will place thee over
many things; enter thou
into the joy of thy Lord.
V. The just the Lord
leadeth the righteous way.
R. And showeth him the
kingdom of God.
as above.
Ant.
|^ClC vir, despi-
r"— 6 ciens mundum
AT SECOND VESPERS
Ant
et terrena triumphans, divi-
tias ccelo condidit ore,
manu.
[TTHIS man, de-
J-M spising the
world and triumphing over
the things of earth, stored
up treasures for heaven by
word and deed.
Versicle and Response as at Lauds. Prayer as above.
Commemoration of St. Clara.
AT FIRST VESPERS.
sponsa
Ant.
Christi, accipe
coronam, quam tibi Domi-
nus praeparavit in aeternum.
V. Specie tua et pulchri-
tudine tua.
R. Intende, prospere pro-
cede et regna.
Oremus.
Famulos tuos, quaesumus
Domine, beatae virginis tuae
Clarae commemorationem re-
censentes, ccelestium gaudio-
rum sua facias interventione
participes, et tui Unigeniti
cohaeredes.
Ant.
of Christ, ac<
cept the crown which the
Lord hath prepared for thee
from eternity.
V. In thy comeliness and
thy beauty.
R. Go forth, proceed pros-
perously, and reign.
Let us pray.
We beseech Thee, O
Lord, grant to Thy servants,
who celebrate the commem-
oration of Thy holy virgin
Clara, that, through her
intercession, we may become
partakers of the heavenly
joys, and co-heirs of Thy
only-begotten Son.
&54 Officium Parvum Beatcz Marie Virginis.
Ant.
B1
AT LAUDS.
[IMILE est reg-
num coelorum
homini negotiatori quaerenti
bonas margaritas : inventa
una pretiosa, dedit omnia
sua et comparavit earn.
V. Diffusa est gratia in
labiis tuis.
R. Propterea benedixit te
Deus in aeternum.
Prayer as above
Ant. TTfHE kingdom of
J-M heaven is like
to a merchant seeking good
pearls, who, when he had
found one pearl of great
price, sold all that he had,
and bought it.
V. Grace is poured abroad
in thy lips.
R. Therefore hath God
blessed thee for ever.
AT SECOND VESPERS.
Ant. Veni sponsa Christi.
Ant. Come, O spouse of
Christ.
As at First Vespers.
Versicle and Response as at Lauds. Prayer as above.
Commemoration of St. Elizabeth.
AT FIRST VESPERS.
Ant. QjlMILE est reg-
num coelorum
homini negotiatori quaerenti
bonas margaritas ; inventa
una pretiosa, dedit omnia
sua et comparavit earn.
V. Specie tua et pulchri-
tudine tua.
R. Intende, prospere pro-
cede et regna.
Oremus.
Tuorum corda fidelium,
, Deus miserator, illustra, et
beatae Elizabeth precibus
gloriosis fac nos prospera
mundi despicere, et ccelesti
semper consolatione gaudere.
Ant. TTTHE kingdom of
J-M. heaven is like
to a merchant seeking good
pearls, who, when he had
found one pearl of great
price, sold all that he had,
and bought it.
V. In thy comeliness and
thy beauty.
R. Go forth, proceed pros-
perously, and reign.
Let us pray.
Enlighten, O God of com-
passion, the hearts of Thy
faithful, and, through the
glorious prayers of blessed
Elizabeth, cause us to despise
the good things of this world,
and ever to delight in the
consolations of heaven.
Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis. 855
AT LAUDS.
Ant.
DA
TE ei de f ructu
rum, et laudent earn in por-
tis opera ejus.
V. Diffusa est gratia in
labiis tuis.
R. Propterea benedixit te
Deus in asternum.
Ant.
CPilVE her of
fruit of
the
her
hands and let her works
praise her in the gates. •
' V. Grace is poured abroad
in thy lips.
R. Therefore hath God
blessed thee for ever.
Prayer as above.
AT SECOND VESPERS.
Ant.
(T)ANUM suam
aperuit inopi,
et palmas suas extendit ad
pauperem: et panem otiosa
non comedit.
Ant.
Q[HE hath opened
£^ her hand to
the needy, and stretched out
her hands to the poor; and
hath not eaten her bread
idle.
Versicle and Response as at Lauds. Prayer as above.
Commemoration of St. Dominic.
AT FIRST VESPERS.
Ant. OjlMILABO eum
viro sapienti,
qui aedificavit domum suam
supra pet ram.
V. Amavit eum Dominus
et ornavit eum.
R. Stolam glorias induit
eum.
Oremus.
Deus, qui Ecclesiam tuam
beati Dominici confessoris
tui illuminari dignatus es
meritis et doctrinis; concede,
ut ejus intercessione tempora-
libus non destituatur auxiliis,
et spiritualibus semper pro-
ficiat incrementis.
Ant. LIKEN him to
JL, the wise man
who built his house upon a
rock.
V. The Lord loved him
and adorned him.
R. He clothed him with a
robe of glory.
Let us pray.
O God, Who hast vouch-
safed to enlighten Thy Church
by the merits and teaching
of blessed Dominic, Thy
confessor, grant that, through
his intercession j it may not
be left destitute of temporal
assistance, and may con-
tinually advance in spiritual
growth.
A
856 Officium Parvum Beatcz Maria Virgtnis.
AT
Ant. /^STT(TR serve bone
vl^ et fidelis, quia
in pauca fuisti fidelis, supra
multa te constituam, intra
in gaudium Domini tui.
V. Justum deduxit Domi-
nus per vias rectas.
R. Et ostendit illi reg-
num Dei.
Prayer
Ant/S Jj I 'ELL done, thou
VJlA* good and faith-
ful servant : because thou hast
been faithful over a few
things, I will place thee over
many things: enter thou
into the joy of thy Lord.
V. The just the Lord lead-
eth the righteous way.
R. And showeth him the
kingdom of God.
above.
Ant.
AT SECOND VESPERS.
VIC vir despi-
ciens mun -
dum, et terrena triumphans,
divitias ccelo condidit ore,
manu.
Ant. TTjHIS man de-
J-M spising the
world and triumphing over
terrestrial things, stored up
treasures for heaven by word
and deed.
Versicle and Response as at Lands.
Oremus.
Deus, qui Ecclesiam tuam
beati Dominici confessoris
tui illuminari dignatus es
meritis et doctrinis; concede,
ut ejus inter cessione tem-
poralibus non destituatur
auxiliis, et spiritualibus sem-
per proficiat incrementis.
Let us pray.
O God, Who hast vouch-
safed to enlighten Thy Church
by the merits and teaching
of blessed Dominic, Thy con-
fessor, grant that, through
his intercession, it may not
be left destitute of temporal
assistance, and may con-
tinually advance in spiritual
growth.
Commemoration of St. Francis de Sales.
AT FIRST VESPERS.
Ant.
o
DOCTOR op-
time, Ecclesiae
sanctae lumen, beate Fran-
cisce, divinae legis amator,
deprecare pro nobis Filium
Dei.
Ant.
THOU most ex- ,
v^r cellent doctor
and light of the holy Church,
St. Francis, lover of divine
law, pray for us to the Son of
God.
Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis. 857
V. Amavit eum Dominus
et ornavit eum.
R. Stolam gloriae induit
eum.
Oremus.
Deus, qui ad animarum
salutem beatum Franciscum
confessorem tuum atque pon-
tificem omnibus omnia fac-
tum esse voluisti; concede
propitius, ut charitatis tuae
dulcedine perfusi, ejus diri-
gentibus monitis, ac suffra-
gan tibus meritis, aeterna gau-
dia consequamur.
V. The Lord loved him
and adorned him.
R. He clothed him with a
robe of glory.
Let us pray.
O God, by Whose gracious
will, the blessed Francis, Thy
confessor and bishop, became
all things unto all men for
the saving of their souls;
mercifully grant that, being
filled with the sweetness of
Thy love, we may, directed
by his counsels and aided
by his merits, attain unto
the joys of the life everlasting.
AT LAUDS.
£2|"UGE, serve bone
et fidelis,
Ant.
quia
in pauca fuisti fidelis, supra
multa te const ituam, dicit
Dominus.
"^j^j^ELL done, thou
V. Justum deduxit Domi-
nus per vias rectas.
R. Et ostendit illi regnum
Dei.
Ant. _
good and faith-
ful servant ; because thou hast
been faithful over a few
things, I will place thee over
many things, says the Lord.
V. The just the Lord lead-
eth the righteous way.
R. And showeth him the
kingdom of God.
Ant.
o
Prayer as above.
AT SECOND VESPERS.
DOCTOR op- Ant. f~\ THOU most ex-
time, Ecclesiae cellent teacher r
sanctae lumen, beate Fran- light of the holy Church,,
cisce, divinae legis amator, St. Francis, lover of the
deprecare pro nobis Filium divine law, pray for us to
Dei. the Son of God.
Verside and Response as at Lauds. Prayer as above.
Commemoration of St. Jane Frances Fremiot de Chantal.
AT FIRST VESPERS.
Ant.
BIMILE est reg-
num ccelorum
Ant.
TTTHE kingdom of
J-*-l heaven is like
nomini negotiator! quaerenti to a merchant seeking good
Officium Parvum Beatce Mar ice Virginis.
bonas margaritas : inventa
una pretiosa, dedit omnia sua,
et comparavit earn.
V. Specie tua et pulchri-
tudine tua.
R. Intende, prospere pro-
cede et regna.
Oremus.
Omnipotens et misericors
Deus, qui beatam Joannam
Franciscam tuo amore suc-
censam admirabili spiritus
fortitudine per omnes vitae
semitas in via perfectionis
donasti, quique per illam
illustrare Ecclesiam tuam no-
va prole voluisti, ejus men-
tis et precibus concede, ut
qui infirmitatis nostras con-
scii de tua virtute confidimus,
ccelestis gratiae auxilio cuncta
nobis adversantia vincamus.
pearls, who, when he had
found one pearl of great price,
sold all that he had, and
bought it.
V. In thy comeliness and
thy beauty.
R. Go forth, proceed pros-
perously and reign.
Let us pray.
Almighty and merciful
God, Who inflaming blessed
Jane Frances with Thy love,
didst endow her with a
marvelous fortitude of spirit
to pursue the way of per-
fection in all the duties of
life, and wast pleased through
her to enrich Thy Church
with a new family; grant,
through her merits and in-
tercession, that we, know-
ing our own weakness, and
trusting in Thy strength,
may, by the gift of Thy
heavenly grace, overcome all
things that oppose us.
Ant.
D'
AT LAUDS.
|ATE ei de f ructu
manuum sua-
rum, et laudent earn in portis
opera ejus.
V. Diffusa est gratia in
labiis tuis.
R. Propterea benedixit te
Deus in aeternum.
Ant. CXlVE her of the
fruit *of her
hands, and let her works
praise her in the gates.
V. Grace is poured abroad
in thy lips.
R. Therefore hath God
blessed thee for ever.
Prayer as abooe.
AT SECOND VESPERS.
Ant.
(T)ANUM suam
aperuit inopi,
et palmas suas extendit ad
pauperem, et panem otiosa
non comedit.
Ant. hath opened
her hand to
the needy, and stretched out
her hands to the poor, and
hath not eaten her bread idle.
Versicle and Response as at Lauds. Prayer as above.
Officium Parvum Beatcz Maries Virginis. 859
Commemoration of St. Vincent de Paul.
Antiphon, Versicle, and Resp<
and Second Vespers are the 1
Hon of St.
Oremus.
Deus, qui ad evangelizan-
dum pauperibus et ecclesi-
astici ordinis decorem pro-
movendum beatum Vincen-
tium apostolica virtute ro-
borasti, praesta quaesumus, ut
cujus pia merita veneramur,
virtutum quoque instruamur
exemplis.
mse at First Vespers, Lauds
ame as for the Commemora-
Dominic.
Let us pray.
O God, Who didst strength-
en blessed Vincent with apos-
tolic power to preach the
Gospel to the poor, and ad-
vance the honor of the
ecclesiastical order; grant,
we beseech Thee, that, as we
venerate his merits of charity,
so we may be instructed by
the many examples of his
virtues.
Commemoration of St. Angela Merici.
AT FIRST VESPERS.
Ant. A/E N I sponsa
* Christi, ac-
cipe coronam, quam tibi Do-
minus prseparavit in aeternum.
V. Specie tua et pulchritu-
dine tua.
R. Intende, prospere pro-
cede et regna.
Oremus.
Deus, qui novum per be-
atam Angelam sacrarum vir-
ginum collegium in Ecclesia
tua florescere voluisti: da
nobis ejus intercessione an-
gelicis moribus vivere, ut
terrenis omnibus abdicatis,
gaudiis perfrui mereamur
aeternis.
Ant. /"NOME, O spouse
of Christ, ac-
cept the crown which the
Lord hath prepared for thee
from eternity.
V. In thy comeliness and
thy beauty.
R. Go forth, proceed pros-
perously and reign.
Let us pray.
O God, Who through the
blessed Angela didst cause
a new community of sacred
virgins to flourish in Thy
Church; grant that, through
her intercession, we may live
in an angelic manner, and,
renouncing all earthly things,
be found worthy to enjoy
those that are eternal.
86o Officium Parvum Beatcz Maries Virginis.
AT LAUDS.
Ant.
BIMILE est regnum
coelorum homini
negotiatori quaerenti bonas
margaritas : inventa una pre-
tiosa, dedit omnia sua et
comparavit earn.
V. Diffusa est gratia in
labiis tuis.
R. Propterea benedixit te
Deus in sternum.
Ant. TTTHE kingdom of
J-M heaven is like
to a merchant seeking good
pearls, who, when he had
found one pearl of great price,
sold all that he had, and
bought it.
V. Grace is poured abroad
in thv lips.
i?." Therefore hath God
blessed thee for ever.
Prayer as above.
AT SECOND VESPERS.
Ant. Veni, sponsa, etc.
(As at First Vespers)
Ant. Come, 0 spouse, etc.
(As at First Vespers)
Verside and Response as at Lauds. Prayer as above.
Commemoration of St. Ursula and her Companions.
AT BOTH VESPERS AND LAUDS.
Int. 15)11 U DEN'
r-i— virgines,
;tes
ap-
tate vestras lampades: ecce
sponsus venit, exite obviam
ei.
V. Adducentur Regi vir-
gines post earn.
R. Proximas ejus afferentur
tibi.
Or emus.
Da nobis, qusesumus, Do-
mine Deus noster, sancta-
rum Virginum et Martyrum
tuarum Ursulae et Sociarum
ejus palmas incessabili de-
votione venerari: ut quas
digna mente non possumus
celebrare, humilibus saltern
frequentemus obsequiis.
Ant. \f E wise virgins,
q> prepare your
lamps: behold the Bride-
groom cometh, go forth to
meet Him.
V. After her shall virgins
be brought unto the King.
R. Her companions shall
be brought unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Grant us grace, we beseech
Thee, O Lord our God, to
commemorate with unceasing
devotion the glorious tri-
umphs of Thy holy martyrs,
Ursula and her companions:
that whereas, by the feeble-
ness of our nature, we can
not duly celebrate their mem-
ory, we may at least honor
them with humble service.
Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis. 86 1
Commemoration of St. Francis of Assist.*
AT FIRST AND SECOND VESPERS.
Ant. ""KJESPICE, beate
r-"-\j Francisce, de
excelso ccelorum habitaculo
et deprecare pro populo tuo,
populo, quern elegisti, ut
serviat coram te omni tem-
pore in ministerio Sanctuarii
Domini.
V. Signasti, Domine, serv-
um tuum Franciscum.
R. Signis redemptionis no-
stras.
Oremus.
Deus, qui Ecclesiam tuam
beati Francisci meritis fcetu
novae prolis amplificas, tribue
nobis ex ejus imitatione ter-
rena despicere et ccelestium
donorum semper participa-
tione gaudere.
Ant. 'T"[OOK down, St.
r* — * Francis, from
the blissful heights of heaven,
and pray for thy people:
pray for the children thou
hast chosen, that they may
ever serve before thee in the
service of the sanctuary of
the Lord.
V. Thou hast signed, O
Lord, Thy servant Francis;
R. With the sign of our
redemption.
Let us pray.
O God, Who, through the
merits of St. Francis, dost
enlarge Thy Church by the
progeny of a new offspring:
grant unto us that, by imi-
tating him, we may despise
the things of this world, and
be blessed in the perpetual
enjoyment of Thy heavenly
gifts^
AT LAUDS.
Ant. Perfice, Pater Sera-
phice, vineam, quam plant a-
vit dextera tua, et exaudi
preces filiorum tuorum.
Ant. Perfect, O Seraphic
Father, the vineyard which
Thy right hand hath planted
and hear the prayers of Thy
children.
Versicle, Response, and Prayer as above.
* This commemoration and those that follow are peculiar to
some Religious Orders, which are privileged to use them, and
for this reason they are here inserted. They differ in special
parts from the commemorations of the same saints, as given
previously, and as found in the Roman Breviary.
862 Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis.
Commemoration of St. Clara.
AT FIRST VESPERS.
Ant. CL A L V E, sponsa
)^-^ Dei, virgo, sacra
planta Minorum; tu vas
munditiae, tu praevia forma
sororum; Clara, tuis precibus
due nos ad regna polorum.
V. Specie tua et pulchri-
tudine tua.
R. Intende, prospere pro-
cede et regna.
Oremus.
Famulos tuos, quaesumus
Domine, beatae virginis tuae
Clarae votivam commemora-
tionem recensentes, cceles-
tium gaudiorum sua facias
interventione participes et
tui Unigeniti cohaeredes. Qui
tecum vivit, etc.
Ant. I^AIL, spouse of
God, virgin,
sacred plant of the Order of
St. Francis, thou vessel of
purity, thou bright model
of the Sisters: St. Clara,
lead us, through thy prayers,
to the kingdom of heaven.
V. In thy comeliness and
thy beauty.
R. Go forth, proceed pros-
perously, and reign.
Let us pray.
We beseech Thee, 0 Lord,
grant that Thy servants,
who celebrate the commem-
oration of Thy virgin, St.
Clara, may, through her inter-
cession, become partakers of
the heavenly joys and co-heirs
of Thy only begotten Son,
Who liveth and reigneth,
etc.
AT LAUDS.
Ant. T)OVUM sidus
r*-6 emicuit, can-
dor lucis apparuit, lux clari-
tatis adfuit, cceli splendor
enituit; nam lux, quae lucem
influit, Claram clarere voluit.
V. Diffusa est gratia in
labiis tuis.
R. Propterea benedixit te
Deus in aeternum.
Ant- VTT NEW star
shines forth
[sprung out], a brilliant light
has appeared ; light of bright-
ness [clearness] came; the
splendor of heaven burst
forth; for the light, which
flows in upon light, willed
to glorify Clara.
V. Grace is poured abroad
in thy lips ;
R. Therefore hath God
blessed thee for ever.
Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis.
863
AT SECOND VESPERS.
Antiphon as at First Vespers; Versicle and Response as at
Lauds.
Commemoration of St. Francis de Sales.
AT BOTH VESPERS.
Ant.
!.*B>EPLEVIT sanc-
r*-\» turn Francis-
cum Dominus spiritu intelli-
gently, et ipse fluenta doc-
trinse ministravit populo Dei.
V. Ora pro nobis, beate
Pater Francisce,
R. Ut digni efficiamur pro-
missionibus Christi.
Orer
ad <
Deus, qui ad animarum
salutem beatum Franciscum,
confessorem tuum atque
pontificem, omnibus omnia
factum esse voluisti, concede
propitius, ut caritatis tuae
dulcedine perfusi, ejus diri-
gentibus monitis ac suffra-
gantibus meritis aeterna gau-
dia consequamur.
Ant. fTTHE Lord filled
J-M St. Francis with
the spirit of knowledge, and
he himself from the fountain
of his doctrine supplied the
people of God.
V. Pray for us, O blessed
Father Francis,
R. That we may be made
worthy of the promises of
Christ.
Let us pray.
O God, by Whose gracious
will the blessed Francis, Thy
confessor and bishop, became
all things unto all men for
the saving of their souls;
mercifully grant that, being
filled with the sweetness of
Thy love, we may, through
the guidance of his counsels
and by the aid of his merits
attain unto the joys of the
life everlasting.
AT LAUDS.
Ant.
OOLIVA fructifera
in domo Dei,
beate Francisce, ardens cari-
tate, coruscans miraculis, fac
nos ejus qua frueris lucis
suavitatisque participes.
Ant.
O FRUITFUL
olive in the
House of God! Blessed
Francis, all aglow with the
fire of charity and scintil-
lating with the brilliancy of
thy miracles, make us worthy
of participating in the light
and the sweetness, which
thou dost enjoy.
Versicle, Response, and Prayer as above.
864 Officium Parvum Beatce Mar ice Virginis.
Commemoration of St. Jane Frances Fremiot de Chantal.
AT BOTH VESPERS.
Ant. £Z2fRAT haec in
^-4, omnibus famo-
sissima, quoniam timebat
Deum valde, nec erat qui
loqueretur de ilia verbum
malum.
V. Complacuit Domino in
te.
R. Et gaudebit super te
Deus tuus.
Oremus.
Omnipotens et misericors
Deus, qui beatam Joannam
Franciscam tuo amore suc-
censam admirabili spiritus
fortitudine per omnes vitae
semitas in via perfectionis
donasti, quique per illam
illustrare Ecclesiam tuam
nova prole voluisti, ejus
mentis et precibus concede,
ut qui infirmitatis nostrae
conscii de tua virtute con-
fidimus, ccelestis gratiae aux-
ilio cuncta nobis adversantia
vincamus.
Ant.. CLHE was held in
the highest es-
teem by all, because she
feared God greatly; nor
did any one speak an evil
word of her.
V. The Lord was well
pleased in thee.
R. And thy God rejoiced
on account of thee.
Let us pray.
Almighty and merciful
God, Who didst bestow upon
St. Jane Frances, inflamed
as she was v&h love of Thee,
through all the walks of her
life, a wonderful fortitude
of spirit in the pursuit of
perfection, and didst will
to glorify Thy Church
through her by means of a
new spiritual family; we
beseech Thee, grant that
through her merits and pray-
ers, we, conscious of our own
weakness and relying on Thy
strength, may, with the help
of heavenly grace, overcome
all obstacles to our salva-
tion.
AT LAUDS.
Ant. '"OECIT quod pla-
r*— I cuit Deo, et
fortiter ivit in via, quam
mandavit illi propheta mag-
nus et fidelis in conspectu
Dei.
Ant. CrHE did what was
pleasing to God,
and walked courageously in
the way which the prophet —
the great and faithful one —
commanded her, before the
face of God.
Officium Parvum Beatce Maria Virginis.
V. Os suum aperuit sa- V. She opened her moutfr
pientiae. to wisdom.
R. Et lex clementiae in R. And the law of mild-
lingua ejus. ness was on her tongue.
Prayer as above.
For the Feast of St. Jane Frances de Chantal {August 21)
the Antiphon, Versicle, and Response are as follows far the
First Vespers:
Ant. Domine, qui habes Ant. Lord, Thou dost pos-
omnium scientiam, tu scis sess all knowledge and Thou
quod nunquam laetata sit knowest that Thy servant
ancilla tua nisi in te, Do- found no other pleasure than
mine Deus. in Thee, Lord God.
V. Sitivit in te anima mea, V. For Thee my soul hath
thirsted,
R. Quam multipliciter tibi R. For Thee, my flesh, O
caro mea. how many ways!
Prayer as above.
At Lauds: Ant. " Fecit,11 etc. V. " Os suum" etc.
At Second Vespers: Ant. 11 Erat hcec" etc, V. 11 Complacuit"
etc.
BOOK IV.
SSona {foots devotions ; preparation for a
1bapp£ HJeatb ; JEjairUnation of Conscience
for Ejtraorbtnar^ ©ccaskms ; praters for
tbe Sicfe ant> Wno ; Uhc B&ntf mstratkm
of tbe Xast Sacraments; an£> TTbe Burial
Serxnce*
Zhc /Ifoontblg IRetreat or 2Da£ of IRecollectton anfc
Iprager In preparation for a 1bapp£ Beatb*
BESIDES the annual retreat, many Founders of Religious
Orders have prescribed for the members of their
Institutes other short retreats, destined to prepare them
for the greater feasts, and at the same time to enable them
\o examine into the state of their souls.
One day in the month is also fixed in most Religious
Communities as a day of special recollection, and of the
renewal of fervor and zeal in the service of God, by the
most earnest consideration of Death and Eternity.
In all stages of the spiritual life it is necessary for us to
enter often into ourselves; if we are faithful, in order to per-
severe; if lukewarm, to reanimate ourselves; if unobservant,
to re-enter upon the duties of exact observance.
We are viatores — travelers, journeying on toward our
home. Love should spur us on to walk the steep, narrow,
and rugged road that leads to eternal life — to the happy
home of the saints. But let us ponder over St. Ignatius'
prayer, that if love should fail, the fear of hell might help
him not to offend God.
The monthly day of retreat and of pondering exclusively
on the end of man, and of special exercises in preparation
86q
870
Bona Mors Devotions.
for death, will be a powerful aid to perseverance and to the
earnest renewal of the Religious Vows.
"In all thy works, O man, remember thy last end, and
Ihou wilt never sin.
"Remember, O man, that thou art dust, and unto dust
shalt thou return."
Consider what death is, what its effects are in regard
to us — to our body, which it will reduce to ashes, to our
soul, which it will instantaneously submit to the judgment
of infinite justice — to those objects to which we have any
attachment, which have led us in any way or degree to
offend Our Creator, and of which it will certainly strip us
naked. Father Dignam says:
"Let us face the thought: death will come; many Religious
even procrastinate; we think when I have more time, when
the distractions of teaching and superintending are over,
when I can be more to myself, I will begin to live the spiritual
life indeed. Which of us can promise himself any such
season of quiet? who can count upon another year of life,
nay, another day?
"Am I ready now? What shall I wish to do if I were
this very hour called upon to give my account for eternity?
St. Aloysius said, if he were to be told that he should die at
the end of recreation, he would still go to recreation. Are
we able to say the same? Are all our duties performed
equally to the satisfaction of our own conscience? If we
should have to change them in order to prepare for death,
certainly the necessity is not less now — let us be practical.
"At our judgment we shall not be asked what sins we
have committed, but whether we have done the known
will of God. In how many ways is God's will made known
io us, and without any doubt? A criminal in the dock
listens to the examination of his case going on, he knows
justice has to be done, there is no appeal now. Our time
will then be past: why not do now what we shall one day
wish to have done, when it will be too late?"
Reflect well upon the following words:
"The measure of our fidelity upon earth will be the meas-
ure of the love which God will have for us, and we for
God, during all eternity."
Bona Mors Devotions.
871
$;bou0bt0 from St. Blpbonsus on Beatb att& Bternit^
T. Augustine was wont to call the thought of eternity
the Great Thought.
St. Teresa used to repeat to her spiritual daughters:
"My children, one soul, one eternity!" She meant to say:
"My children, we have but one soul, and if that is lost,
all is lost; and once lost, it is lost for ever." In a word,
upon that last breath which we draw in dying depends
our being either happy for ever, or for ever in despair. If
the eternity of the next life, if paradise, if hell, were mere
opinions of literary men, and things of doubtful reality,
even then we ought to take every care to live well, arid not
run the risk of losing our soul for ever. But no; for these
things are not doubtful; they are certainties, they are truths
of faith; much more certain than the things which we see
with the eyes of the body.
Let us, then, pray to Our Lord to give us more faith, saying
with the apostles: "Lord, increase our faith!" For, if
we are not strong in faith, we may become worse than Luther
or Calvin. On the contrary, one thought of lively faith
in the eternity that awaits us, may make us saints.
St. Gregory says that they who meditate on eternity are
neither puiied up by prosperity, nor cast down by adversity;
because as they desire nothing in the world, so they fear
nothing from the world.
When it happens to us to suffer any infirmities or persecu-
tions, let us remember the hell which we have deserved by
our sins. When we do this, every cross will seem to us
light, and we shall thank the Lord, and say: "It is the mercies
of the Lord that we are not consumed" (Lam. hi. 22).
Let us say with David, "Unless the Lord had been my
helper, my soul had almost dwelt in hell" (Ps. xciii. 17)
I MUST ONE DAY DIE.
IT is a practice very profitable for our eternal salvation
to say often to ourselves: "I must one day die.'1 The
most precious objects which were carried by the
anchorites to their caves were a cross and a skull: the cross
to remind them of the love which Jesus Christ has had for
872
Bona Mors Devotions.
us, and the skull to remind them of the day of their own
death. And thus they persevered in penitential works
till the end of their days; and, dying in poverty in the deserts,
they died more , happy than kings who die in palaces.
If, then, we have faith, let us believe that there is a
death, a judgment, an eternity; and endeavor, during the
days that yet remain for us, to live only for God. And
therefore let us take care to live as pilgrims on this earth,
remembering that we must speedily leave it. Let us live
with death ever before our eyes; and in all the affairs of
this present life let us take care to act as we should act at
the point of death. All things upon earth either leave us,
or we have to leave them. Let us listen to Jesus Christ,
Who says: "Lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither the rust nor moth doth consume " (Matt,
vi. 20). O Lord, if I have been foolish in the past, I will
not be foolish any longer. Now I give myself wholly to
Thee; do Thou receive me, and help me with Thy grace.
PREPARATION FOR DEATH.
*"|^\EATH is certain. "It is appointed unto men once to
JL/ die" (Heb, ix. 27). On the contrary, the time and
the manner of our death are uncertain. Therefore Jesus
Christ exhorts us: "Be you then also ready, for at what
hour you think not, the Son of man will come" (Luke xii.
40). He says: " Be you ready" ; therefore, to save our souls,
it is not sufficient to prepare ourselves to die when death
seems to be approaching, but we must then be already pre-
pared. It is accordingly useful for every one to repeat, at
least once a month, the following acts.
Behold me, O my God, ready to embrace that death
which Thou dost destine for me. from this moment I
accept it, and I sacrifice to Thee my life in honor of Thy
divine Majesty, and also in penance for my sins, rejoicing that
this my flesh, to please which I have offended Thee so much,
should be devoured by worms, and be reduced to dust. O
my Jesus, I unite the pains and the agony which I must
then suffer to the pains and agony which Thou, my Saviour,
didst suffer in Thy death; I accept death with all the cir-
cumstances Thou mavst appoint; I accept the time, whether
Bona Mors Devotions.
873
it be after many years, or very soon; I accept the manner
whether in bed or out of it, whether with warning or suddenly,
and from that sickness more or less painful as it may please
Thee. In everything I resign myself to Thy holy will.
Give me strength to suffer all with patience.
"What shall I render to the Lord for all the things that
He hath rendered to me?" (Ps. cxv. 12.) I thank Thee,
0 my God, first, for the gift of faith, protesting that I intend
to die a child of the Holy Catholic Church. I thank Thee
for not having caused me to die when I was in sin, and for
having so often pardoned me with so much mercy. I thank
Thee for so many lights and graces with which Thou hast
sought to draw me to Thy love. I thank Thee for having
called me to the Religious state. I pray Thee to let me
die after receiving Thee in the holy Viaticum, so that, united
to Thee , I may go to present myself at Thy tribunal. I do
not deserve to hear from Thy mouth the words: "Well
done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been
faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things;
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord " (Matt. xxv. 21).
1 do not deserve it, for in nothing have I been perfectly
faithful to Thee; but Thy death gives me hope that I shall
be admitted to heaven, to love Thee eternally and with
all my powers.
O my crucified Love, have mercy upon me! Look upon
me with that love with which Thou didst look upon me from
the cross, when dying for me. "Remember not the sins
of my youth and my ignorances, O Lord." My sins terrify
me, but I am comforted by that cross on which I see Thee
dead for the love of me. "Behold the wood of the cross,
on which hung the salvation of the world." I desire to
end my life, that I may cease from offending Thee. Oh,
by the blood that was shed for me, do Thou pardon me all
my sins before death comes upon me. O blood of the
innocent One, wash away the stains of the guilty!
My Jesus, I embrace Thy cross, and kiss the wounds
of Thy sacred feet, before which I desire to breathe out
my soul. Ah, do not abandon me at the last moment.
"We beseech Thee, therefore, save Thy servants, whom
Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious blood." I love
Thee with all my heart, I love Thee more than myself.
874
Bona Mors Devotions.
and I repent with all my soul that I have despised Thee in
the past. O Lord, I was lost, but Thou in Thy goodness
hast delivered me from the world; receive, then, my soul
from this moment for the hour when it shall leave the earth.
Therefore I pray to Thee with St. Agatha: "O Lord, Thou
Who hast taken from me the love of this world, receive
my soul." "In Thee, O Lord, have I hoped; I shall not
be confounded for ever; Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord
the God of truth."
O holy Virgin, succor me at the moment of my death.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me, a sinner, now
and at the hour of my death; in thee, O Lady, have I hoped,
I shall not be confounded for ever. St. Joseph, my pro-
tector, obtain for me a holy death. My guardian angel,
St. Michael the archangel, defend me in that last conflict
with hell. My holy patrons, and all ye saints of paradise,
succor me in that last moment. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,
be with me at the hour of my death.
©ffering of flfcase anfc Communion tor tbe dfcontblg
IRecoUection in preparation for Deatb*
In connection with the Mass in honor of the Passion of Our
Lord, the following prayers may be serviceable.
OFFERING AT THE BEGINNING OF MASS.
OMY God, I offer Thee this holy Mass — this sublime
sacrifice of adoration, thanksgiving, reparation,
and prayer — in union with the Passion of Our Lord and
Saviour, Jesus Christ, and to obtain the grace of a happy
death.
Innumerable are the thanks I owe Thee, my dear Redeemer,
for the sacrifice which Thou hast made of Thyself for me.
I offer Thee my life in return; I offer it as a victim to honor
Thee; may it be made worthy of Thy acceptance united
with Thy death on the cross. Since love has made Thee die for
me, it is but just that with a good will I accept of death
for love of Thee. Had I a thousand lives, they would be
too little to give Thee. I embrace death with joy; as it
will free me from the possibility of offending Thee, I embrace
it with resignation as the punishment due for my sins. I
Bona Mors Devotions.
875
accept it at the moment, in the place, and in the manner that
Thou wiliest; let earth return to earth, but grant that my
soul, created to Thy image and redeemed by Thy blood, may
return unto Thee. I now humbly thank Thee for all Thy
benefits, as I desire to do at the last moment of my life,
and when in my agony I shall not be able to adore, thank,
and praise Thee, my God, I desire still to be united to all
those who in heaven and on earth adore, praise, and thank
Thee. I offer Thee now, for that hour, my agonies, fears,
and sufferings to be united to the bitter agony and dolorous
sufferings of my dying Saviour, for the remission of my
sins, for the eternal glory of the Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost, Whose name be for ever praised and whose will be
for ever done, in me and by me for all eternity.
MASS FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY.
At the Offertory.
^TlNCE death, O my God, is the punishment Thou
ordainest for sin, it is with a humble and submis-
sive heart I accept Thy decree, I accept all the pains,
trouble, and anxieties which are to accompany it, asking
only a true spirit of resignation, an ardent love and desire
to suffer all Thou mayest appoint, and sincere and heart-
felt contrition. Had I but once offended Thee, it were
still too much; but I have multiplied my vsins above the
hairs of my head — in every place surrounded by Thy gifts,
I have sinned: no day of my life which is not stained. Oh,
that I were capable of an infinite sorrow to blot out all my
sins! Accept, O Lord, in lieu of the grief that is wanting
in me, the sorrow of my Saviour in the garden and upon
the cross. If, dear Lord, I have often ceased to be
Thy dutiful child, Thou hast never ceased to be my loving
Father. All I can offer in satisfaction for my sins and
ingratitude is my life, which I now offer with all my heart;
at this very instant deprive me of it, if Thou wiliest —
I resign it unto Thee. Yet, O my God, I am full of fears,
my sins being so great and Thy judgments so terrible; but
are not Thy mercies greater than all? Should I not then
confide in Tnee with a firm hope? Yes, I cast myself into
the abyss of Thy mercies. Had I but this moment to live
876
Bona Mors Devotions.
I would employ it in loving Thee. I fear not, under the
cover of Thy mercy, insured to me by the blood of Jesus
Christ, which He has shed for me, and which He is again
about to offer on this altar.
O dear Lord Jesus Christ, I recommend my soul into
Thy hands: Thou hast bought it with Thy blood; it is
Thine; I abandon it to Thy divine will, and to the judg-
ment Thou shalt pronounce upon it, confidently hoping
that Thou wilt save what Thou hast loved unto death.
After the Elevation.
AIL, Jesus, sacred Victim! Who, in the moment of
Thy Incarnation, didst accept the bitter Passion
and death prepared for Thee, I, in union with Thy holy
and perfect sacrifice, accept whatever death Thou hast
ordained for me. I desire that the last act of my liberty
may be an act of obedience to Thy divine will, in union with
Thy obedience when, bowing down Thy head, Thou didst
render Thy pure soul into the hands of Thy eternal Father.
With Thee, dear Jesus, may I say, "All is consummated;5'
and may my soul, when freed from its earthly bonds, fly
to the bosom of Thy love, and be received by Thee into
the kingdom of Thy glory.
At the Communion.
Y Saviour! my Redeemer! my sovereign Love!
come, take possession of my heart, sanctify my
soul, and replenish it with Thy graces. Would that I
could die now when I shall have received Thee, that, sepa-
rated from all earthly things, I might be for ever united to
Thee. Jesus, my Jesus, be to me a Jesus, especially in
my last hour, and fortify me in my departure out of this
world against Thine enemies and mine; stay with me, O
Lord, stay with me, for it is late, the best part of my life
is gone by — the evening comes on, the shadows of night
approach. Oh, guide me safely through this vale of tears —
be my light amidst the shadows of death, be my hope and
strength in my last struggle , and my reward for all eternity.
Make an act of sincere contrition, a renewal of vows, and
receive Jesus Christ as the viaticum of your soul.
Bona Mors Devotions.
877
Contrition.
OMY God! I am heartily sorry for having offended
Thee, and I detest my sins above every other evil,
because they displease Thee, my God, Who, for Thy infinite
goodness, art so deserving of all my love; and I firmly resolve,
by Thy holy grace, never more to offend Thee, and to amend
my life.
CONSIDERATIONS AND RENEWAL OF VOWS.
Prayer.
BEHOLD me, O my God, prostrate at Thy sacred
feet, penetrated with a profound fear of Thy judg-
ments and sorrow for my sins. Oh, cleanse my poor soul
from its stains, and drown my imperfections in the bound-
f less ocean of Thy mercy. Give me, O gracious Lord, true
humility of spirit, that I may perfectly understand the abyss
of my own nothingness, and rightly comprehend the im-
mensity of Thy goodness. Dispel my darkness, O all-
knowing God, with Thy divine light: conduct my reason
in the right way; confirm me in my good purpose of observ-
ing with renewed fervor and fidelity Thy holy law, my Rule
and Vows. I consecrate to Thee the remainder of my life,
and bequeath into Thy hands the spirit which Thou hast
made from nothing. I bequeath it to Jesus Christ, my
Saviour, Who redeemed it with His precious blood, and
to the Holy Ghost, Who sanctified it at baptism, and espoused
it to Himself at my holy profession, protesting that when
in my last agony I shall be unable to employ my tongue
in praying and praising Thy divine Majesty, I desire still
in mind and heart to be firmly united to Thee, offering my
agony to be united to the bitter agony and suffering death
of my Jesus, for the remission of my sins, and for His eternal
glory, Whose name be for ever glorified, Whose praises be
for ever celebrated, and Whose will be for ever done on earth
as it is done in heaven.
O incomparable Virgin Mary! Mother of Jesus! Mother
of mercy! and my Mother! I humbly and earnestly cry to
thee to deliver me by thy prayers from the enemies of my
soul, to obtain for me pardon and remission of my sins,,
and to assist me in the agonies of death.
O heavenly spirits, holy angels, and saints, pray for me*
Bona Mors Devotions.
B IRenewal of Voxve at /Ifoass*
O JESUS! divine Spouse of my soul, for me Thou hast
just renewed the great sacrifice of Calvary. What
veturn shall I make to Thee for this excess of love! Ah! I
will also renew with all my heart the sacrifice I had the happi-
ness of offering Thee on the day of my profession. Again
I will drive into my hands and feet the nails of my cherished
vows of obedience, chastity, and poverty. I will consider
myself this day as a victim unceasingly immolated to Thy
Divine Heart, and I will accept in a spirit of love all the sac-
rifices demanded of me for the faithful observance of my
vows and Rules, too happy to be able, even in a small degree
to return Thee love for love — sacrifice for sacrifice. Amen.
HOW TO MAKE OUR MONTHLY RECOLLECTION, TOGETHER
WITH THE PREPARATION FOR DEATH.*
5^ HE object of this pious exercise, which is usually made
XzJ on the first or the last Sunday of every month, is,
first, to discover, not only our faults, but their roots and
sources also, and to examine whether we have made any
progress in virtue ; secondly, to seek the necessary means of
amendment and progress ; and thirdly, to dispose our Vill
to practice conscientiously our good resolutions.
When thou art at leisure, go in the presence of the Blessed
Sacrament, or else retire to thy room, kneel, and, according
to the directions given in the following chapter, try to find
out the state of thy soul, asking thyself and sincerely answer-
ing the following questions:
1. To what faults and sins am I mostly subject?
2. How have 1 kept and executed my good resolutions.
What is the occasion or source of my want of fidelity?
3. Have I a good intention in all my actions? Am I not
led by human respect? Have I a particular affection or
friendship for some one?
4. Do I punctually, conscientiously, and fervently dis-
charge the duties of my office?
Keep a correct account of the faults thou now discoverest
and compare it with that of the previous month. Excite
a hearty sorrow for these faults, and, at the next occasion,
confess the most important ones, and consult thy confessor
* From "Helps to a Spiritual Life": Schneider-Girardey,
Bona Mors Devotions.
879
concerning them. At a visit to the Blessed Sacrament • and
at thy next holy communion offer thy resolutions to Our
Lord, beg for grace to put them into practice, and recom-
mend thyself to the Blessed Virgin and to the saints of thy
Order.
MEDITATION ON THE PRESENT STATE OF OUR SOUL.
REPARATORY PRAYER. O my God, I firmly believe
that Thou art here present, and I acknowledge that,
because of my sins, I am wholly unworthy to appear in Thy
holy presence. Trusting, nevertheless, in Thy infinite
goodness and mercy, I venture to speak to Thee, to call
upon Thy holy name, and to meditate on Thy teachings
and commandments, in order always to know better and
fulfil more faithfully Thy holy will. Enlighten, then, my
understanding that I may discover what I should do or
omit in order to promote my salvation, that I may, with
my whole heart, repent of my sins and of my neglect and
want of fidelity in Thy service, and resolve to perform all
that Thou requirest of me. Grant me especially the grace
to know Jesus Christ, my Redeemer and Guide, always
better and better, so that I may love Him more ardently,
and may, after His example, labor, combat, and suffer with
generosity and self-sacrifice.
First Prelude. Vividly imagine yourself standing before
the throne of the divine Majesty.
Second Prelude. Pray to God for light to appreciate the
value of the graces and benefits hitherto received, and to
acknowledge and repent of the malice of your past faults
and sins, and to make appropriate resolutions.
I. Point. Consider the benefits thou hast received this
month (this week), and especially perseverance in thy voca-
tion, the numerous powerful means of perfection, thy daily
spiritual exercises — such as meditation, examens of con-
science, spiritual reading, visit to the Blessed Sacrament,
the frequent reception of the sacraments, the constant
watchfulness and direction of thy Superiors, the good ex-
ample of thy companions, the many divine inspirations,
preservation from grievous sins, the diminution of the num-
ber of venial sins, the greater ease in overcoming tempta-
tions, a more ardent love of thy vocation, increased facility
in overcoming the difficulties and obstacles of perfection.
"It is true, the Lord is good, and His mercy endureth for
ever. What shall I render to the Lord for all that He has
rendered to me?"
S8o
Bona Mors Devotions.
IT. Point. Investigate the present state of thy soul, and
especially how thou hast conducted thyself and what care
thou didst bestow on thy ordinary daily exercises.
1. How hast thou behaved toward God ? What courage, what
desire didst thou feel and nourish in thyself for the attain-
ment of perfection? How didst thou perform thy spiritual
exercises? Didst thou experience therein greater devo-
tion and consolation than formerly, or, at least, didst thou
show more zeal and endurance? Or didst thou rather
experience desolation and dryness, or even relax in fervor
and fidelity? In keeping thy vows and rules, was thy
motive love or fear? Hast thou not failed to make that
progress in perfection which, with God's help, thou couldst
have made? Reflect on some special occasions of so doing
which presented themselves to thee.
2. What has been thy conduct toward thy Superiors f Didst
thou always endeavor to consider Jesus Christ Himself in
the person of thy Superiors? Didst thou always show them
due respect and love? Didst thou willingly, humbly, and
perfectly obey thy Superiors of inferior rank? And this
without murmur, without excuse, without pretexting diffi-
culties? Wert thou open-hearted and sincere toward thy
Superior, or didst thou act deceitfully toward him?
3. How hast thou conducted thyself toward thy companions
in Religion ? Didst thou sincerely love them all and prefer
them to thyself? Didst thou not wound fraternal charity
and concord? Hast thou no particular affection for some
one ? Dost thou entertain an aversion for some one ? Didst
thou strive by true humility, simplicity, patience, discretion,
love, and modesty to render thyself amiable before God and
men? Didst thou endeavor to preserve peace of heart?
Wast thou considerate in speech and in intercourse with
others ?
4. How hast thou fulfilled thy personal duties ? Didst thou
love poverty as a mother? Didst thou cheerfully bear its
privations? Wast thou always content to get the poorest
in all things? Didst thou desire it? Didst thou exert
thyself to preserve purity of body and soul? Didst thou
at once strive to suppress all impure thoughts and repre-
sentations ? Didst thou carefully watch over thy senses ?
Didst thou, without or against the will of thy Superiors,
exceed in acts of exterior mortification, or show thyself
negligent therein?
Wast thou diligent and careful in thy daily duties? Didst
thou rise in the morning at the very first sound of the bell?
Didst thou then at once raise thy thoughts to God, to the
subject of thy particular examen, of thy meditation? Didst
Bona Mors Devotions*
thou endeavor to preserve recollection of mind? Didst thou
say thy morning prayers attentively? Didst thou make
a good meditation? Didst thou assist at holy Mass with
reverence and devotion? Didst thou recite well thy usual
prayers? Didst thou observe moderation at thy jneals?
Didst thou mortify thy appetite in some small thing? Didst
thou pay attention to the reading at table? How didst
thou spend the time of recreation? Didst thou try to keep
up and promote therein spiritual conversation? Didst thou
make thy spiritual reading well? Didst thou carefully
make the two examens of conscience?
After thus examining thyself compare thy present with
thy past state. If thou perceivest that thou hast made
some progress, thank God for it, and resolve to be hence-
forth as conscientious and to strive to make still greater
progress. If, however, the contrary has been the case,
resolve earnestly to amend and to make up for thy defi-
ciencies.
Finally, beseech our divine Saviour and His blessed Mother
to deign to preserve thee in fervor. ' 'The most effective
means to persevere in good and to make progress in the
spiritual life," says St. Francis de Sales, " consists in fre-
quently calling to mind what we promised to God in the
days of our primitive fervor after mature deliberation, If
he who, from time to time, renews his good resolutions is
not wholly free from faults, what will become of him who
never, or only very seldom, renews them?"
Esamen on tbe IRules*
"O mors, finis temporis, et initium aeternitatis! quam terri-
bilis es iis quibus peccatum est jucundum."
1. %'J I'M I ready to die? Would I be satisfied at this
moment to appear before my Judge ?
2. Since my last examination into the state of my soul,
have I acquired any degree of virtue, conquered any degree
of vice? Not to advance is to go back.
3. Do I constantly recall to mind the end of my creation,
and the particular end of my entrance into religion? Why
have I become a Religious?
4. In the exercise of the active functions of my institute,
do I take care to be animated by the spirit of the Rule ? Do
I endeavor to acquire the virtues pointed out as essential to
the perfection of each? Woe to me if I do the work of God
negligently.
#8 2 Bona Mors Devotion*.
5. How do I perform my spiritual duties, say my Office,
etc.? Am I careful in forming my intention, and in placing
myself in the presence of God before I begin?
6. Do I sedulously attend to the exercise of mental prayer,
and endeavor to take my delight and comfort in it ?
7. Do I daily assist at Mass with all possible attention
and devotion?
8. How do I communicate? Do I endeavor to do so with
a lively faith, profound humility, and utmost purity? What
profit do I draw or propose to myself to draw from each
communion ?
9. Do I habituate myself to offer the labors and fatigues
of my state, and all the mortifications I undergo, with all
my pains of mind and body, in union with all the sufferings
of my crucified Spouse?
10. Is Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist the con-
stant object of my affections and devotion? Do I often
reflect on the infinite charity displayed for us in this Adorable
Sacrament, and, by frequent visits during the day, pay assidu-
ous court to my divine Spouse?
11. In all my anxieties, fears, and afflictions, in all my
temptations, do I seek comfort and consolation at the foot
of the altar?
12. Is the Sacred Heart of Jesus the object of my most
tender love, and am I faithful in endeavoring to atone for
the outrages suffered by Him in the Adorable Sacrament?
13. Have I a warm and affectionate devotion toward the
Blessed Virgin? Do I regard her in a special manner as
my Mother and the great model I am obliged to imitate?
Have I unlimited confidence in her, and do I recur to her in all
my difficulties and spiritual wants? Am I studying, by the
imitation of her virtues, to render myself worthy of her pro-
tection? Do I endeavor all I can to impress on the minds
of others the greatest respect, veneration, and love for her?
14. Do I endeavor to acquit myself of my ordinary duties —
prayer, examen, Mass, Office, lecture, meals, recreations, etc.,
with all possible care and attention? Have I the purest in-
tention of pleasing God in all ? Do I look on purity of inten-
tion as an essential duty of religion; and do I carefully watch
over myself and guard against the insinuations of self-love,
self-complacency, and vain-glory? Do I allow myself to
Bona Mors Devotions. 883
act through caprice or inclination, or do I try to do all as
directed, with regularity and exactness, referring all with
fervor to the divine honor and glory, in union with the most
holy actions and infinite merits of Jesus Christ? Am I
faithful in making my morning offering, and in renewing it
during the day? Do I often recall to mind the means ap-
pointed for acquiring this purity of intention — 1st, to keep
myself in the presence of God; 2d, to perform each work
as if it were the only one I had to do; 3d, to fulfil the duty
of every day as if that day were to be the last of my mortal
life?
15. Do I ever indulge idleness? Do I endeavor always
and in all places to preserve in my deportment a gravity
becoming a Religious?
16. Do I observe silence in the time and manner prescribed
in the Rule? In observing it exteriorly, do I endeavor to
keep my mind recollected and fixed on what may tend to my
perfection ?
ON OBSERVANCE OF RULE.
AVE I a great esteem and love for our holy Rules
and am I sincerely disposed to be faithful to them?
Do I neglect the minor observances; or have I the same love
for all? Do I fail in them through human respect? Do
I practise those that are painful in a spirit of mortification,
or do I try to dispense myself from them, when I can do
it without being observed? Am I exact in all the exercises
of the Community, and do I, at the first sound of the bell,
leave what I have in hand to answer its call? Have I some
attachment to particular devotions, rather than for general
observances ? Have I the necessary zeal for the maintenance
of regularity, and do I give bad example by my frequent
violations of Rule? Am I faithful in following the customs
of the Community, although not marked down in the Rules;
and have I been disposed to seek some relaxation therein,
by unnecessary innovation or dispensations?
ON CHARITY.
IS charity my favorite virtue as it was that of my divine
Master? Do I study to maintain it among the Sisters?
Do I study in conversation, manners, and conduct to avoid
*84
Bona Mors Devo/wns.
whatever mighi. m the least disturb charity? Am I solicit-
ous to repair the smallest offence by asking pardon; and
when others ask pardon of me, do I grant it immediately,
without contention or reserve? Am I always willing to
assist and help my Sisters, and do I bear with patience their
defects, weaknesses, and imperfections ? Do I ever dispute ?
Do I ever speak of the faults of the Sisters ? Do I carefully
avoid ail suspicious and rash judgment — all jealousy and
envy ?
Do I sincerely love all my Sisters? Have I too marked
a predilection for some particular Sister, which causes an
attachment in my heart; and do I manifest it in a manner
that does not edify? Am I obliging and accommodating
equally to all, when an opportunity offers to render a
service? Do I blame inconsiderately? Do I disapprove
too easily? Do I show some repugnance to any Sister?
Do I murmur? Do I detract? Do I point out the faults
of Sisters ? Do I exaggerate them ? Do I make complaints
imprudently ?
ON HUMILITY.
*J W*M I particularly attentive to the practice of humility ?
" Learn of Me," says Jesus, * 4 because I am meek
and humble of Heart."
Have I kept silence in regard to those matters which might
gain me applause? Have I suppressed what might gain
esteem for others, especially respecting the practice of virtue ?
Have I received humiliation with submission and meekness,
with the conviction that I merited to be humbled, forgotten,
and despised? Have I submitted to others in the spirit of
humility, or have I depended too much on my own prudence ?
Have I obstinately tried to carry out my own views? Have
1 acted with the view of attracting the esteem and applause
•of others? Have I better fulfilled my duty, or affected to
appear more pious, when seen, than when not observed by
any one? Was I not more eager for those things which
might gain applause, than what would pass unobserved?
Have I, when praised, experienced satisfaction in it? Have
1 spoken to my own advantage, or, when others praised
me, did I artfully continue the conversation? Did I think
myself better than others, and did I dwell with complaisance
Bona Mors Devotions.
885
on myself, my talents, my natural qualities, or my supposed
spiritual excellencies ? In preferring myself to others, did I
condemn or despise them in my heart? Have I spoken
too much of myself, or, in depreciating myself, have I
intended to draw on myself the praise of others, or to pass
for one that is humble? Have I too much dreaded lest
my faults should be known, or have I concealed or disguised
them with too much care, lest I should be corrected or put
in penance? When corrected, did I excuse myself, and
give frivolous reasons, in place of candidly admitting my
faults? In place of profiting by a reprehension, have I
thrown the blame on others? Have I taken correction
in bad part, shown too much sensibility, murmured, or
attributed unkind « motives to her who made it ? Did I,
on receiving a penance, make resistance, or submit to it
with bad grace, even by looks or by murmuring? Have I
answered with too much forwardness the Superior, my
elders, or those whom I should respect; and have I spoken
with pride to my equals or juniors? Has self-esteem made
me look for special attention; have I felt jealous at others
being preferred to me?
ON OCCUPATIONS.
■ AVE I shown a repugnance for an employment, and
«-■— * sought that which was more in accordance with
my fancy, or avoided that which was contrary to it? Have
I tried to acquit myself of my charge and my duties in the
sight of God, with care, exactness, and fidelity, for th^ greater
advantage of the Community, to the satisfaction of my
Superiors, and for the consolation of the Sisters? Have I
too easily complained of an employment because it was
fatiguing, or because it left me no time for my private devo-
tions? And have I preferred these private devotions to
duties of obligation ? Have I acted in harmony with the
companion I have had in the same office; and have I had
for her the respect due to her, if my elder; or have I exer-
cised the proper meekness and charity toward her, if my
junior? Have I not put her virtue to the test by my caprices,
my impatience, my want of condescension, and have I not
even left the most difficult share of the employment to her,
in order to avoid trouble?
8*6
Bo?ia Mors Devotions,
ON THE VOW OF OBEDIENCE.
*y^O I continually bear in mind that by my vow 01 obedience
JLJ I have for ever resigned my will to the direction of my
Superior? Do I obey her as holding her authority from
God? Do I comply without hesitation with all the direc-
tions of my Superior, whether in matters of great or little
moment, agreeable or disagreeable? Do I ever murmur?
Do I absent myself from the common exercises without leave ?
Do I obey the call of the bell as the voice of God and go
quickly and joyfully to the Community exercises? What
has been my obedience, interior and exterior, to the Rule,
the Constitutions, and the customs of the house? Have
I brought to each action its appropriate spirit? Have I
observed the holy Rules through love, and have I done
nothing through constraint? Have I been subject to all
my Superiors alike for the love of God ? Have I fulfilled, not
only the orders, but also the desires of my Superiors? Have
I obeyed carefully, without forgetting anything? Promptly,
without delay or putting off? Simply, without disccurse
or argument? Faithfully, embracing the command in its
full extent, and not in part only? Frankly, and cordially,
without murmur or excuse? What has been my obedience
writh regard to those over me in office, to my infirmarian,
and to the doctor in times of illness? Have I sought my
own satisfaction in my obedience? Am I thoroughly con-
vinced that the essence of the religious state consists in
obedience, based on the love of God, and has my obedience
been full and perfect, purely for God alone? Have I made
strong objections, excuses or urgent and persistent petitions
to avoid an order or a charge? Have I commented in a
frivolous, churlish, or disrespectful manner upon the orders
of my Superiors or have I ridiculed them? Have I obeyed
from a supernatural motive, without secondary intentions,
such as self-interest or personal affection and esteem for
my Superiors? Did I show myself vexed and dejected
on receiving orders contrary to my tastes and inclinations?
Have I interfered with the affairs of others, and by so doing
disturbed the order of the house? Am I in the habit of
renouncing my own will and judgment, and of bringing
them into conformity with those of my Superiors? Do I
Bona Mors Devotions.
88?
3bey as willingly, when I imagine I see imperfections in
my Superiors? Are my Superiors obliged to treat me with
care, and use words with nice discrimination in order to
induce me to be obedient? Do I submit equally in that
which pleases me, as in that which does not — in what is
tiresome and inconvenient, as in that which delights me?
Am I indifferent as regards work or rest? Silence or con-
versation? Consolations or privations? Have I done
anything without permission? Have I asked for leave in
vague terms, in obscure expressions, as though I were afraid
of being understood? Have I returned persistently to the
charge, and thus extorted a permission which my Superiors
were unwilling to grant me? (In general, a good Religious
requires few permissions besides those for which the Rule
authorizes her to ask.) Have I taken general permissions,
which, as a rule, -diminish fervor and nourish self-love?
Have I in any way exceeded the permissions received as
regards time, place, or circumstances? Each time that
I have asked a permission, have I been prepared to receive
a refusal with calmness and humility? How have I followed
the counsel of the apostle, to submit myself to all creatures
for the love of God?
IN IMITATION OF JESUS CHRIST.
AVE I imitated the obedience of Jesus in His hidden
life at Nazareth? Can it be said of me: "During
the whole of her life she has been subject"? Have I always
done, not as I knew, but as I was told? Have I imitated
Jesus in His agony in the garden, by receiving with sub-
mission every kind of interior suffering? Have I sought
for consolation from all with whom I came in contact?
Have I imitated Our Lord on Calvary? Have I delivered
myself up generously to be contradicted, humbled, and
crucified? Am I ready to give my very life for obedience,
after the example of Pere Lefevre, who said, "It is not neces-
sary to live, but it is necessary to obey"?
ON THE VOW OF CHASTITY.
^TvO I esteem nothing more precious than this heavenly
«-LJ gift; and do I place that strict guard upon my senses
prescribed by my Rule, lest the enemy should penetrate
888
Bona Mors Devotions.
through these avenues and tarnish the purity of my soul?
Have I always considered my body as the temple of the
Holy Spirit? Do I hold it in honor? Am I careful to
observe due modesty while dressing and undressing? Do
I allow myself too much freedom when alone? Do I give
too much liberty to my eyes? Have I cast curious or cul-
pable glances on dangerous objects, or on such objects
which, although indifferent in themselves, have nevertheless
made a bad impression upon me on former occasions?
When in the parlor, have I observed religious gravity,
modesty, and humility? When God has permitted that I
should be exercised with regard to this virtue, have I been
humble, distrustful of myself, and with the fullest con-
fidence in God, have I sought for help at once from Him?
"Watch and pray, that you fall not into temptation. " Have
I been careful in fighting all too natural affections? Have
I cultivated particular friendships? Have I given way
to laziness, or sought my ease and comfort too much in
my manner of lying and sitting and leaning against sup-
ports ? How have I observed exterior order and cleanliness ?
Am I temperate and polite at table? Have I given too
much care to my exterior? Do I pray every day for the
virtue of purity ? Do I live and breathe only for my celestial
Spouse? Have I immolated the remembrances of the
world, the legitimate love of my family, of my friends, etc. ?
Have I been unable to do without the tender affection of
my Superior or mistress? Have I not sought to be pre-
ferred before my companions? Have I not been troubled
and preoccupied when I imagined myself to be less loved?
Have I had frequent recourse to my Superiors, not in order
to receive good and useful counsel from them, but to find
satisfaction in an affection with regard to which I was all
the more reassured, because the object seemed to me the
more holy? Am I too much inclined to sentimentality in
my spiritual exercises? And to the practice of favorite
devotions? Has my love for God been so disinterested
and energetic that it has known the secret of self-immolation
for His glory, the salvation of souls, and my own perfection ?
Have I easily condoned that tenderness in myself, which seeks
only the consolations of God, and will not put up with
the slightest interior aridity or suffering? Have I brought
Bona Mors Devotions.
889
myself to act with the same vigor, the same devotedness,
the same evenness of mind, in days of darkness and
hours of agony, as in days of serenity and consolation?
Have I known how to appreciate the happiness of total
self-abnegation, in which sentiment and enjoyment have
no part: and which requires, on the part of the soul, an
entire donation; and on the part of God, a perfect liberty
and freedom of acting in her, unhindered by self-love? Am
I ready to make any sacrifice in order to render my heart
more worthy of that of a spouse of Jesus, tearing from it
without pity every thing which is in any way contrary to
His perfect dominion?
Yes, O my God, I love Thee and Thee alone; I love
Thee purely for Thyself, and not for Thy gifts.
"One only heart, one only love, for one God alone. "
ON THE VOW OF POVERTY.
IN what esteem do I hold poverty? How do I observe
my vow of poverty? Do I look upon poverty as one
of the most important means of perfection, as the mother
and guardian of virtues? Do I revolve in my mind how
tenderly Jesus Christ cherished holy poverty, and am I
endeavoring to keep myself perfectly disengaged from the
things of this world? Am I contented with the food and
raiment allowed me? Do I possess anything superfluous?
Do I look upon anything as my own? Is there anything
allowed to my use which I would find it difficult or painful
to resign? Do I consider myself happy in being called to
a state of utter poverty? Am I truly pleased to feel its
effects in lodging, food, clothing, sickness? Do I trust
implicitly in God, and have I no fear of poverty? Am I
happy when that which is old and worn is given to me for
my use? What are my dispositions with regard to a change
of house, of office, of cell, etc. ? Am I without any preference
for anything which may fall to me? Do I waste my time,
which is so precious? Have I received or given something
without permission? Have I allowed anything to be wrasted
or spoiled? Do I take care of the things given me for my
use, remembering that they are the property of the Church,
and of Jesus Christ Himself? When in office have I given
890
Bona Mors Devotions.
better things to some than to others, without the consent
or contrary to the will of the Superior ? Do I try to be really
poor in spirit? Is my heart free from all attachment to
the things which are given to me for my use? Should I
feel annoyed if the Superiors were to take from me a book,
an employment, a room, a habit, etc.? Have I nothing
superfluous, no comforts which are not conformable to
the religious state? Do I strive to obtain for myself what
is most beautiful, most easy, most comfortable? Am I
vexed and impatient when I feel the effects of holy poverty,
forgetting what St. Philip Neri said: " Whoever attaches
himself to the things of this world, can not sanctify him-
self " ? Do I ask for exemptions without necessity from the
general manner of living? In my illnesses, do I make
exactions for having doctors, medicines, and services, accord-
ing to my fancy? What is my interior poverty? Is my
heart empty of all? What profit do I derive from spiritual
poverty? How do I follow in the footsteps of Our Lord,
by the practice of holy poverty? Oh! if we would be per-
fect, let us make the sacrifice of all which remains in our
possession, of all that we are and have, and we shall have
"treasure in heaven" (Matt. xix. 20, 21).
ON CONSTANCY IN VIRTUE AND PERSEVERANCE.
*Tp^ AVE I been changeable in my conduct, to-day under-
r*-£ taking many things, and to-morrow abandoning
everything in discouragement? Have I been guided by
caprice in the practice of virtue, rather than by the Spirit
of God and the direction of confessors and Superiors ? Have
I contented myself with an inferior degree of virtue, without
aspiring to constant advancement in perfection? Have I
not aimed at my perfection with a painful and scrupulous
anxiety, which troubled and discouraged me, instead of
laboring at it with fidelity, patience, and confidence in God?
Do I often recall to mind my promise of perseverance,
and, not merely looking on it as a vow to wear the habit
until death, do I endeavor to advance perseveringly and
steadily in the perfection of my state? It will avail me
nothing to die a Religious if I have not lived as a true
Religious; and I may tremble with St. Paul, lest, whilst I
Bona Mors Devotions e 891
instruct others unto justice, I myself may become an out-
cast. True, they that instruct others unto justice shall
shine like stars for all eternity; but I must not forget that
my own soul is my first interest, my best treasure, my chief
care, and in vain will be all my efforts for others, if I do
not cultivate in it the kingdom of God. In vain shall I
have persevered in wearing the habit, if it be not exchanged
for a robe of glory hereafter; in vain shall I have vowed to
serve Him until death, if I serve Him not in spirit, and in
truth. "He that persevereth to the end, shall be saved."
"No man putting his hand to the plough, and looking back,
is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke ix. 62.)
Kteftections.
HAT is death? A complete separation of the soul
from the body — they must part after long years
of close union.
2 . What will become of my body after death ? ' ' Remember,
man, that thou art dust, and unto oust thou shalt return."
3. What will become of my soul at death? Oh! what
will become of my soul? I know not; all is shrouded in
impenetrable mystery — I have expired, the voice of prayer
has sunk into silence — whilst it was yet whispering over
my body my soul had been judged. Oh! what has become
of it? No one knows but God and my own soul.
4. I shall be judged — where? In that room, before the
Sisters think I have breathed my last. A fear shall come
upon them, for beside them is the tribunal, the Judge, the
accusers, the accused ; in an instant the fate of one they have
known is sealed for eternity: she is gone, they know not
whither.
5. I shall be judged — by whom? The living and eternal
God — the great, the just, the equitable Judge! a Judge of
justice, no longer merciful; to Him I must render an account
of thoughts long forgotten, of words lightly spoken, but
faithfully registered by the accusing spirit — words perhaps
sinful and unatoned for — works imperfect, and shrinking
from the all-seeing, all-enlightening light of the Eternal
eye — omissions of duty — graces neglected — inspirations de-
spised. Oh! what an awful judgment, what an awful
moment even for the good, for who shall be found pure
in the light of purity itself? What a judgment — what a
moment for the imperfect Religious? Her soul suddenly
892
Bona Mors Devotions.
enlightened by the brilliant rays of eternity, embraces in a
single glance the whole extent of her obligations, the entire
series of graces which she has received, all the circum-
stances attendant on her infidelities.
6. Religious have been lost — shall I be lost ? Shall I hear
from the lips of my Judge : Go, ye accursed, into everlasting
fire ; that is to say, all our bonds of union are now dissolved !
go far from Me, strayed sheep, I am no longer thy Shep-
herd: go far from Me, faithless spouse, I am no longer thine:
go far from Me, unnatural child, I am no longer thy Father ;
go, for all eternity! Alas, my God! shall this be my sen-
tence— the sentence of her whom Thou hast chosen from
amongst thousands, and called to be Thy spouse, and to
stand with the Lamb upon Mount Sion, and to be of the
one hundred and forty-four thousand having His name
and the name of His Father written on their foreheads?
7. I can be a saint. How? "Abide in Me," saith Our
Lord; "I son the vine, you the branches: he that abideth
in Me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit : for with-
out Me you can do nothing." Confiding, then, in Thee, O
my God, if I use the plenteous means afforded for sancti-
fication, I can be a saint — a saint for all eternity, for ever
with the saints, where God Himself shall be my God, and
shall wipe away the tears from mine eyes, and death shall
be no more, nor mourning; nor crying, nor sorrow, for the
former things have passed away. Eye hath not seen, nor
ear heard, nor hath it entered the heart of man, what
things God hath prepared for them that love Him. Then,
O my soul, serve Him here, and He and His angels shall
minister unto you hereafter ; live for Him in time, that you
may live and reign with Him for all eternity.
Fidelity the Means of Perseverance.
BIDEUTY in the daily routine of life, as well as on
great occasions, is the secret of attaining to sanctity
Our sanctification through Jesus Christ is an edifice formed
of grains of sand and drops of watei — a glance mortified:
a word, an ill-timed smile suppressed; a sentence inter-
rupted ; a recollection stifled ; a cherished letter read rapidly,
and not read again; a little impulse of nature courageously
checked; an importunity, an annoyance gently endured;
sarcasm, a feeling of peevishness immediately suppressed;
a useless expense curtailed; a shade of sadness quietly
dispelled; a too natural joy moderated, by a thought of
the God Who dwells in our heart ; a repugnance sur-
mounted ; in a word, nothings, trifles imperceptible to human
Bona Mors Devotions.
893
eyes, but admirably visible to the penetrating eye of Jesus.
Behold what we must attend to! These are the very little
and very great fidelities which bring down into the soul
torrents of graces, supernatural lights, sweetness, a lasting
and profound peace, a heavenly serenity of soul, and wiiat
we may term the familiar caresses of our divine Lord.
Lord Jesus! give me this fidelity which alone can unite
me most intimately with Thee, and make me holy even as
Thou art holy. Amen.
"0 that men were wise, and would consider their latter
end! " (Deut. xxxii. 29.)
Eternity Draws Near!
TOU must die; be always prepared.
You may die when you least think of it.
You will die, and the moment of death will decide your lot
for Eternity.
Consider, meditate, ponder well that terrible word — Eternity.
O Eternity, which alone deserves our care and solicitude!
O Eternity, which alone is neglected and forgotten by the
generality of mankind!
Who will give to mine eyes a fountain of tears that I may
weep over this forgetfulness of Eternity?
O Eternity, who shall measure thy depth; who shall sound
thy boundless abyss?
Millions and millions of ages are nothing, when compared
with Eternity !
After millions and millions of years there will still remain a
never-ending Eternity.
Everything else passes away; but Eternity never passes
away.
Happy the just, who shall reign with God during* a whole
Eternity.
Woe to unhappy sinners ! if they die in mortal sin they shall
suffer for all Eternity.
Yes, my soul, after this short life thou must live for ever
either in a state of endless happiness or of endless misery.
Thou art now suspended between these two Eternities; one
or the other must be thy final lot.
Canst thou hesitate to choose between an Eternity of happi-
ness or an Eternity of misery?
What then wilt thou do?
Think of death, which is the gate to Eternity.
Think of judgment, which is to decide thy lot for Eternity.
Think of hell, which is the abode of a miserable Eternity.
8o4
Bona Mors Devotions.
Think of heaven, which is the habitation of a happy Eternity,
Continually labor to secure the all-important concern of
Eternity.
Repent, watch, pray, suffer patiently all the evils of this lift,
and strive courageously for a happy Eternity.
0 Lord, spare me not in time, provided Thou spare me for
Eternity.
Prayer.
/T)Y God, I have cited myself before the tribunal of my
r*'^> own conscience — and what do I read there ? O woe
to me, miserable wretch that I am, my sins are multiplied
beyond number! Oh, who will have pity on me, and hide
me from the wrath of my offended God! Shall I dare to
hope for pardon, or shall I fly from Thee into the dark abyss
of despair ? No, Lord ; for hast Thou not said : " In what day
soever the sinner shall call upon Me, I will hear him: and
though his sins were as red as scarlet, I will make them whiter
than snow." Oh! in the clefts of the rock I will hide myself —
in the wounds of my Jesus I will bury myself ; for who hath
ever hoped in Him, and was then confounded? Hear me
now, and pardon me for His sake. Art Thou not my Father,
in very truth a Father of mercy? What then shall I do,
but cast myself at Thy feet, and humbly crave Thy mercy?
Behold! I come to Thee blind: Thou canst give me sight.
1 come to Thee dead: Thou canst give me life. Convert
me unto Thee — renew my spirit — enlighten my under-
standing— direct and conform my will — restore unto me the
joy of my salvation — convert me, and I shall be converted —
and though I have multiplied my evil ways, I shall still
hope in Thee, that, through the merits of my Lord Jesus
Christ, Thou wilt have mercy on me. Sprinkle me with
hyssop (the precious blood of Jesus), and I shall be made
whiter fhan snow. O Jesus! be Thou my help and my
protection, and say to my soul, "I am thy salvation." I
hope, even in spite of my manifold offences, I hope, by Thy
merits, for nothing less than to be Thine, all Thine, with
Thee in paradise for ever.
O Mary, Blessed Virgin, Mother of God, and my own
dear Mother, pray to Jesus for me, that I may be faithful,
that I may find salvation.
Here make resolutions of serving God during this life, and
promise to do something for Him in return for His mercies to
you: propose to conquer at least one difficulty, or to practice,
on certain occasions, some virtue; place your resolutions in the
Sacred Heart of Jesus present in the tabernacle: should you
Bona Mors Devotions*
895
break them, pay a special visit to Jesus on the throne oi
His love, to ask His pardon, and again renew them. Make a
short compact with Our Lord, that everything you do during
this month is to be an act of some virtue, especially such and
such actions.
Make compacts also with the ever-blessed Virgin, your guardian
angel, and patron saint.
The Rights of a Religious,
ELIGIOUS having an essential duty incumbent upon
them of tending toward perfection have, consequently,
in all the rigor of justice, an unquestionable right to all the
means that their Constitutions afford them for attaining
this end. These are the real rights to which they should
cling and to which they can lay claim. It is the duty of
Superiors to assure them of their full, constant, and per-
fect enjoyment. Now, here are some of the rights which
their Constitutions secure them.
1. A Religious has a right to humiliations.
2. A Religious has a right to be reprimanded by her Su-
periors.
3. A Religious has a right that her Superior exact her
entire submission without giving her the motive of her
command.
4. A Religious has a right that the Superior dispose of
her time and of her work.
5. A Religious has a right that the Superior dispose of
objects she gave her permission to use.
6. A Religious has a right to be disposed to accept re-
fusals on the part of the Superior.
7. A Religious has a right to suffer the effects of poverty.
8. A Religious has a right to fraternal correction.
9. A Religious has a right to continual mortification in
all things.
10. A Religious has a right to be despised and treated as
the last of all the Sisters.
11. A Religious has a right to works the most humbling
and repugnant to nature.
12. A Religious has a right to serve her Sisters.
13. A Religious has a right that others be preferred to
her.
14. A Religious has a right to the last place.
15. A Religious has a right to be looked upon and to be
treated as a useless servant in the house.
16. A Religious has a right to receive all kinds of public
penances, even for faults of which she is not guilty.
896
Bona Mors Devotions.
17. A Religious has a right to rejoice when treated as a
fool.
18. A Religious has a right to be the crucified spouse of
Jesus crucified.
19. And if, by her conduct, a Religious derives profit
from her rights, she will have the right to live and to reign
eternally with
Jesus Crucified.
THE RELIGIOUS WHO WILL NEVER BE PERFECT IS:
^fHE who excuses herself.
She who murmurs and finds fault with everything.
She who complains of the food.
She who ridicules others.
She who is indifferent about little things.
She who evades the vigilance of her Superiors.
Two things of which one must never complain: clothes or
food.
Two prayers which one should frequently repeat: My
God, let me be neither curious nor talkative.
Two actions for which one must be always ready: to com-
municate, to die.
'tis WELL.
IS well with clear intelligence to see
V!J That he who says, "I, Lord, will follow Thee,'
Says in effect, "I, Lord, will humble be!"
Then of supremest import 'tis to know:
Humility, wherefrom all graces flow,
Without humiliations ne'er can grow.
As, then, humiliations are the rod
To perfect those by whom the path is trod
That leads thro' earthly trials up to God,
Who that is prudent will not welcome scorn,
And joy to see in shreds his honor torn,
If Christ may only thus in him be born?
A PRAYER FOR RETREAT.
" Domine, ut Videam/"
*TJ*PART into a desert place
e*^*-« My God, Thou leadest me;
And here I ask one only grace:
O Lord, that I may see!
Nature and earth soft vapors raise,
That dim my inward sight,
Oh, scatter that deceitful haze,
And let me see aright!
Bona Mors Devotions.
897
It may be pain, it may be shame,
Deep anguish it may be;
Yet, shall my prayer be still the same,
O Lord, that I may see!
Show me Thy law, those precepts wise
My every step should guide;
Then let me view with clearest eyes
My practice side by side.
Show me my vows, - and let me long
That triple bond survey,
To see that every link is strong,
And strengthening day by day.
Show me my duties, one by one;
Unshrinking let me see
What was omitted, and what done
For other end than Thee.
Show me myself without disguise,
As clearly, I entreat,
As when death's hand shall ope my eyes
Before Thy judgment-seat !
But, dearest Lord, my weakness pleads,
Let not Thy light stop there;
The vision of my own misdeeds
Were else too hard to bear;
Show me Thyself, Thy tender Heart
In all its love display,
One ray of heavenly light impart
To chase earth's glare away:
The truths of faith, the joys of love,
And virtue's solid bliss,
The glories of the world above,
The hollowness of this;
The sweetness of Thy service, Lord,
The honor and the joy,
Oh! how could anything be hard
In such a proud employ!
All this, and many a lesson more,
Make clear and plain to me;
Oh, I entreat Thee, o'er and o'er,
"My God, that I may see!"
Persevere.
I^ERSEVERE in thoroughly conquering yourself in the small
/-■ — daily contradictions you receive. Make the bulk of your
desires about this; know that God wishes nothing from you at
present save that. Busy not yourself, then, in doing anything
SgS
Bona Mors Devotions.
else; do not sow your desires in another's garden, but cultivate
well your own. Do not desire not to be what you are, but desire
to be very well what you are. Be faithful in little things; per-
fect yourself in your present circumstances, and bear the crosses,
little or great, you will surely maet in the daily routine of your
duties.
% JBona /iBors TLltmv, anfc ©tber ipragers for a
Ibappg Deatb*
*r— ' ORD, have mercy on us.
f 1 A Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary,
All ye holy angels and archangels,
Holy Abraham,
St. John the Baptist,
St. Joseph,
All ye holy patriarchs and prophets,
St. Peter,
St. Paul,
St. Andrew,
St. John,
St. Jude,
All ye holy apostles and evangelists,
All ye holy disciples of Our Lord,
All ye holy innocents,
St. Stephen,
St. Lawrence,
All ye holy martyrs,
St. Sylvester,
St. Gregory,
St. Augustine,
St. Basil,
St. Ambrose, *
Bona Mors Devotions*
St. Francis de Sales,
St. Vincent de Paul,
St. Aloysius,
St. Stanislaus,
All ye holy bishops and confessors^
St. Benedict,
St. Dominic,
St. Francis of Assisi,
St. Ignatius,
St. Philip Neri,
St. Camillus de Lellis,
St. John of God,
All ye holy monks, hermits, and founders of Religious
Orders,
St. Mary Magdalene,
St. Lucy,
St. Scholastica,
St. Teresa,
St. Catharine,
St. Clara,
St. Ursula,
St. Angela Merici,
St. Jane Frances de Chantal,
St. Barbara,
All ye holy virgins and widows,
All ye saints of God, intercede for us.
Be merciful unto us. Spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful unto us. Hear us, O Lord.
From Thine anger,
From the peril of death,
From an evil death,
From the pains of hell,
From all evil,
From the power of the devil,
By Thy nativity,
By Thy cross and Passion,
By Thy death and burial,
By Thy glorious Resurrection,
By the grace of the Holy Ghost the Comforter,
In the day of judgment,
We sinners, beseech Thee, hear us.
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Bona Mors Devotions,
That Thou wouldst spare us.
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to bring us unto true re- $ ?
pentance, I §- ST
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to grant eternal rest to § §
all the faithful departed, J § ?
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
ViJ r'E beseech Thy clemency, O Lord, that Thou wouldst
vJlA* vouchsafe so to strengthen Thy servants in Thy
grace, that, at the hour of death, the enemy may not pre-
vail over us, and that we may deserve to pass with Thy angels
into everlasting life.
Almighty and most gracious God, Who, for Thy thirsting
people, didst bring forth from the rock a stream of living
water, draw forth from the hardness of our hearts tears
of compunction, that we may bewail our sins, and receive
forgiveness of them from Thy mercy.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Redeemer of the world, behold us
prostrate at Thy feet. With our whole heart we detest
our sins of thought, word, and deed, and because we love
Thee, and will love Thee above all created things, we stead-
fastly purpose, by the help of Thy grace, never more to
offend Thee, and rather to die than to commit one mortal
sin. Amen.
O Jesus, Who, during Thy prayer to the Father in the
garden, wast so filled with sorrow and anguish that there
came forth from Thee a bloody sweat; have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast betrayed by the kiss of a traitor into
the hands of the wicked, seized and bound like a thief, and
forsaken by Thy disciples; have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who, by the unjust council of the Jews, was
sentenced to death, led like a malefactor before Pilate,
scorned and derided by impious Herod; have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast stripped of Thy garments, and most
cruelly scourged at the pillar; have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast crowned with thorns, buffeted, struck
Let us pray.
Bona Mors Devotions.
901
with a reed, blindfolded, clothed with a purple garment,
in many ways derided, and overwhelmed with reproaches;
have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast less esteemed than the murderer
Barabbas, rejected by the Jews, and unjustly condemned
to the death of the cross; have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast loaded with a cross, and led to the
place of execution as a lamb to the slaughter; have mercy
on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast numbered among thieves, blasphemed,
and derided, made to drink of gall and vinegar, and cruci-
fied in dreadful torment from the sixth to the ninth hour;
have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who didst expire on the cross, Who wast pierced
with a lance in presence of Thy holy Mother, and from
Whose side poured forth blood and water; have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast taken down from the cross, and bathed
in *he tears of Thy most sorrowing Virgin Mother; have
mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast covered with bruises, marked with the
five wounds, embalmed vvith spices, and laid in the sepulcher;
have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord; have mercy on us.
V. He hath truly borne our sorrows.
R. And He hath carried our griefs.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who, for the redemption of the world, didst
deign to be born, to be circumcised, to be rejected
by the Jews, and betrayed by Judas with a kiss; to be bound
with fetters, and led like an innocent lamb to the slaughter;
to be ignominiously brought before Annas, Caiphas, Pilate,
and Herod; to be accused by false witnesses, to be scourged,
buffeted, and reviled; to be spit upon, to be crowned with
thorns, and struck with a reed; to be blindfolded, to be
©tripped of Thy garments, to be nailed to a cross and raised
902
Bona Mors Devotions.
thereon; to be numbered among thieves, to be made tu
drink of gall and vinegar, and to be pierced with a lance:
do Thou, O Lord, by these Thy most holy sufferings, which
we Thy servants, commemorate, and by Thy most holy
cross and death, deliver us from the pains of hell, and con-
duct us, as Thou didst conduct the penitent thief, into Thy
paradise. Who liveth and reigneth, world without end.
Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, we adore the sacred wound of Thy
left foot. We thank Thee for the pain which Thou didst
endure with so much love and charity. We condole with
Thee in Thy sufferings, and with Thy afflicted Mother.
We humbly beg pardon for our sins, which we deplore
beyond all imaginable evils. Vouchsafe to convert all sin-
ners, and to make them understand the enormity of mortal sin.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
O Lord Jesus Christ, we adore the sacred wound of Thy
right foot. We thank Thee for the pain which Thou didst
endure with so much love and charity. We condole with
Thee in Thy sufferings, and with Thy afflicted Mother,
Grant us strength against all temptations, and prompt
obedience in the execution of Thy holy will. Comfort,
O Jesus, the poor, the miserable, the afflicted, and all who
are tempted or persecuted. Most just Judge, govern those
who administer justice, and assist all those who labor in
the care of souls.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
O Lord Jesus Christ, we adore the sacred wound of Thy
left hand. We thank Thee for the pain which Thou didst
endure with so much love and charity. We condole with
Thee in Thy sufferings, and with Thy afflicted Mother.
Preserve us from the pains of hell; grant us patience in
all the trials of this life, and conformity in all things to Thy
blessed will. Pardon all our enemies, and all those who
bear ill-will against us. Grant patience to the sick, and
restore them to health; support with Thy assisting grace
all who are in their agony, that they may not perish.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us
Bona Mors Devotions.
9°3
O Lord Jesus Christ, we adore the sacred wound of Thy
nght hand. We thank Thee for the pain which Thou
didst endure with so much love and charity. We condole
with Thee in Thy sufferings, and with Thy afflicted Mother,
Grant us a resolute will to seek those things which concern
our salvation, and the grace of final perseverance. Grant
likewise, O Jesus, peace and relief to the souls in purgatory,
and daily advance toward perfection Thy holy servants
in this world, more especially those who are of this Con-
fraternity.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us,
O Lord Jesus Christ, we adore the sacred wound in Thy
blessed side. We thank Thee for the infinite love manifested
toward us at the opening of Thy Sacred Heart. Grant us
a pure and perfect charity, that loving all things for Thy
sake, and Thee above all things, we may breathe our last
in the purest sentiments of divine love. Protect Thy holy
Catholic Church, direct Thy governing Vicar upon earth,
dl ecclesiastical Orders, and all pious persons who are in-
strumental in the conversion of souls. Preserve in Thy
holy service all Christian kings and princes. Bring back
into the way of salvation all these who have gone astray,
whether through malice or ignorance; and bring under Thy
sacred yoke all infidels, heretics, and enemies of Thy holy
name.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
Let us pray.
OLORD Jesus Christ, by those five wounds which Thy
love for us inflicted on Thee, succor Thy servants
whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious blood. Amen.
Most merciful Reedemer! we humbly beseech Thee,
by Thy unheard-of torments, and by the grief Thou didst
suffer when Thy soul was separated from Thy body, to secure
for us eternal salvation, and to console us at the hour of
our death, as Thou didst console the penitent thief, with
the thought that we are certain to be with Thee in paradise.
Amen.
O merciful Redeemer, and God of infinite patience!
great is our confusion when we appear in Thy divine presence.
504 Bona Mors Devotions.
We abhor all our sins of thought, word, and deed, not
merely for the fear of punishment, or for the hope of reward,
but for Thy sake, and because Thou dost infinitely detest
them. O God of majesty and mercy! look upon the sacred
marks in Thy hands, feet, and side, which Thou dost still
retain in Thy glorified body, that they may plead in our
behalf. Strengthen our weakness, confirm our resolution
of never more offending Thee; rather let us lose everything,
even life itself, than lose Thy favor by mortal sin. Oh, Saviour
of perishing mankind, Who openest Thy hand and fillest
even' creature with benediction, give us now such a blessing
as, when ascending in triumph from the Mountain of Olives,
Thou didst bestow on Thy beloved disciples, that we may
live and die in these happy dispositions. Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE FAITHFUL IX THEIR AGONY.
OMOST merciful Jesus, Lover of souls: I pray Thee,
by the agony of Thy most Sacred Heart, and by the
sorrows of Thy immaculate Mother, cleanse in Thine own
blood the sinners of the whole world who are now in their
agony and to die to-day. Amen.
Heart of Jesus, once in agony, pity the dying.
Bevotions for tbe Sick, an& tbe Xaat lpragers,
TIME OF SICKNESS.
VISITATION of sickness gives an opportunity' of prac-
ticing patience, humility, and resignation to God's holy
will. We may acquire much merit by accepting and bearing
sickness with proper dispositions. We ought to be on our guard
lest our spiritual enemies lead us to commit such faults as mur
muring, repining, impatience, petulance, selfishness, unkindness
and unreasonableness: thus causing us tu lose much if not all,
of the merit which we might otherwise gain.
During our sickness we should frequently make acts of faith,
hope, charity, and contrition; also acts of humility, resignation,
thanksgiving, and union with Our Lord, and pray for the graces
necessary to bear our sickness for God's glory and our own sanc-
tification. The prayers of the "Bona Mors," might be used.
In the "Imitation of Christ" may be found some chapters
especially instructive and useful for the time of sickness. See
Book I., chap, xxiii.. and Book III., chaps, xlvii-xlix. While
Bona Mors I/evotions.
9°5
ihds disposing ourselves for our end, in case it should be according
to God's good pleasure to call us away, let us strive to remove
anxiety from our mind by the thought that we belong by first
title, and by every title to God, and that He will arrange all
things, both for us and for all who are dear to us, according to
His infinite wisdom, love, and goodness. Let us also, in looking
to the future, excite ourselves to fervent Christian hope. Who
loves us as God does? He will watch over and take care of
those whom He loves. "The souls of the just are in the hand
of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them" (Wisd.
iii., i).
PRAYER FOR A HAPPY DEATH.*
C\ MY Lord and Saviour, support me in my last hoi.r
by the strong arms of Thy Sacraments, and the fra-
grance of Thy consolations. Let Thy absolving words be
said over me, and the holy oil sign and seal me; and let
Thine own body be my food, and Thy blood my sprinkling,
and let Thy Mother Mary come to me, and my angel whisper
peace to me, and Thy glorious saints and my own dear
patron smile on me, that in and through them all I may die
as I desire to live, in Thy Church, in Thy faith, and in Thy
k)ve. Amen.
PRAYER IN TIME OF SUFFERING.
T""!ORD, I offer and consecrate to Thy glory, all that I
A * have ever suffered, all that I now suffer, and all that I
shall suffer until death; perfect my pains with Thy love,
and grant, O sweet Jesus, that they may be pleasing to
Thee. I shall suffer because Thou wilt have it so — Thou
Whom I love with my whole heart; therefore I desire
whatever Thou wilt I Amen.
OLORD Jesus Christ, I receive this sickness [or, this
affliction], with which Thou art pleased to visit me,
as coming from Thy fatherly hand. It is Thy will, and
therefore I submit — "Not my will, but Thine be done."
May it be to the honor of Thy holy name, and for the good
of my soul. I here offer myself with an entire submission
to all Thine appointments; to suffer whatever Thou pleasest,
as long as Thou pleasest, and in what manner Thou pleasest;
for I am a creature, O Lord, who have often and most un-
* By Cardinal Newman.
Bona Mors Devotions.
gratefully offended Thee, and whom Thou mightest justly have
visited with Thy severest punishments. Oh, let Thy justice
be tempered with mercy, and let Thy heavenly grace come
to my assistance to support me under this affliction! Con
firm my soul with strength from above, that I may bear with
true Christian patience all the uneasiness, pains, disquiets,
and troubles under which I labor; preserve me from all temp-
tations and murmuring thoughts, that in this time of affliction
I may in no way offend Thee; and grant that this and all
other earthly trials may be the means of preparing my soul
for its passage into eternity, that, being purified from all my
sins, I may believe in Thee, hope in Thee, love Thee above
all things, and finally, through Thy infinite merits, be ad-
mitted into the company of the blessed in heaven, there to
praise Thee for ever and ever. Amen.
ACT OF RESIGNATION.
*TT"jORD Jesus, Incarnate Son of God, Who for our salva
I I * tion didst will to be born in a stable, to endure poverty,
suffering, and sorrow throughout Thy life and finally to die
the bitter death of the cross, I implore Thee, in the hour of
my death, to say to Thy divine Father: O Father, forgive
him [her]! Say to Thy beloved Mother: Behold thy son — •
thy child! Say to my soul: This day shalt thou be with Me
in paradise! O my God, my God! forsake me not at that
moment! I thirst! O my God! Truly my soul is athirst
for Thee, the fountain of living water. My life has passed
away like unto smoke; yet a little, and all is consummated.
Therefore also, adorable Saviour, into Thy hands I com-
mend my spirit for all eternity. Lord Jesus, receive my
soul. Amen.
PRAYER FOR A SICK SISTER.
E most humbly beseech Thee, O almighty and most
merciful God, to bless and comfort our dear Sister
afflicted with sickness, and restore her again to health,
that she may praise and glorify Thy holy name; grant her
perfect resignation to Thy holy will, and graciously enable
her to suffer without complaining whatever Thou art pleased
to appoint. Compassionate Lord Jesus, look upon her
Bona Mors Devotions.
<Ath pity; blessed Mother of God, and all ye happy saints,
intercede for her, that her heart and desires may remain
in perfect and peaceable conformity with the will of God,
and that this trial may serve to purify her, and render her
more pleasing in His divine sight. Amen.
WHEN RECOVERY IS HOPELESS.
|TvY God, look down with mercy and pity on our dear
Sister, afflicted with sickness unto death; give her
perfect resignation to Thy divine will, and graciously enable
her to suffer, without complaining, whatever Thou art
pleased to appoint. Compassionate Lord Jesus, support
and comfort her. O blessed Mother of God, and all ye
happy saints, intercede for her, that she may gain much
merit in passing through this time of trial and be purified
thereby from the smallest stain, so that at the moment of
her departure from this vale of tears, she may enter into the
joys which God has prepared for those who love and serve
Him, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER TO BE SAID DAILY DURING THE TIME OF SICKNESS.
I f ORD, I accept this sickness from Thy hands, and en-
1 1 A tirely resign myself to Thy blessed will, whether
it be for life or death. Not my will, but Thine be done*
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Lord, I submit to all the pains and uneasiness of this
my illness; my sins have deserved infinitely more. Thou
art just, O Lord, and Thy judgment, is right.
Lord, I offer up to Thee all that I now suffer, or may
have yet to suffer, to be united to the sufferings of my Re-
deemer, and sanctified by His Passion.
I adore Thee, O my God and my all, as my first begin-
ning and last end; and I desire to pay Thee the best
homage I am able, and to bow down all the powers of my
soul to Thee.
0 Lord, I desire to praise Thee for ever, in sickness as well
as in health; I desire to join my heart and voice with the
whole Church of heaven and earth, in blessing Thee for
ever.
I give Thee thanks from the bottom of my heart for all
the mercies and blessings bestowed upon me, and Thy
whole Church, through Jesus Christ Thy Son; and above
all, for having loved me from all eternity, and redeemed me
with His precious blood. Oh, may that blood not have beer
shed for me in vain!
908
Bona Mors Devotions.
Lord, I believe all those heavenly truths which Thou hast
revealed, and which Thy holy Catholic Church believes and
teaches. Thou art the sovereign Truth, Who canst neither
deceive nor be deceived; and Thou hast promised the Spirit
of truth to guide Thy Church into all truth. In this faith
I resolve, through Thy grace, both to live and die. O
Lord, strengthen and increase this my faith.
O my God, all my hopes are in Thee; and through Jesus
Christ, my Redeemer, and through His Passion and death,
I hope for mercy, grace, and salvation from Thee. In Thee,
O Lord, have I put my trust ; O let me never be confounded 1
0 sweet Jesus, receive me into Thine arms in this day of
my distress; hide me in Thy wounds, bathe my soul in Thy
precious blood.
1 love Thee, O my God, with my whole heart and soul,
above all things; at least, I desire so to love Thee. Oh, come
now and take full possession of my whole soul, and teach
me to love Thee for ever!
I desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ.
Oh, when will Thy kingdom come ? O Lord, when wilt
Thou perfectly reign in all hearts? When shall sin be no
more?
I desire to embrace every neighbor with perfect charity
for the love of Thee. I forgive from my heart all who have
in any way offended or injured me, and ask pardon of all
whom I have in any way offended.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy ;
and according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot
out mine iniquity.
Oh, who will give water to my head, and a fountain of
tears to mine eyes, that night and day I may weep for all
my sins! Oh, that I had never sinned!
I am filled with confusion when I look back upon my life :
so little have I done to please Thee, O my God, and so of cen
have I offended Thee!
I place all my confidence in Thy boundless mercy, and
in the infinite merits of the sufferings and death of my divine
Redeemer. O Eternal Father, I offer Thee these saving
merits in full satisfaction for all my sins.
Lord, be merciful to me a sinner; sweet Jesus, Son of
the living God, have mercy on me!
I commend my soul to God my Creator, Who made me
out of nothing; to Jesus Christ my Saviour, Who redeemed
me- with His precious blood; to the Holy Ghost, Who sanc-
tified me in baptism. Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend
my spirit.
Bona Mors Devotions.
909
I renounce from this moment, and for all eternity, the
devil and all his works; and I abhor all his suggestions and
temptations. Oh, suffer not, O Lord, this mortal enemy
•of my soul to have any power over me, either now or at
my last hour. Let Thy holy angels defend me from all the
powers of darkness.
O Heart of Jesus! full of love and compassion, comfort
and console me. Help me to sanctify my sickness by patience
and resignation. Lord, remember me in Thy kingdom:
eceive my soul into Thy embraces.
Holy Mary, pray for me.
Holy Mary, Mother of mercy, do thou defend me from
*he enemy, and receive me at the hour of death.
O holy angel of God^ who art my guardian, stand by
me and assist me.
O all ye blessed angels and saints of God, pray for me, a
poor sinner.
" Litany of the Blessed Virgin," " Act of Spiritual Communion,"
''Bona Mors Litany/' " The Jesus Psalter," "The Rosary," etc.
TO MARY.
O DEAREST Lady, sweet Mother mine, watch the hour
when my departing soul will lose its hold on all earthly
things, and stand unveiled in the presence of its Creator.
Show thyself my tender Mother then, and offer to the
Eternal Father the precious blood of thy Son Jesus for my
poor soul, that it may, thus purified, be pleasing in His sight.
Plead for thy poor child at the moment of her departure
from this world, and say to the heavenly Father: Receive
her this day into Thy kingdom! Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH FOR A GOOD DEATH.
O BLESSED Joseph, who didst yield thy last breath
in the sweet embrace of Jesus and of Mary, when
death shall close my career, come, holy father, with Jesus
and Mary, to aid me, and obtain for me the only solace
which I ask at that hour, to die under their protection.
Living and dying, into your sacred hands, Jesus, Mary,
and Joseph, I commend my soul.
Bona Mors Devotions.
V"oc ©rDer ot BDmintetetmg 1bolg Communion
to tbe Sick.
The priest, on entering the sick-room with the Most Holy Sacra*
ment, says:
V.
I AX huic domui.
V.
"TJjEACE be to this
, 1' , house.
R. Et omnibus habitanti- R. And to all who dwell
Ous in ea. therein.
Then, placing the Holy Sacrament on the corporal, on a table
with lighted candles, he adores upon his knees, all present doing
likewise: after which he takes holy water, and sprinkles the
sick person and the bed on which he lies, saying:
*ZT*SPERGES, me Doming
cJrJ-i hyssopo et mundabor:
lavabis me, et super nivem
dealbabor.
Ps. Miserere mei Deus, se-
cundum magnam misericor-
diam tuam.
V. Gloria Patri, etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc
Ant. Asperges mea, etc.
V. Adjutorium nostrum in
nomine Domini.
R. Qui fecit ccelum et ter-
rain.
V. Domine, exaudi oratio-
nem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
VJJHOU shalt sprinkle me
with hyssop, O Lord,
and I shall be cleansed:
Thou shalt wash me, and I
shall be made whiter than
snow.
Ps. Have mercy on us, O
God, according to Thy great
mercy.
V. Glory be, etc.
R. As it was, etc.
Ant. Thou shalt sprinkle
me, etc.
V. Our help is in the name
of the Lord.
R. Who hath made heaven
and earth.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
*Tp^ EAR us, O holy Lord, almighty Father, eternal God,
tX-Xi and vouchsafe to send Thy holy angel from heaven
to guard, cherish, protect, visit, and defend all that are
assembled in this house. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Bona Mors Devotions.
911
He then approaches the sick, and, if necessary, hears her or his
confession, after which is said the Confiteor.
R. Confiteor Deo omnipotenti beatae Mariae semper vir-
gini beato Michaeli Archangelo beato Joanni Baptistae Sanctis
apostolis Petro et Paulo, omnibus Sanctis, et tibi Pater, quia
peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo, et opere, mea culpa, mea
culpa, mea maxima culpa. Ideo precor beatam Mariam
semper virginem, beatum Michaelum Archangelum, beatum
Joannem Baptistam, sanctos apostolus Petrum et Paulum
omnes sanctos, et te, Pater, orare pro me ad Dominum Deum
nostrum.
V. Misereatur vestri omni- V. May Almighty God be
potens Deus, et dimissis merciful unto you, and for-
peccatis vestris, per ducat vos giving you your sins, bring
ad vitam aeternam. you to life everlasting.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
V. Indulgentiam absolutio- V. May the Almighty and
nem, et remissionem pecca- most merciful Lord grant us
torum nostrorum, tribuat no- pardon, absolution, and re-
bis omnipotens et misericors mission of our sins.
Dominus.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Then, again adoring on his knees, he takes the Blessed Sacrament
from his pyx, and elevating it, he shows it to the sick person, say-
ing: Ecce Agnus Dei (Behold the Lamb of God, etc.); and re-
peating three times: Domine, non sum dignus, etc., he says:
Receive, sister [or brother], the Viaticum of Our Lord
Jesus Christ, that He may preserve thee from the malignant
enemy, and bring thee to life everlasting. Amen.
But if Communion is not given in the way of Viaticum, he pro-
nounces the usual words, Corpus Domine nostri.
The priest then washes his fingers in silence, and the ablution is
given to the sick; after which he says:
V. Dominus vobiscum. V The Lord be with you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
OHOLY Lord, almighty Father, eternal God, we
earnestly beseech Thee that the most sacred body
of Our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, which cur sister [or
our brother] hath now received, may be to Iter [or him] an
eternal remedy both of body and soul: Who liveth and reign-
eth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever
and ever. Amen.
Bona Mors Devotions.
These things done, if a particle of the Sacrament remains, he
genuflects, rises, and taking the pyx with the Blessed Sacra-
ment, he makes with it the sign of the cross over the sick person
in silence. Returning to the ohurch, he recites Psalm cxlviii,
and other psalms and hymns, as time allows, also the following:
V. Panem de coelo praesti-
tisti eis {Alleluia).
R. Omne delectamentum
in se habentem {Alleluia).
V. Domine exaudi orati-
onem meam.
R. Kt clamor meus ad te
venial: .
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Kt cum spiritu tuo.
V. Thou didst give them
bread from heaven {Alleluia).
R. Containing in itself all
sweetness {A lleluia) .
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come to
Thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirft
Let us pray.
OGOD, who under a wonderful Sacrament hast left us
a memorial of Thy Passion; grant us the grace, we
beseech Thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy
body and blood, that we may ever feel within us the fruit
of Thy redemption. Who livest, etc. Amen.
If no particle of ilie Blessed Sacrament remains, the priest blesses
the sick with his hand in the usual way.
ZTbe ©rDer of aDministedna tbe Sacrament of
JEjtreme ^Unction*
On arriving at the place where the sick person lies, the priest, with
the holy oil, entering the room, says:
V. Pax huic domui. V. Peace be to this house.
R. Kt omnibus habitanti- R. And to all who dwell
bus in ea. therein.
Then, after placing the oil on a table, being vested in a surplice
and a purple stole, he offers the sick person a crucifix to be piously
kissed; after which he sprinkles both the chamber and the by-
standers with holy water in the form of a cross, saying the As-
perges. Then he says:
V. Adjutorium nostrum in V. Our help is in the name
nomine Domini. of the Lord.
R. Qui fecit coelum et ter- R. Who hath made heaven
ram. and earth.
Bona Mors Devotions.
9*3
f. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
*T~!ET there enter, O Lord Jesus Christ, into this house ;
j ■ ^ in consideration of our humility, everlasting lelicity,
divine prosperity, serene gladness, fruitful charity, per-
petual health: let the approach of devils be deflected from
this place, let the angels of peace be present herein, and let
all malignant discord depart from this house. Magnify, O
Lord, upon us Thy holy name, and bless 4* our conversa-
tion : sanctify the beginning of our humility, who art holy
and good and abidest with the Father and the Holy Ghost
for ever and ever. Amen.
Let us pray and beseech Our Lord Jesus Christ, that
blessing He may bless 4« this tabernacle, and all who dwell
therein, and give unto them a good angel for a guardian,
and make them serve Him, that they may consider the
wonderful things of His law. May He avert from them all
adverse powers; may He deliver them from all fear and
from all disquiet, and vouchsafe to keep them in health in
this tabernacle. Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost,
liveth and reigneth God for ever and ever. Amen.
EAR us, O holy Lord, almighty Father, eternal God,
, and vouchsafe to send Thy holy angel from heaven, to
guard, cherish, protect, visit, and defend all that are assem-
bled in this house. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(These prayers, if time will not permit, may be either wholly or
in part omitted.) After which is said the Confiteor, etc. Be-
fore the priest begins to anoint the sick person, he admonishes
the bystanders to pray for her [him]; and when it is convenient
to do so, they recite for her [him] the Penitential Psalms, with
Litanies or other prayers, whilst the priest is administering
the holy unction. Then he says:
IN the name of the Father 4*, and of the Son 4*, and of
the Holy *h Ghost, may all the power of the devil be
extinguished in thee, by the imposition of our hands, and
by the invocation of all the holy angels, archangels, patriarchs,
prophets, apostles, martyrs, confessors, virgins, and all the
saints. Amen.
Let us pray.
914
Bona Mors Devotions.
Then, dipping his thumb in the holy oil, he anoints the sick
person in the form of a cross on the parts mentioned below >
applying the words oj tHe form, as follows:
On the eyes.
Through this holy unction 4* and through His most
tender mercy, may the Lord pardon thee whatever sins
thou hast committed by seeing. Amen.
After every unction he wipes the anointed parts with cotton wool.
On the ears.
Through this holy unction *i* and through His most
tender mercy, may the Lord pardon thee whatever sins thou
hast committed by hearing. Amen.
On the nostrils.
Through this holy unction *h and through His most
tender mercy, may the Lord pardon thee whatever sins thou
hast committed by smelling. Amen.
On the mouth, the lips being closed.
Through this holy unction 4* and through His most
tender mercy, may the Lord pardon thee whatever sins thou
hast committed by taste and speech. Amen.
On the hands.
Through this holy unction 4« and through His most
tender mercy, may the Lord pardon thee whatever sins thou
hast committed by touch. Amen.
On the feet.
Through this holy unction *h and through His most
tender mercy, may the Lord pardon thee whatever sins thou
hast committed by walking. Amen.
Which being done, the priest says:
Kyrie, eleison. Lord, have mercy.
Christe, eleison. Christ, have mercy.
Kyrie, eleison. Lord, have mercy.
Pater Noster, secreto. Our Father, secretly.
V. Et ne nos inducas in V. And lead us not into
tentationem. temptation.
R. Sed libera nos a malo. R. But deliver us from
evil.
Bona Mors Devotions.
V. Salvum fac servum tu-
um.
R. Deus meus, sperantem
in te
V. Mitte ei, Domine, aux-
ilium de sancto.
R. Et de Sion tuere eum.
V. Esto ei, Domine, turris
fortitudinis.
R. A facie inimici.
V. Nihil proficiat inimicus
in eo.
R. Et filius iniquitatis non
apponat nocere ei.
V. Domine, exaudi orati-
onem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat,
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
V. Save Thy servant.
R. Who hopeth in Thee, 0>
my God.
V. Send her help, O Lord,
from the sanctuary.
R. And defend her out of
Sion.
V. Be unto her, O Lord, a
tower of strength.
R. From the face of the
enemy.
V. Let not the enemy
prevail against her.
R. Nor the son of iniquity
approach to hurt her.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
" I J ORD God almighty, Who hast spoken by Thine apostle
^1 — A James, saying: "Is any man sick among you? Let
him bring in the priests of the Church, and let them pray
over him. anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man; and the
Lord shall raise him up: and if he be in sins, they shall be
forgiven him:" cure, we beseech Thee, O Our Redeemer,
by the grace of the Holy Spirit, the languors of this Thy
servant who is sick; heal her wounds, and forgive ~>er sins;
drive out from her all pains of body and mind, and merci-
fully restore to her full health, inwardly and outwardly,
that being recovered by the help of Thy mercy, she may
return to her former duties. Who, with the Father and the
Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God, world without end.
Amen.
Let us pray.
^TT"! OOK down, O Lord, we beseech Thee, upon Thy servant
— k N., fainting in the infirmity of her body, and refresh the
soul which Thou hast created, that, being bettered by
chastisements, she may feel herself saved by Thy medicine.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
9x6
Bona Mors Devotions,
Let us pray.
OHOLY Lord, almighty Father, eternal God, Whot
by pouring the grace of Thy blessing upon sick bodies,
dost preserve, by Thy manifold goodness, the work of Thy
hands, graciously draw near at the invocation of Thy name,
that, delivering Thy servant from sickness, and bestowing
health upon her, Thou mayest raise her up by Thy right
hand, strengthen her by Thy might, defend her by Thy
power, and restore her to Thy holy Church, with all desired
prosperity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
IRitus aSeneDictionia Bpostoltcse ttt Srticulo /l&ortte.
(apostolic benediction anD plenary flnDulgence at
tbe 1bout ot DeatbO
(If Viaticum and Extreme Unction are not given just before
the Apostolic Blessing, Pax huic domui, etc., and Asfierges me,
etc., are first said.)
OMY Lord and God, I now humbly ask for the remis-
sion of all temporal punishment, for the plenary
indulgence which Thy holy Church grants at the hour of
death.
0 my God, I believe in Thee; I hope in Thee; I love
Thee with my whole heart.
1 am heartily sorry for all the sins and faults of my whole
life. I forgive all that have injured me, and ask pardon
of all whom I have injured. O my God, I am ready to
accept and bear all pains and sufferings, and even death
itself with resignation to Thy divine will and in punishment
for my sins. O my Jesus, I unite my sufferings to Thy
most bitter torments. O Lord, here burn, here cut; but
spare me for eternity. My Jesus, mercy!
Holy Virgin, my Mother Mary, holy Joseph, pray for me.
V, Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.
k. Qui fecit ccelum et terram.
Ant. Ne reminiscaris, Domine, delicta famuli tui (vel
ancillae tuae), neque vindictam sumas de peccatis ejus.
Kyrie, eleison. Christe, eleison. Kyrie, eleison. Pater
noster.
V. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem,
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
Bona Mors Devotions.
917
V, Salvum fac servum tuum (vet ancillam tuam, et sic
deinceps).
R. Deus meus, sperantem in te.
V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. ■
R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
Let us pray.
OMOST gracious God, Father of mercies and God of
all consolation, Whose desire is that none should perish
who believeth and trusteth in Thee, according to the multi-
tude of Thy tender mercies, look favorably upon Thy servant,
N., whom the true faith and hope of Christ commend unto
Thee. Visit her in Thy saving power, and through the
Passion and death of Thine only-begotten Son, graciously
grant unto her pardon and remission of all her sins, that
her soul, at the hour of its departure, may find Thee a most
merciful Judge, and cleansed from every stain in the blood
of the same, Thy Son, may be found worthy to pass to life
everlasting through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then the Confiteor, Misereatur, etc., are recited.
May Our Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who
gave to His blessed apostle, Peter, the power of binding and
loosing, in His most loving mercy, receive thy confession,
and restore to thee the first robe which thou didst receive in
Baptism; and I, by the power given to me by the Apostolic
See, grant thee a plenary indulgence and remission of all
thy sins. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Through the most sacred mysteries of man's redemption,
may God almighty remit unto thee all the punishments of the
present and the future life, open to thee the gates of para-
dise, and lead thee to everlasting joys. Amen.
Mu/ God almighty bless thee; the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Ghost, Amen.
918
Bona Mors Devotions.
STJSPIRIA PRO MORIBUNDIS. (ASPIRATIONS FOR THE
DYING).
(These may be recited with other prayers from this book by the
attendants at the sick-bed.)
AVE mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great
mercy.
In Thee, O Lord, have I hoped: let me never be con-
founded.
Incline unto mine aid, O God; O Lord, make haste to
help me.
O heavenly Father, be merciful to me. O Jesus, have
mercy on me. O Holy Ghost, be merciful to me. O my
good God, do not abandon me. O merciful God, assist
me; show me Thy goodness and mercy. Not my will, but
Thine be done.
O sweetest Jesus, be gracious to me, be merciful to me,
pardon me my sins!
O my Jesus, I believe in Thee, because Thou art infallible
truth. In this holy faith I will live and die.
O my Jesus, all my hopes are in Thee. In Thy goodness,
O Lord, I put my trust.
O my Jesus, I love Thee with my whole heart and soul
above all things. O my good God take full possession of
my whole soul, and teach me to love Thee for ever.
Infinitely good and loving God, I am sorry for having
offended Thee by my sins. I will rather lose everything
than offend Thee again. Pardon me, sweet Jesus, and
through Thy painful death blot out all my sins.
O Jesus, may Thy blood not have been shed in vain for
me!
0 my dearest Jesus, how much Thou hast suffered for
me! Behold, I willingly suffer for love of Thee.
1 confide in Thy bitter sufferings and death.
I offer up to Thee Thy pains and torments:
I offer to Thee Thy tears and bloody sweat.
I offer to Thee Thy precious blood and bitter death.
O Jesus, strengthen me through Thy Passion and death,
and grant me a happy end.
Bona Mors Devotions.
919
Hide me, dear Jesus, in Thy wounds; bathe my soul in
Thy precious blood.
O Fountain of mercy, have mercy on me.
O let nothing in life or death ever separate me from Thee.
O my Jesus, I live for Thee; my Jesus, I die for Thee;
my Jesus, I am Thine in life and in death.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me; Holy Mary,
assist me. Mother of God, do not abandon me!
O dear Mother, O good Mother, O compassionate Mother,
help me. Show now that thou art my Mother.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, assist me at
the hour of my death. •
O holy Joseph, pray for me, that I may obtain mercy
and grace with Jesus. Do not forsake me in my necessity.
My dear guardian angel, my holy patron, and all ye holy
angels and saints, assist me that I may die happily, and gain
my salvation.
" Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my
soul.
" Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.
"Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul
in peace with you."
Indulgence of 300 days, each time, for all three together. — Pius
VII , Aug. 26, 1814.
"My Jesus, mercy!"
Indulgence of 100 days, each time. — Pius IX.. Sept 24, 1846.
" My sweetest Jesus, be not my Judge, but my Saviour."
Indulgence of 50 days, each time. — Pius IX., Aug. 11, 185 1.
O Sacred Heart of my Jesus, which suffered the pangs
of death, have mercy on me.
O Jesus, my Saviour, into Thy hands I commend my
spirit!
IRecommen&ation of a Soul departing*
"T—' ORD, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us
r* * Lord, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for her (or him).
All ye angels and archangels, pray for her (or him).
020
Bona Mors Devotions.
Holy Abel,
All ye choirs of the just,
Holy Abraham,
St. John the Baptist,
St. Joseph,
All ye patriarchs and prophets,
St. Peter,
St. Paul,
St. Andrew,
St. John,
All ye holy apostles and evangelists,
All ye holy disciples of Our Lord,
All ye holy innocents,
St. Stephen,
St. Lawrence,
All ye holy martyrs,
St. Sylvester,
St. Gregory,
St. Augustine,
All ye holy bishops and confessors,
St. Benedict,
St. Francis,
All ye holy monks and hermits,
St. Mary Magdalen,
St. Lucy,
All ye holy virgins and widows,
All ye saints of God, make intercession for her (or him).
Be merciful, spare her (or him), O Lord.
Be merciful, deliver her (or him), O Lord.
Be merciful, receive her (or him), O Lord.
From Thy anger, ] Q
From the danger of death, h»
From an ill end,
From the pains of hell,
From all evil,
From the power of the devil,
Through Thy nativity,
Through Thy cross and Passion,
Through Thy death and burial,
Through Thy glorious Resurrection,
Through Thine admirable Ascension,
Bona Mors Devotions.
921
Through the grace of the Holy Ghost the Com- \ |o
forter, f
In the day of judgment, J v|>
We sinners, beseech Thee to hear us.
That Thou spare her, we beseech Thee to hear us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Let us pray.
^pAEPART then, Christian soul, out of this miserable
JLJ world, in the name of God the Father almighty, Who
created thee; in the name of God the Son, Who suffered for
thee ; in the name of the Holy Ghost, Who sanctified thee ;
in the name of the angels, archangels, thrones, dominations,
cherubim, and seraphim; in the name of the patriarchs and
prophets, of the holy apostles and evangelists, of the holy
martyrs and confessors, of the holy monks and hermits, of
the holy virgins, and of all the saints of God- — let thy place
be this day in peace, and thy abode in holy Sion; through
Christ our Lord. Amen.
God of clemency! God of goodness! O God, Who, accord-
ing to the multitude of Thy mercies, forgivest the sins of
such as repent, and graciously remittest the guilt of their
past offences, mercifully regard this Thy servant, N., and
grant her a full discharge from all her sins, who most earnestly
begs it of Thee. Purify, O merciful Father, whatever is
corrupt in her through human frailty, or by the snares of
the enemy; make her a true member of the Church, and
let her partake of the fruit of Thy redemption. Have com-
passion, O Lord, on her sighs, have pity on her tears; and
admit her to the sacrament of Thy reconciliation, who has
no hope but in Thee ; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
I recommend thee, dear sister (or brother) to almighty
God, and commit thee to His mercy, Whose creature Thou
art; that, having paid the common debt of nature, thou
mayest surrender thy soul to thy Maker, Who formed thee
out * of the earth. May, therefore, the noble company of
angels meet thy soul at its departure. May the court of
the apostles receive thee. May the triumphant army of
glorious martyrs conduct thee. May the crowds of joyful
confessors encompass thee. May the choir of blessed virgins
go before thee; and may a happy rest be thy portion in the
company of the patriarchs. May Jesus Christ appear to
thee with a mild and cheerful countenance, and give thee a
922
Bona Mors Devotions.
place amongst those who are to dwell in His presence for
ever. Mayest thou be a stranger to all who are condemned
to darkness, chastised with flames, or punished with torments.
May God command thy wicked enemy, with all his evil spirits,
to depart from thee. May the infernal spirits tremble at
thy approach, encompassed by angels, and retire into the
horrid confusion of eternal night. May thy God arise,
and thy enemies be put to flight. May all who hate Him
Hy before His face. Let them vanish like smoke, or as
wax before the fire; so let sinners perish in the sight of
God. But as to the just, let them rejoice and be happy
in His presence. May all the ministers of hell be filled
with confusion and shame, and let no evil spirit dare to stop
thy course to heaven. May Christ Jesus, Who was crucified
for thee, be thy deliverer; may He deliver thee from death,
Who for thy sake vouchsafed to die. May Christ Jesus, the
Son of the living God, place thee in His garden of paradise;
and may He, the true Shepherd, own thee for one of His
flock. May He absolve thee from all thy sins, and place
thee at His right hand in the inheritance of the elect. Oh,
may it be thy happy lot to behold thy Redeemer face to
face: to be ever in His presence, in the beatific vision of
that eternal truth which is the joy of the blessed. And thus
placed amongst those happy spirits, mayest thou be for
ever filled with heavenly sweetness. Amen.
Receive Thy servant, O Lord, into that place where she
may hope for salvation from Thy mercy.
R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant from all dangers
of hell, and from all pain and tribulation.
R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant, as Thou didst
deliver Enoch and Elias from the common death of the
world.
R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant, as Thou didst
deliver Noe from the flood.
R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant, as Thou didst
deliver Abraham from the midst of the Chaldeans.
R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant, as Thou didst
deliver Job from all his afflictions.
R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant, as Thou didst
deliver Isaac from being sacrificed by his father
R. Amen
Bona Mors Devotions,
923
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant, as Thou dicist
deliver Lot from Sodom, and the flames of fire.
R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant, as Thou didst
deliver Moses from the hands of Pharao, King of Egypt.
R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant, as Thou didst
deliver Daniel from the lions' den.
R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant, as Thou didst
deliver the three children from the fiery furnace, and from
the hands of an unmerciful king.
R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant, as Thou didst
deliver David from the hands of Saul and Goliath.
R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant, as Thou didst
deliver Susanna from her false accusers.
R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant, as Thou didst
deliver Peter and Paul out of prison.
R. Amen.
And as Thou deliveredst that blessed virgin and martyr,
St. Thecla, from most cruel torments, vouchsafe to deliver
the soul of this Thy servant, and bring it to the participation
of Thy heavenly joys.
R. Amen.
Let us pray.
|'E commend to Thee, O Lord, the soul of this Thy ser-
fJcA* vant, and beseech Thee, O Jesus Christ, Redeemer of the
world, that as in Thy mercy to her Thou becamest man, so
now Thou wouldst vouchsafe to admit her into the number of
the blessed. Remember, O Lord, that she is Thy creature,
not made by strange gods, but by Thee, the only true and
living God, for there is no other God but Thee, none that
can work Thy wonders. Let her soul find comfort in Th^
sight, and remember not her former sins, nor any of those
excesses into which she has fallen, through the violence of
passion and corruption. For although she hath sinned,
yet she has retained a true faith in Thee, Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost: she has had a zeal for Thy honor, and faith-
fully adored Thee her God, and the Creator of all things.
Remember not, O Lord, the sins of ignorance of her youth,
t>ut, according to Thy great mercy, be mindful of her in Thy
eternal glory. Let the heavens be opened to her, and the
924
Bona Mors Devotions.
angels rejoice with her. May St. Michael, the archangel,
the chief of the heavenly host, conduct her. May blessed
Peter, the apostle, to whom were given the keys of the
kingdom of heaven, receive her. May holy Paul, the apostle
and chosen vessel of election, assist her. May St. John, the
beloved disciple, to whom was revealed the secrets of heaven,
Intercede for her. May all the chosen servants and martyrs
of God, who in this world have suffered torments for the
sake of Christ, intercede for her, that, being delivered from
this body of corruption, she may be admitted into the king-
dom of heaven, through the assistance and merits of Our
Lord Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with the Father
and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
// the dying person continue in her {or his) senses, the following
Acts may be made.
An Act of Thanksgiving.
OMY God! Thou hast created, redeemed, and sanctified
me. Thou hast preserved me in many dangers both
of body and soul. Thou hast fed me with Thy most blessed
body and blood. Thou hast shown immense patience in
bearing with my repeated crimes, and often called me to
repentance. For these and all other blessings bestowed on
me, a most ungrateful sinner, I offer Thee innumerable
thanks.
An Act of Resignation.
OMY God ! I cheerfully receive the certain summons of
my death. It is a greater happiness to fulfil Thy will
than to enjoy ten thousand lives. O happy news of my
departure! I shall soon hear the choirs of angels sing Thy
eternal praises. Let death hasten his pace, that dying I
may no more offend Thee, but live with Thee, and love Thee
eternally.
An Act of Contrition.
I AM truly and heartily sorry for all my sins, not for the
fear of hell, nor for the hope of reward; but for the
love of Thee, my God, my only good! And were I beginning
instead of ending my life, I would not offend Thee for a
thousand worlds. . . . O my God! despise not a contrite and
humble heart. Amen.
The soul being now departed, the following Responsory is said:
aOME to her assistance, all you saints of God ; meet her
all you angels of God ; receive her soul, and present it
now before its Lord. May Jesus Christ receive thee, and
Bona Mors Devotions.
925
the angels conduct thee to thy place of rest; may they
receive thy soul, and present it now before its Lord.
V. Eternal rest grant her, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon her.
May the angels present her now before the Lord.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father.
V. And lead us not into temptation
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. Eternal rest grant her, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine on her.
V. From the gates of hell,
R. Deliver her soul, O Lord.
V. May she rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
Let us pray,
*ZJ* BSOLVE, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the soul of Thy
eJ*-*-* servant, N., that being dead to this world, she may
live to Thee; and whatever sins she has committed through
human frailty, we beseech Thee in Thy goodness mercifully
to pardon. Through Christ our Lord. Amen,
926
Burial Service.
£be JSudal Service.
The Priest, meeting the Corpse and sprinkling it with Holy Water,
recites as follows:
Ant. ^Tl iniquitates ob- Ant. ^r'F Thou shalt ob-
J<-^ servaveris, Do- ,.1^ serve iniquities
mine, Domine, quis sustine- O Lord, Lord, who shall en-
bit? dure it?
PSAI^M cxxix.
OUT of the depths I have
cried unto Thee, O
Lord : Lord, hear my voice.
Let Thy ears be attentive:
to the voice of my petition.
If Thou wilt observe ini-
quities, O Lord, Lord, who
shall endure it?
Because with Thee is pro-
pitiation: and for Thy law
I have expected Thee, O Lord.
My soul has relied on His
word: my soul has hoped in
the Lord.
From the morning watch
even until night: let Israel
hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord
there is mercy : and with Him
plentiful redemption.
And He will redeem Israel
from all his iniquities.
Eternal rest give to him (or
her), O Lord.
And let perpetual light
shine upon him (or her).
Ant. If Thou shalt ob-
serve iniquities, O Lord,
Lord, who shall endure it?
Then, whilst the Corpse is being carried to the Church, the Priest
thus continues:
Ant. Exultabunt Domino Ant. The humbled bones
ossa humiliata. shall rejoice in Our Lord„
*T"^ E prof undis clamavi ad
JLJ te, Domine; Domine,
exaudi vocem meam.
Fiant aures tuae intenden-
tes in vocem deprecationem
meae.
Si iniquitates observaveris,
Domine, Domine, quis susti-
nebit?
Quia apud te propitiatio
est ; et propter legem tuam
sustinui te, Domine.
Sustinuit anima mea in
verbo ejus; speravit anima
mea in Domino.
A custodia matutina usque
ad noctem, speret Israel in
Domino.
Quia apud Dominum mise-
ricordia, et copiosa apud eum
redemptio.
Et ipse redimet Israel ex
omnibus iniquitatibus ejus.
Requiem aeternam dona ei
Domine.
Et lux perpetua luceat ei.
Ant. Si iniquitates observa-
veris, Domine, Domine, quis
sustinebit ?
Burial Service.
927
PSAI
ISERERE mei, Deus,
secundum magnum
misericordium tuam.
Et secundum multitudi-
nem miserationum tuarum,
dele iniquitatem meam.
Amplius lava me ab iniqui-
tate mea, et a peccato meo
munda me.
Quoniam iniquitatem me-
am ego cognosco, et pecca-
tum meum contra me est
semper.
Tibi soli peccavi, et malum
coram te feci; ut justificeris
in sermonibus tuis, et vincas
cum judicaris.
Ecce enim m iniquitatibus
conceptus sum, et in peccatis
concepit me mater mea.
Ecce enim veritatem dilex-
isti ; incerta et occulta sapien-
tial tuae manifestasti mihi.
Asperges me hyssopo, et
mundabor; lavabis me, et
super nivem dealbabor.
Auditui meo dabis gaudium
et laetitiam, et exultabunt
ossa humiliata.
Averte faciem tuam a pec-
catis meis, et omnes iniqui-
tates meas dele.
Cor mundum crea in me,
Deus, et spiritum rectum in-
nova in visceribus meis.
Ne projicias me a facie tua,
et spiritum sanctum tuum ne
auferas a me.
L.
AVE mercy on me, O
God, according to
Thy great mercy.
And according to the mul-
titude of Thy tender mercies
blot out my iniquities.
Wash me yet more from
my iniquity, and cleanse me
from my sin.
Because I know my ini-
quity : and my sin is always
against me.
. To Thee only have I
sinned, and have done evil
before Thee, that Thou may-
est be justified in Thy words,
and overcome when Thou art
judged.
For behold I was con-
ceived in iniquities: and in
sins my mother conceived me.
For behold Thou hast loved
truth: the uncertain and
hidden things of Thy wis-
dom Thou hast manifested
to me.
Thou wilt sprinkle me with
hyssop, and I shall be
cleansed. Thou shalt wash
me, and I shall be made
whiter than snow.
To my hearing Thou wilt
give joy and gladness: and
the humbled bones shall
rejoice.
Turn away Thy face from
my sins: and blot out all my
iniquities.
Create a clean heart in me,
O God: and renew a right,
spirit within my bowels.
Cast me not away from Thy
face : and take not away Thy
holy spirit from me.
j.
928
Burial Service.
Redde mihi laetitiam saluta-
ris tui, et spiritu principali
confirma me.
Docebo iniquos vias tuas;
et impii ad te convertentur.
Libera me de sanguinibus,
Deus, Deus salutis meae, et
exult abit lingua mea justi-
tiam tuam.
Domine, labia mea aperies;
et os meum annuntiabit lau-
dem tuam.
Quoniam si voluisses sacri-
ficium dedissem utique ; holo-
caustis non delectaberis.
Sacrificium Deo spiritus
contribulatus > cor contritum
et humiliatum, Deus, non
despicies.
Benigrie fac, Domine, in
bona voluntate tua Sion, ut
aedificentur muri Jerusalem.
Tunc acceptabis sacrifi-
cium justitiae, oblationes, et
holocausta : tunc imponent
super altare tuum vitulos.
Requiem aeternam „ dona
el Domine.
Et lux perpetua luceat ei.
Ant. Exultabunt Domino
ossa humiliata.
Restore to me the joy of
Thy salvation: and confirm
me with a perfect spirit.
I will teach Thy ways to
the unjust: and the impious
shall be converted to Thee.
Deliver me from blood, O
God, the God of my salva-
tion: and my tongue shall
extol Thy justice.
Lord, Thou wilt open my
lips: and my mouth shall
declare Thy praise.
Because if Thou wouldst
have sacrifice, I had verily
given it: with holocausts
Thou wilt not be delighted.
An afflicted spirit is a sac-
rifice to God: a contrite
and humble heart, O God,
Thou wilt not despise.
Deal favorably, O Lord, in
Thy good will with Sion : that
the walls of Jerusalem may
be built up.
Then Thou wilt accept a
sacrifice of justice, obla-
tions, and holocausts; then
shall they lay calves on Thy
altar.
Eternal rest grant to him
{or her), O Lord.
And let perpetual light
shine on him {or her).
Ant. The humbled bones
shall rejoice in the Lord.
Having entered the Church, the following Responsory is said:
BUBVENITE Sancti Dei,
occurrite Angeli Domi-
ni, suscipientes animam ejus:
offerentes earn in conspectu
Altissinr
a OMB to his {or her)
assistance, all ye saints
of God : meet him {or her) all
ye angels of the Lord, receiv-
ing his {or her) soul, present-
ing it in the sight of the Most
High.
Burial Service.
929
V. Suscipiat te Christus,
qui vocavit te ; et in sinum
Abrahae angeli deducant te.
Suscipientes animam ejus.
V. Requiem aeternam dona
ei Domine.
R. Et lux perpetua luceat
ei.
Offerentes earn in conspec-
tu Altissimi.
At the End of the Office of the
Canticle Benedictus, I am the
is said:
Pater noster, secreto.
V. Et ne nos inducas in
tentationem.
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
V. A porta infer i.
R. Erue Domine animam
ejus.
V. Requiescat in pace.
R. Amen.
V. Domine, exaudi orati-
onem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
Oremus.
*ZT*BSOLVE, quaesumus
<sJr-l~ Domine, animam fa-
muli tui ab omni vinculo de-
lictorum ; ut in Resurrectionis
gloria, inter sanctos et elec-
tos tuos, resuscitatus respiret.
Per Christum Dominum no-
strum.
R. Amen.
V. May Christ receive thee,
Who has called thee, and
may the angels conduct thee
into Abraham's bosom.
Receiving his (or her),
soul.
V. Eternal rest give to
him (or her), O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light
shine on him (or her).
Offering it in the sight of
the Most High.
Dead, after the Anthem of the
Resurrection, etc., the following
Our Father, in secret.
V. And lead us not into
temptation.
R. But deliver us from,
evil.
V. From the gate of hell.
R. Deliver his (or her)
soul, O Lord.
V. May he (or she) rest in
peace.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
to Thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
BSOLVE, we beseech
Thee, O Lord, the
soul of Thy servant from
every chain of sin; that ris-
ing again in the glory of Thy
Resurrection, he (or she)
may enjoy a new life amongst
Thy saints and elect.
Through, etc.
R. Amen.
93°
Burial Service.
Here Mass is said, if opportunity serves; and then the following
Prayer:
xt
^ON intres in judicium
cum servo tuo, Do-
mine, quia nullus apud te
justincabitur homo, nisi per
te omnium peccatorum ei
tribuatur remissio. Non er-
go eum, quaesumus, tua judi-
cialis sententia premat, quern
tibi vera supplicatio fidei
Christianae commendat: sed
gratia tua illi succurrente,
mereatur evadere judicium
ultionis, qui dum viveret, in-
signitus est signaculo sanctae
Trinitatis: qui vivis et reg-
nas in saecula saeculorum.
0
R. Amen.
R.
'IBERA me, Do-
, 1 A mine, de morte
seterna, in die ilia tremenda,
quando coeli movendi sunt et
terra: dum veneris judicare
saeculum per ignem.
V. Tremens factus sum
ego, et timeo, dum discussio
venerit atque ventura ira.
Quando coeli movendi sunt
et terra.
V. Dies ilia, dies irae, cala-
mitatis et miseriae, dies magna
et amara valde. Dum vene-
ris judicare saeculum per ig-
nem.
V, Requiem aeternam dona
ei, Domine, et lux perpetua
luceat ei
NTER not into judg-
ment with Thy ser-
vant, O Lord, because ac
man shall be justified in Thy
sight, except Thou grant
him the remission of all his
sins. Therefore we beseech
Thee not to let the sentence
of Thy judgment fall heavy
upon him (or her), whom
true supplication of Christian
faith recommends to Thee:
but may he (or she) deserve,
by Thy assisting grace, to
escape the sentence of con-
demnation, who AThilst he
(or she) lived was marked
with the image of the Holy
Trinity: Who livest, etc.
R. Amen.
The Responsory.
R.
*T^|EXIVER me, O
JLJ Lord, from eter-
nal death, in that dreadful
day, when the heavens and
earth are to be moved, when
Thou shalt come to judge
the world by fire.
V. I tremble and do fear,
whilst I reflect on the exami-
nation and wrath of that day.
When the heavens and the
earth are to be moved.
V, That day is the day of
anger, of calamity, and of
misery, a great day and
very bitter, when Thou shalt
come to judge the world by
fire.
V. Grant him (or her) eter-
nal rest, O Lord, and let per-
petual light shine on him
(or her).
Burial Service.
93 1
R. Libera me, Domine, de
morte aeterna, in die ilia tre-
menda, quando coeli movendi
sunt et terra: dum veneris
judicare saculum per ignem.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
Pater noster, etc., secreto^
V. Et ne nos inducas in
tentationem.
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
V. A porta inferi.
R. Erue, Domine, animam
ejus.
V. Requiescat in pace.
R. Amen.
V. Domine, exaudi oratio-
nem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo,
Oremus.
BEUS, cui proprium est
misereri semper et par-
cere; te supplices exoramus
pro anima famuli tui N.
quam hodie de hoc saeculo
migrare jussisti: ut non tra-
das earn in manus inimici,
neque obliviscaris in finem,
sed jubeas earn a Sanctis
angelis suscipi, et ad patriam
paradisi perduci: ut quia in
te speravit et credidit, non
poenas inferni sustineat, sed
gaudia aeterna possideat. Per
Christum Dominum nostrum.
R. Amen.
R. Deliver me, O Lord,
from eternal death, in that
dreadful day, when the
heavens and earth are to be
moved, when Thou shalt
come to judge the world by
fire.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, etc., in secret.
V. And lead us not into
temptation.
R. But deliver us from
evil.
V. From the gate of hell.
R. Deliver his (or . her)
soul, O Lord.
V. May he (or she) rest in
peace.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Whose property
it is always to have
mercy and to spare, we
humbly beseech Thee, for
the soul of Thy servant N.,
which to-day Thou hast
taken out of this world: not
to deliver it into the hands
of the enemy, nor to forget
it for ever; but to command
the holy angels to receive it,
and to conduct it to the
heavenly country; that since
it has believed and hoped in
Thee, it may not suffer the
pains of hell, but possess
eternal joys. Through, etc
R. Amen.
93 2
Burial Service.
Here the Corpse is carried to the Grave, and in the meantime is
said the following:
j£J^AY the angels conduc
IN paradisum deducant te
angeli: in tuo adventu
suscipiant te martyres, et
perducant te in civitatem
sanctam Jerusalem. Chorus
angelorum te suscipiat, et
cum Lazaro quondam pau-
pere seternam habeas requiem.
thee into paradise :
may the martyrs receive thee
at thy coming, and lead thee
into the holy city of Jerusa-
lem. May the choir of angels
receive thee, and mayst thou
have eternal rest with Laza-
rus, who was formerly poor.
Having come to the Grave, it is blessed by the following Prayer
{which is omitted if the Cemetery be already blessed):
Oremus
*T"VEUS cujus miseratione
JLJ animse fidelium requi-
escunt, hunc tumulum bene-
dicere dignare, eique angelum
tuum sanctum deputa custo-
dem; et quorum quarumque
corpora hie sepeliuntur,
animas eorum ab omnibus
absolve vinculis delictorum,
ut in te semper cum Sanctis
tuis sine fine laetentur. Per
Christum Dominum nostrum.
R. Amen.
Let us pray.
OGOD, by Whose mercy
the souls of the faithful
find rest, vouchsafe to bless
this grave, and depute Thy
holy angel to guard it; and
absolve the souls of all these
whose bodies are buried here
from all the bonds of sin,
that they may always rejoice
in Thee with Thy saints for
ever. Through, etc.
R. Amen.
Here the Corpse and Grave are sprinkled with Holy Water and
incensed; and when the Corpse is deposited in the Grave, the fol-
lowing is said:
Ant
GO sum Resurrec-
Ant.
qui credit in me, etiam si
mortuus fuerit, vivet; et
omnis qui vivet, et credit in
me. non morietur in aeternum.
I AM the Resurrec-
tion and Life :
he that believes in Me, though
he be dead, shall live; and
every one that lives and be-
lieves in Me shall never die.
The Canticle of Zachary. Luke i.
BENEDICTUS Dominus
Deus Israel, quiavisi-
tavit et fecit redemptionem
plebis suae.
BLESSED be the Lord
God of Israel; be-
cause He has visited and
wrought the redemption of
His people.
Burial Service.
933
Et erexit cornu salutis no-
bis in domo David pueri sui.
Sicut locutus est per os
sanctorum, qui a saeculo sunt,
prophet arum ejus.
Salutem ex inimicis nostris,
et de manu omnium qui ode-
runt nos.
Ad faciendam misericor-
diam cum patribus nostris,
et memorari testamenti sui
sancti.
Jusjurandum quod juravit
ad Abraham patrem nostrum,
daturum se nobis.
Ut sine timore, de manu
inimicorum nostrorum libe-
rati, serviamus ilii.
In sanctitate et justitia co-
ram ipso omnibus diebus no-
stris.
Et tu, puer, propheta Altis-
simi vocaberis; praeibis enim
ante faciem Domini parare
vias ejus.
Ad dandam scientiam salu-
tis plebi ejus, in remissionem
peccatorum eorum.
Per viscera misericordiae
Dei nostri, in quibus visita-
vit nos oriens ex alto.
Illuminare his qui in tene-
bris et in umbra mortis se-
dent, ad dirigendos pedes
nostros in viam pacis.
Requiem aeternam dona
ei Domine.
Et lux perpetua luceat ei.
Ant. Ego sum Resurrectio,
et vita: qui credit in me,
etiam si mortuus fuerit, vi-
And He has raised up the
horn of salvation to us; *in
the house of David His
servant.
As He spoke by the mouth
of His holy prophets: that
were from the beginning.
Salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all that
hate us.
To work mercy with our
fathers; and remember His
holy testament.
The oath which He swore
to Abraham our father : that
He would grant us.
That being delivered from
the hand of our enemies; we
may serve Him without fear.
In holiness, and justice be-
fore Him; all our days.
And thou, child, shalt be
called the prophet of the Most
High ; for thou shalt go be-
fore the face of the Lord to
prepare His ways.
To give the knowledge of
salvation to His people; for
the remission of their sins.
By the bowels of the mercy
of Our God, in which the
Orient from on high has
visited us.
To enlighten them that sit
in darkness and in the shades
of death: to direct our feet in
the way of peace.
Eternal rest grant to him
(or her), O Lord.
And let perpetual light
shine on him (or her).
Ant. I am the Resurrec-
tion and Life : he that believes
in Me, though he be dead,
934
Burial Service.
-vet; et omnis qui vivit, et
credit in me, non morietur in
-aeternum.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christ e, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
Pater noster, etc.
shall live ; and every one that
lives and believes in Me shall
never die.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, etc.
In the meantime tlte Corpse is sprinkled with Holy Water.
V. Et ne nos inducas in
tentationem.
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
V. A porta inferi.
R. Erue, Domine, animam
ejus.
V. Requiescat in pace.
R. Amen.
V. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
Or emus.
* J f AC. quaesumus Domine,
, I ( hanc cum servo tuo
■defunct o (pel famula tua de-
f uncta) misericordiam, ut fac-
torum suorum in poenis non
Tecipiat vicem, qui (pel quae)
tuam in vctis tenuit volunta-
tem; ut sicut hie eum (pel
earn) vera fides junxit fideli-
um turmis, ita illic eum (pel
earn") tua miseratio societ
angelicis choris. Per Chris-
tum Dominum nostrom.
R. Amen.
V. Requiem seternam do-
na ei Domine.
V. And lead us not into
temptation.
R. But deliver us from
evil.
V . From the gate of hell.
R. Deliver his (or her)
soul, O Lord.
V. May he (or she) rest in
peace.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
to Thee.
V . The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
RANT, we beseech
Thee, O Lord, this
mercy to Thy servant de-
parted, that he (or she) may
not receive the punish-
ment due to his (or her)
sins, whe was desirous to
hold fast Thy will; and as
here true faith united him
(or her) to the company of
the faithful, so may there
Thy mercy unite him (or
her) to the choirs of angels.
Through, etc.
R. Amen.
V. Grant him (or her)
eternal rest, O Lord.
Burial Service.
935
R. Et lux perpetua luceat
ei.
V. Requiescat in pace
R. Amen.
V. Anima ejus, et animae
omnium fidelium defuncto-
rum per misericordiam Dei,
requiescant in pace.
R. Amen.
R. And let perpetual
light shine upon him (or
her) .
V . May he (or she) rest in
peace.
R. Amen.
V. May his (or her) soul
and the souls of all the
faithful departed, through
the mercy of God, rest in
peace.
R. Amen.
Whilst returning from tlte Grave to the Church, the following is said:
Ant. C>Tt iniquitates ob- Ant. *T*F Thou shalt ofo-
servaveris, Do- JL, serve iniqui-
mine, Domine quis sustinebit ? ties, O Lord, Lord, who shall
endure it?
PSALM
BE profundis clamavi
ad te, Domine; Do-
mine, exaudi vocem meam.
Fiant aures tuae intenden-
tes in vocem deprecationis
meae.
Si iniquitates ob servave-
ris, Domine, Domine, quis
sustinebit ?
Quia apud te propitiatio
est; et propter legem tuam
sustinui te, Domine.
Sustinuit anima mea in
verbo ejus; speravit anima
mea in Domino.
A custodia matutina us-
que ad noctem, speret Is-
rael in Domino.
Quia apud Dominum mise-
ricordia, et copiosa apud
eum redemptio.
Et ipse redimet Israel
ex omnibus iniquitatibus
ejus.
cxxix.
OUT of the depths I
have cried unto Thee,
O Lord, Lord, hear my
voice.
Let Thy ears be attentive:
to the voice of my petition.
If Thou, O Lord, wilt ob-
serve iniquities: Lord, who
shall bear it?
For with Thee there is pro-
pitiation: and for Thy law I
have expected Thee, O Lord.
My soul has relied on His
word: my soul has hoped in
the Lord.
From the morning watch,
even until night: let Israel
hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord
there is mercy: and with
Him plentiful redemption.
And He will redeem Israel
from all his iniquities.
L
936 Ordinary of the Mass for the Dead,
Requiem seternam dona ei
Domine.
Et lux perpetua luceat ei.
Ant. Si iniquitates ob-
servaveris Domine, Domine,
quis sustinebit?
Eternal rest give to him {or
her), O Lord.
And let perpetual light
shine upon him {or her).
Ant. If Thou shalt observe
iniquities, O Lord, Lord, who
shall endure it?
©rfctaarE of tbe /Ifcase for tbe DeaD**
The Priest standing at the foot of the Altar, and bowing down before
it, signs himself with the sign of the Cross from the forehead to
.the breast, and says with a distinct voice:
IN Nomine Patris, et Filii, VN tne name of the Father,
et Spiritus Sancti. JL> and of the Son, and of
Amen. the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then, joining his hands before his breast, he says:
V.
•NTROIBO ad al-
JU tare Dei.
R. Ad Deum, qui laetifi-
cat juventutem meam.
V. Adjutorium ncstrum
in nomine Domini.
R. Qui fecit coelum et ter-
rain.
V.
x
R. To
WILL go unto
the altar of God.
God, Who giveth
joy to my youth.
V. Our help is in the name
of the Lord.
R. Who hath made heaven
and earth.
Then, joining his hands and humbly bowing down, he says the
Confession.
V. |^fONFITEOR Deo
omnipotenti, be-
at ae Mariae semper Virgini,
b>eato Michaeli Archangelo,
beato Joanni Baptistae, Sanc-
tis Apostolis Petro et Pau-
lo, omnibus Sanctis, et vo-
bis fratres, quia peccavi ni-
mis cogitatione, verbo, et
opere [percutit sibi pectus
ter, dicens], mea culpa, mea
culpa, mea maxima culpa.
Ideo precor beatam Mari-
I CONFESS to al-
mighty God, to
blessed Mary ever Virgin, to
blessed Michael the arch-
angel, to blessed John the
Baptist, to the holy apostles
Peter and Paul, to all the
saints, and to you, father,
that I have sinned exceed-
ingly in thought, word, and
deed [here he strikes his
breast thrice], through my
fault, through my fault,
; At Low Mass the parts within brackets are to be passed over.
Ordinary of the Mass for the Dead.
937
am semper Virginem, be-
atum Michaelem Archange-
lum, beatum Joannem Bap-
tistam, sanctos apostolos
Fetrum et Paulum, omnes
Sanctos, et vos fratres, orare
pro me ad Dominum Deum
nostrum.
R. Misereatur tui omni-
potens Deus, et dimissis
peccatis tuis, perducat te ad
vitam aeternam. S. Amen.
R. Confiteor, etc.
through my most grievous
fault. Therefore I beseech
blessed Mary ever Virgin,
blessed Michael the arch-
angel, blessed John the
Baptist, the holy apostles
Peter and Paul, and all the
saints, and you, O father,
to pray to the Lord our
God for me.
R. May almighty God
have mercy upon thee, for-
give thee thy sins, and bring
thee to life everlasting
R. Amen.
Then the Priest gives the Absolution.
V. Misereatur vestri omni-
potens Deus, et dimissis pec-
catis vestris, perducat vos
ad vitam aeternam.
R. Amen!
V. May almighty God
have mercy upon you, for-
give you your sins, and
bring you to life everlast-
ing.
R. Amen.
Signing himself with the sign of the Cross, he says:
V. Indulgentiam, absolu-
tionem, et remissionem pec-
catorum nostrorum tribuat
nobis omnipotens et miseri-
cors Dominus.
R. Amen.
V. May the almighty and
merciful Lord grant us par-
don, absolution, and re-
mission of our sins.
R. Amen.
Then, bowing down, he proceeds:
EUS, tu conversus
vivificabis nos.
tua laetabi-
V.
R. Et plebs
tur in te.
V. Ostende nobis Domine
misericordiam tuam.
R. Et salutare tuum da
nobis.
V. Domine exaudi oratio-
nem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
^^HOU wilt turn
V-J again, O God,
and quicken us.
R. And Thy people shall
rejoice in Thee.
V. Show us, O Lord, Thy
mercy.
R. And grant us Thy sal-
vation.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
93S
Ordinary of the Mass for the Dead.
V '. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
First extending and tJien joining his hands, he says audibly, Ore-
mus; and ascending to tlie Altar, he says secretly:
Aufer a nobis quaesumus
Domine iniquitates nostras;
ut ad Sancta Sanctorum pu-
ris mereamur mentibus in-
troire. Per Christum Do-
minum nostrum. Amen.
Take away from us our
iniquities, we beseech Thee,
O Lord; that we may be
worthy to enter with pure
minds into the Holy of
holies. Through Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Bowing down over the Altar, he says:
Oramus te Domine per We beseech Thee, O Lord,
merita sanctorum tuorum by the merits of Thy saints
quorum reliquiae hie sunt, whose relics are here, and
et omnium sanctorum, of all the saints, that Thou
ut indulgere digneris omnia wouldst vouchsafe to for-
peccata mea. Amen. give me all my sins.
Tlien the Priest, making the sign of the Cross over the Missal,
reads the Introit.
EQUIEM aeter-
nam dona eis
Domine; et lux perpetua
luceat eis. Ps. Ixiv. Te de-
cet hymnus Deus in Sion ; et
tibi reddetur votum in Jeru-
salem; exaudi orationem
meam; ad te omnis caro
veniet. Requiem, etc.
V. Kvrie,
R. Kvrie,
V. Kvrie,
R. Ctiriste,
V. Christ e
R. Christ e,
V. Kvrie,
R. Kvrie,
V. Kvrie,
eleison.
eleison.
eleison.
eleison.
eleison.
, eleison.
eleison.
eleison.
eleison.
TERXAL rest
give to them,
O Lord; and let perpetual
light shine upon them. A
hymn, O God, becometh
Thee in Sion; and a vow
shall be paid to Thee in
Jerusalem: O Lord, hear
my prayer; all flesh shall
come to Thee. Eternal rest,
etc.
V. Lord, have mercy,
R. Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, have mercy.
R. Christ, have mercy.
V. Christ, have mercy.
R. Christ, have mercy.
V. Lord, have mercy.
R. Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, have mercy.
The Priest kisses the Altar, aytd, turning to tlie people, says:
V . Dominus vobiscum. V. The Lord be with you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
Ordinary of the Mass for the Dead. 939
Then follow the Collects; at the end of the first and last of which
the Acolyte. answers, Amen.
ON THE DAY OF DECEASE OR BURIAL.
Cou,.
COLL,
OGOD, to Whom
it ever be-
longeth to have mercy and
to spare, we humbly be-
seech Thee in behalf of the
soul of Thy servant N.,
whom Thou hast this day
called out of this world,
that Thou wouldst not de-
liver him {or her) into the
hands of the enemy, nor
forget him {or her) for ever,
but command the holy an-
gels to take him {or her) and
lead him {or her) to the home
of paradise ; that as in Thee he
{or she) put his {or her) hope
and trust, he {or she) may not
endure the pains of hell, but
come to the possession of
eternal joy. Through, etc.
The appropriate Epistle is then read, followed by the Gradual,
Tract, and Dies irae.
*T^VEUS cui propri-
JLJ urn est mise-
reri semper et parcere, te
supplices exoramus pro ani-
ma famuli tui N. quam hodie
de hoc saeculo migrare jussi-
sti: ut non tradas earn in
manus inimici neque obli-
viscaris in finem, sed jubeas
earn a Sanctis angelis suscipi,
et ad patriam paradisi per-
duci; ut, quia in te speravit
et credidit, non pcenas inf erni
sustineat sed gaudia aeterna
possideat. Per, etc.
*T-!ECTIO Epistobe beati
rJ i Pauli Apostoli ad
Thessalonicenses.
Epist. Fratres, nolumus
vos ignorare de dormienti-
bus, ut non contristemini,
sicut et ceteri qui spem non
habent. Si enim credimus
quod Jesus mortuus est et
resurrexit: ita et Deus eos
qui dormierunt per Jesum,
adducet cum eo. Hoc enim
vobis dicimus in verbo Do-
mini, quia nos qui vivimus,
qui residui sumus in adven-
tum Domini, non praevenie-
mus eos qui dormierunt.
Quoniam ipse Dominus in
BROM the Epistle of St.
Paul to the Thessa-
lonians.
Brethren, we will not have
you ignorant concerning
them that are asleep, that
you be not sorrowful, even
as others who have no hope;
for if we believe that Jesus
died and rose again, even
so them who have slept
through Jesus will God bring
with Him. For this we say
unto you in the word of the
Lord, that we who are alive,
who remain unto the com-
ing of the Lord, shall not
prevent them who have
940 Ordinary of the Mass for the Dead.
voce archangeli, et in tuba
Dei descendet de ccelo: et
mortui qui iu Christ o sunt,
resurgent primi. Deinde nos
qui vivimus, qui relinqui-
mur, simul rapiemur cum
illis in nubibus obviam Chri-
st o in aera, et sic semper cum
Domino erimus. Itaque con-
solamini invicem in verbis
istis.
R. Deo gratias.
Grad. Requiem . aeternam
dona eis Domine; et lux per-
petua luceat eis. V. Ps. ext.
In memoria aeterna erit Ju-
stus ; ab auditione mala non
timebit.
Tract. Absolve Domine
animas omnium ndelium de-
funct orum ab omni vinculo
delictorum. V. Et gratia
tua illis succurrente, merean-
tur evader e judicium ultionis.
V. Et lucis aeternae beatitu-
dine perfrui.
slept. For the Lord Him-
self shall come down from
heaven, with commandment,
and with the voice of an
archangel, and with the
trumpet of God; and the
dead who are in Christ shall
rise first. Then we who
are alive, who are left, shall
be taken up together with
them in the clouds to meet
Christ, into the air, and so
shall we be always with the
Lord. Wherefore comfort
ye one another with these
words.
R. Thanks be to God.
Eternal rest give to
them, O Lord; and let per-
petual light shine upon them.
The just snail be in everlast-
ing remembrance; he shall
not fear the evil hearing.
Absolve, O Lord, the souls
of all the faithful departed
from every bond of sins.
And by the help of Thy grace
may they be enabled to escape
the judgment of punishment.
And enjoy the happiness of
light eternal.
sequence.
x>
IES irae, dies ilia
Solvet saechim in favilla,
Teste David cum Sibylla.
Quantus tremor est futurus,
Quando Judex est venturus,
Cuncta stricte discussurus!
*T^IGHER still, and still
r*~6 more nigh
Draws the day of prophecy,
That dissolveth earth and sky.
O, what trembling there shall
be,
When the world its Judge shall
see,
Coming in dread majesty!
Ordinary of the Mass for the Dead. 941
Tuba minim spargens sonum
Per sepulchra regionum,
Coget omnes ante thronum.
Mors stupebit et natura,
Cum resurget creatura,
Judicanti responsura.
Liber scriptus proferetur,
In quo totum continetur,
Unde mundus judicetur.
Judex ergo cum sedebit,
Quidquid latet apparebit:
Nil inultum remanebit.
Quid sum miser tunc dicturus ?
Quern patronum rogaturus,
Cum vix justus sit securus ?
Rex tremendae majestatis,
Qui salvandos salvas gratis,
Salve me fons pietatis.
Recordare Jesu pie,
Quod sum causa tuse viae,
Ne me perdas Ila die.
Quaerens me sedisti lassus,
Redemisti crucem passus:
Tantus labor non sit cassus.
Juste Judex ultionis,
Donum fac remissionis
Ante diem rationis.
Ingemisco tanquam reus,
Culpa rubet vultus meus,
Supplicanti parce Deus.
Hark! the trump, with thrilling;
tone,
From sepulchral regions lone,
Summons all before the throne r
Time and death it doth appal
To see the buried ages all
Rise to answer at the call.
Now the books are open spread;;
Now the writing must be read,
Which arraigns the quick and.
dead.
Now, before the Judge severe,
Hidden things must all appear;.
Nought can pass unpunish'd
here.
What shall guilty I then plead P
Who for me will intercede,
When the saints shall comfort
need?
King of dreadful majesty,
Who dost freely justify,
Fount of pity, save thou mel
Recollect, O Love divine,
'Twas for this lost sheep of
Thine
Thou Thy glory didst resign:
Satest wearied seeking me:.
Suff eredst upon the tree :
Let not vain Thy labor be.
Judge of justice, hear my-
prayer:
Spare me, Lord, in mercy spare,
Ere the reckoning-day appear.
Lo, Thy gracious face I seek;
Shame "and grief are on my
cheek ;
Sighs and tears my sorrow
speak.
942
Ordinary of the Mass for the Dead.
Qui Mariam absolvisti,
Et latronem exaudisti,
Mihi quoque spem dedisti.
Preces meae non sunt dignae:
Sed tu bonus fac benigne,
JSTe perenni cremer igne.
Inter oves locum praesta,
Et ab hcedis me sequestra,
Statuens in parte dextra.
Confutatis maledictis,
Flammis acribus addictis,
Voca me cum benedictis.
Thou didst Mary's guilt for
give;
Didst the dying thief receive;
Hence doth hope within me live
Worthless are my prayers, 1
know;
Yet, O, cause me not to go
Into everlasting woe.
Sever'd from the guilty band,
Make me with Thy sheep to
stand,
Placing me on Thy right hand.
When the cursed in anguish
flee
Into flames of misery,
With the Blest then call Thou
me.
Oro supplex et acclinis,
Cor contritum quasi cinis:
Gere curam mei finis.
Lacrymosa dies ilia,
Qua resurget ex favilla
Judicandos homo reus.
Huic ergo parce Deus;
Pie Jesu Domine
Dona eis requiem. Amen.
Suppliant in the dust I lie;
My heart a cinder, crushed and
dry:
Help me, Lord, when death is
nigh.
Full of tears and full of dread
Is the day that wakes the dead
Calling all, with solemn blast,
From the ashes of the past.
Lord of mercy, Jesu blest,
Grant the faithful light and
rest. Amen.
[After this, at High Mass, the Deacon places the Book of the Gcs°
pels 011 tlie Altar. Tlien kneeling before the Altar , says:
£J)UNDA cor meum acla- /^LEANSE my heart and
bia mea omnipotens
Deus, qui labia Isaiae pro-
phetae calculo mundasti igni-
to: ita me tua grata misera-
tione dignare mundare, ut
sanctum Evangelium tuum
digne valeam nuntiare. Per
my lips, O almighty
God, Who didst cleanse the
lips of the prophet Isaias
with a burning coal: and
vouchsafe, through Thy gra-
cious mercy, so to purify me,
that I may worthily pro-
Ordinary of the Mass for the Dead.
945
Christum Dominum nostrum, claim Thy holy Gospel.
Amen. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Then he goes to the place where the Gospel is read, and, standing
with his hands joined, says:
V. Dominus vobiscum. V. The Lord be with you..
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
Then saying:
V. Sequentia sancti Evan- V. The continuation of the
gelii secundum Joannem holy Gospel according to St.
John
he makes the sign of the Cross with the thumb of his right hand
on the Gospel which he is to read, and on his forehead, mouth,
and breast {the people doing the same), while the Minister and
people answer:
R. Gloria tibi Domine.
Gosp.
rillo tempore:
dixit Martha
ad Jesum: Domine si fuisses
hie, frater meus non fuisset
mortuus; sed et nunc scio
quia quaecumque poposceris
a Deo dabit tibi Deus. Dicit
illi Jesus: Resurget frater
tuus. Dicit ei Martha: Scio
quia resurget in resurrec-
tione in novissimo die. Dix-
it ei Jesus: Ego sum resur-
rectio et vita: qui credit in
me, etiam si mortuus fuerit,
vivet: et omnis qui vivet et
credit in me non morietur in
aeternum. Credis hoc? Ait
illi: Utique Domine, ego
credidi, quia tu es Christus
Filius Dei vivi qui in hunc
mundum venisti.
JET
R. Glory be to Thee, O
Lord.
*T that time, Martha
said to Jesus, Lord,,
if Thou hadst been here, my
brother had not died; but
now also I know that what-
soever Thou wilt ask of God,
God will give it Thee. Jesus
saith to her, thy brother
shall rise again. Martha
saith to Him, I know that
he shall rise again in the
resurrection at the last day.
Jesus said to her, I am
the Resurrection and the
Life : he that belie veth in Me,
although he be dead, shall
live; and every one that
liveth, and believeth in Me,,
shall not die for ever. Be-
lievest thou this? She saith
to Him, Yea, Lord, I have
believed that Thou art Christy
the Son of the living God,
Who art come into this worla.
After which is said:
[R- Laus tibi, Christ e. R. Praise be to Thee, O
Christ.
944
Ordinary oj the Mass for the Dead,
If the Priest celebrates without Deacon and Subdeacon, the book
is carried to the other side oj the Altar, and he, bowing down
at the middle oj the Altar, with his hands joined, says, Cleanse
my heart, etc. Then turning toward the book, with his hands
joined, he says, V. The Lord be with you; R. And with thy
spirit: and giving out the Continuation, etc., signs the book
. and himself, as before directed, the Minister and people say,
Glory be to Thee, O Lord, and he reads the Gospel; which
being ended, the Minister says, Praise be to Thee, O Christ.
Then he kisses the Altar , and, turning to the people, says:
V. Dominus vobiscum. V. The Lord be with you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. ' R. And with thy spirit
Then he says Oremus, and reads the Offertory.
Off.
'-fXOMINE Jesu
Christe, Rex
gloriae, libera animas omnium
fidelium defunct orum de pce-
nis inferni, et de profundo
lacu: libera eas de ore leonis,
ne absorbeat eas tartarus,
ne cadant in obscurum; sed
signifer sanctus Michael re-
praesentet eas in lucem sanc-
tam. Ouam olim Abrahae
promisisti, et semini ejus.
V. Hostias et preces tibi
Domine, laudis offerimus: tu
suscipe pro animabus illis,
quarum hodie memoriam
facimus: fac eas Domine de
morte transire ad vitam.
Quam olim Abrahae promisisti,
et semini ejus.
OLORD Jesus Christ,
King of glory, de-
liver the souls of all the
faithful departed from the
pains of hell and from the
deep pit: deliver them from
the mouth of the lion, that
hell may not swallow them
up, and they may not fall
into darkness, but may the
holy standard-bearer Michael
introduce them to the holy
light; which Thou didst
promise of old to Abraham
and to his seed. We offer
to Thee, O Lord, sacrifices
and prayers: do Thou re-
ceive them in behalf of those
souls whom we commem-
orate this day. Grant them,
O Lord, to pass from death
to life; which Thou didst
promise of old to Abraham
and to his seed.
This being finished, the Priest takes the paten with the Host [if
it is High Mass, the Deacon hands the Priest the paten with
the Host], and offering it up, says:
^USCIPE sancte Pater, VfCCEPT, O holy Father,
^5 omnipotens, aeternae <%/r*-% almighty, eternal
Deus, hanc immaculatam God, this immaculate Host.
Ordinary of the Mass for the Dead.
945
Hostiam, quam ego indi- which I, Thy unworthy ser-
gnus famulus tuus off ero tibi vant, offer unto Thee, my liv-
Deo meo vivo et vero, pro
innumerabilibus peccatis, et
offensionibus, et negligentiis
meis, et pro omnibus circum-
stantibus ; sed et pro omnibus
fidelibus Christianis, vivis at-
que defunctis; ut mihi et
illis proficiat ad salutem in
vitam aeternam. Amen.
ing and true God, for my in-
numerable sins, offences, and
negligences, and for all here
present ; as also for all faith-
ful Christians, both living
and dead, that it may be
profitable for my own and
for their salvation unto life
eternal. Amen.
Then, making the sign of the Cross with the paten, he places the
Host upon the corporal. The Priest pours wine and water into
the chalice, saying:
^I^VEUS, qui humanae sub- S~\ GOD, Who, in creating
/Lf stantiae dignitatem V/ human nature, didst
mirabiliter condidisti, et mi- wonderfully dignify it; and
rabilius reformasti; da no- hast still more wonderfully
bis per hujus aquae et vini renewed it; grant that, by
mysterium, ejus divinitatis the mystery of this water
esse consortes, qui humani- and wine, we may be made
tatis nostrae fieri dignatus partakers of His divinity,
est particeps, Jesus Christus, Who vouchsafed to become
Filius tuus, Dominus noster; partaker of our humanity,
qui tecum vivit et regnat in Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our
tmitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, Lord; Who liveth and reign-
per omnia saecula saeculorum. eth with Thee in the unity
Amen. of, etc.
{At High Mass, the Deacon ministers the wine, the Subdeaam-
the water.
OFFERIMUS tibi Domi-
ne calicem salutaris,
tuam deprecantes clementi-
am, ut in conspectu divinae
Majestatis tuae, pro nostra
et "totius mundi salute cum
©dore suavitatis ascendat.
Amen.
V VI | 'B offer unto Thee, O
vJlA/ Lord, the chalice of
salvation, beseeching Thy
clemency, that in the sight
of Thy divine Majesty it
may ascend with the odor
of sweetness, for our salva-
tion, and for that of the
whole world. Amen.
Then he makes the sign of the Cross with the chalice, places it
upon the corporal, and covers it with the pall. Then, with his
hands joined upon the Altar, and slightly bowing down, he says:
IN spiritu humilitatis, et in *-r*N the spirit of humility
animo contrito, susci- JLj and with a contrite
piamur a te Domine, et sic heart, let us be received,
946
Ordinary of the Mass for the Dead.
fiat sacrificium nostrum in Thee, O Lord; and grant
conspectu tuo hodie, ut pla- that the sacrifice we otfer
ceat tibi Domine Deus. in Thy sight this day may be
pleasing to Thee, O Lord God.
The Priest, looking toward heaven, and stretching out his hands \
which he afterwards joins, makes the sign oj the Crossover the
Host and chalice, while he says:
VENI sanctificator, om- f^fOME, O Sanctifier, al-
nipotens aeterne Deus, mighty, eternal God,
et benedic hoc sacrificium, and bless this sacrifice pre-
tuo sancto nomini praepara- pared to Thy holy name,
turn.
[At High Mass he, in the following prayer, blesses the Incense.
*Tq)ER intercessionem beati
— Michaelis Archangeli,
stantis a dextris Altaris In-
censi, et omnium electorum
suorum, incensum istud di-
gnetur Dominus benedicere,
et in odorem suavitatis acci-
pere. Per Christum Domi-
num nostrum. Amen.
/T\AY the Lord, by the in-
tercession of blessed
Michael the archangel, stand-
ing at the right hand of the
Altar of Incense, and of all
His elect, vouchsafe to bless
this incense, and receive it
as an odor of sweetness.
Through, etc. Amen.
Receiving the thurible from the Deacon, he incenses the Bread and
Wine, saying:
INCENSUM istuda te
benedictum ascendat ad
te Domine, et descendat
super nos misericordia tua.
fpvAY this incense which
JLL< Thou hast blessed, C
Lord, ascend to Thee, and
may Thy mercy descend upor
us.
Then he incenses the Altar, saying Ps. cxl.
PIRIGATUR Domine ora-
tiomea sicut incensum
in conspectu tuo: elevatio
manuum mearum sacrificium
vespertinum. Pone Domine
custodiam ori meo, et ostium
circumstantial labiis meis, ut
non declinet cor meum in
verba malitiae, ad excusan-
das excusationes in peccatis.
*T— JET my prayer, O Lord
, I 1 ascend like incense in
Thy sight : and the lifting up
of my hands be as an evening
sacrifice. Set a watch, O
Lord, before my mouth,
and a door round about mv
lips, that my heart may net
incline to evil words, to mak-4
excuses in sin.
Ordinary of the Mass for the Dead.
947
WHle he gives the censer to the Deacon, he says secretly these words i
and is afterwards incensed by the Deacon:
CCEX DAT in nobis tT\ AY the Lord enkindle hr
fiV£L, Dominus ignem sui us the fire of His love,
amoris, et rlammam aeternae and the name of everlasting
caritatis. Amen. charity. Amen.
The Priest, with his hands joined, goes to the Epistle side of fr*e
Altar, where he washes his fingers as he recites the following
verses of Ps. xxv.
'~j — 'AVABO inter innocentes
, 1 1 manus meas: et cir-
cumdabo altare tuumDomine.
Ut audiam vocem laudis:
et enarrem universa mirabilia
tua.
Domine dilexi decorem do-
mus tuae, et locum habita-
tionis gloriae tuae.
Xe perdas cum impiis Deus
animam mearn; et cum viris
sanguinum vitam meam.
In quorum manibus iniqui-
tates sunt: dextera eorum
repleta est muneribus.
Ego autem in innocentia
mea ingressus sum: redime
me, et miserere mei.
Pes mens stetit in directo;
in ecclesiis benedicam te Do-
mine.
I WILL wash my hand?
among the innocent .
and will encompass Thy
altar, O Lord.
That I may hear the voice
of praise, and tell of all Thy
marvelous works.
I have loved, O Lord, the
beauty of Thy house, and
the place where Thy glory
dwelleth.
Take not away my soul, O
God, with the wicked, nor my
life with men of blood.
In whose hands are iniqui-
ties : their right hand is filled
with gifts.
As for me, I have walked in
my innocence: redeem me,
and have mercy upon me.
My foot hath stood in the
right path: in the churches I
will bless Thee, O Lord.
Returning, and bowing before the middle of the Altar, with joined
hands, he says;
^USCIPE sancta Trinitas *T^> ECEIVE, O Holy Trin-
hanc oblationemquam <-*-\> ity, this oblation,
tibi offerimus ob memori- which we make to Thee in
am Passionis, Resurrectio- memory of the Passion, Res-
nis, et Ascensionis Jesu Christi urrection, and Ascension of
Domini nostri: et in honore Our Lord Jesus Christ, and
beatae Mariae semper Vir- in honor of the blessed Mary
948 Ordinary of the Mass for the Dead.
ginis, et beati Joannis Bap-
tistae, et sanctorum Apostolo-
rum Petri et Pauli, et isto-
rum et omnium Sanctorum:
ut illis proficiat ad honorem,
nobis autem ad salutem: et
illi pro nobis intercedere
dignentur in ccelis, quorum
memoriam agimus in terris.
Per eumdem Christum Do-
minum nostrum. Amen.
ever Virgin, of blessed John
the Baptist, the holy apostles
Peter and Paul, of these and
of all the saints: that it may
be available to their honoi
and our salvation: and may
they vouchsafe to intercede
for us in heaven, whose mem-
ory we celebrate on earth.
Through the same Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Then he kisses the Altar, and turning himself toward the people,
extending and joining his hands, he raises his voice a little, and
says:
ORATE f rat res, ut meum
ac vestrum sacrificium
acceptabile fiat apud Deum
Patrem omnipotentem.
R. Suscipiat Dominus sa-
crificium de manibus tuis, ad
laudem et gloriam nominis
sui, ad utilitatem quoque
nostram, totiusque Ecclesiae
suae sanctae.
BRETHREN, pray that
my sacrifice and yours
may be acceptable to God
the Father almighty.
R. May the Lord receive
the sacrifice from Thy hands,
to the praise and glory ol
His name, to our benefit
and to that of all His hoi)
Church.
The Priest answers in a low voice, Amen.
Then, with outstretched hands, he recites the Secret Prayers.
Sec. "T^ROPITIARE,
— quaesumus Do-
mine, animae famuli tui N.,
pro qua hostiam laudis tibi
immolamus, majestatem tu-
am suppliciter deprecantes:
ut per haec piae placationis
officia pervenire mereatur ad
requiem sempiternam. Per.
BE merciful, we beseech
Thee, O Lord, to the
soul of Thy servant N., for
which we offer Thee the sac-
rifice of praise; humbly be-
seeching Thy Majesty that,
by these offices of pious ex-
piation, it may be found
worthy to arrive at everlast-
ing rest.
Which being finished, he says in an audible voice:
V. Per omnia saecula saecu-
lorum.
R. Amen.
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
V. World without end.
R. Amen.
V. The Lord be with you
R. And with thy spirit.
Ordinary of the Mass for the Dead
949
Here he uplifts his hands:
V. Sursum corda. V. Lift up your hearts.
R. Habemus ad Dominum. R. We have them lifted
up unto the Lord.
He joins his hands before his breast, and bows his head while he
says:
V. Gratias agamus Domino V. Let us give thanks to
Deo nostro. the Lord our God.
R. Dignum et justum est. R. It is meet and just.
He then disjoins his hands until the end of the Preface, after
which he again joins them, and bowing, says, Sanctus, etc.
When he says Benedict us, etc., he crosses himself.
(At the word Sanctus, etc., the bell is rung three times by the
Acolyte.)
The following Preface is said in all Masses for the Dead.
VERE dignum et justum
est, aequum et salutare,
nos tibi semper, et ubique
gratias agere: Domine sancte,
Pater omnipotens, aeterne
Deus: per Christum Domi-
num nostrum. In quo nobis
spes beatae resurrectionis ef-
fulsit, ut quos contristat certa
moriendi conditio, eosdem
consoletur futurae immorta-
litatis promissio. Tuis enim
fidelibus, Domine, vita mu-
tatur, non tollitur, et dis-
soluta terrestris hujus incola-
tus ^ domo, aeterna in caelis
habitatio comparatur. Et
ideo cum Angelis et Archan-
gelis, cum Thronis et Domi-
nadonibus, cumque omni
militia caelestis exercitus,
hymnum gloriae tuae canimus,
sine fine dicentes: Sanctus,
etc.
IT is truly meet and just,
right and salutary, that
we should always, and in all
places, give thanks to Thee
O holy Lord , Father almighty,
eternal God . Through Christ
our Lord: in Whom the hope
of a happy resurrection has
shone on us, so that those
whom the certain fate of dy-
ing renders sad, may be con-
soled by the promise of future
immortality. For with re-
gard to Thy Faithful, O
Lord, life is changed, not
taken away, and the house of
their earthly dwelling being
destroyed, an eternal dwell-
ing in heaven is obtained.
And therefore with angels
and archangels, with thrones
and dominations, and with
all the army of heaven, we
sing a hymn to Thy glory,
saying without ceasing: Holy,
etc.
95°
Canon of the Mass for the Dead.
Canon of tbe /Ilbase*
E igitur, clementissime
\$J Pater, per Jesum
Christum Filium tuum Do-
minum nostrum, supplices
rogamus ac petimus uti ac-
cepta habeas et benedicas haec
•k dona, haec *i* munera, haec
•f'sancta sacrificia illibata, in
primis, quae tibi offerimus pro
Ecclesia tua sancta Catholica :
quam pacificare, custodire,
adunare, et regere digneris
toto orbe terrarum, una cum
famulo tuo Papa nostro N.,
et Antistite nostro N., et
omnibus orthodoxis, atque
Catholicae et Apostolicae Fi-
dei cultoribus.
'E therefore humbly
pray and beseech
Thee, most merciful Father,
through Jesus Christ Thy
Son, Our Lord [he kisses the
altar], that Thou wouldst
vouchsafe to accept and bless
these 'b gifts, these pres-
ents, these *i* holy unspotted
sacrifices, which, in the first
place, we offer Thee for Thy
holy Catholic Church, to
which vouchsafe to grant
peace, as also to protect,
unite, and govern it through-
out the world, together with
Thy servant N. our Pope,
N. our Bishop, as also all
orthodox believers and pro-
fessors of the Catholic and
Apostolic faith.
COMMEMORATION OF THE LIVING.
B'
mi
mulorum famular uni-
que tuarum, N. et N.
He joins his hands, and prays silently for those he intends to pray
jcr; then, extending his hands, he proceeds:
>E mindful, O Lord, ot
Thy servants, men
and women, N. and N.
T omnium circumstan-
V— \ tium, quorum tibi fi-
des cognita est, et nota de-
votio, pro quibus tibi offeri-
mus, vel qui tibi offerunt,
hoc sacrificium laudis, pro se
suisque omnibus: pro re-
demptione animarum sua-
rum, pro spe salutis, et in-
columitatis suae: tibique red-
dunt vota sua, aeternc Deo,
vivo et vero.
* d m'ND of all here present,
cJr^-y whose faith and de-
votion are known unto Thee,
for whom we offer, or wno
offer up to Thee this sacrifice
of praise for themselves,
their families, and friends,
for the redemption of their
souls, for the hope of their
safety and salvation, and
who pay their vows to Thee,
the eternal, living, and true
God.
Canon of the Mass for the Dead.
95i
Communicantes, et memo-
riam venerantes, imprimis
gloriosae semper Virginis Ma-
riae, Genitricis Dei et Domini
nostri Jesu Christi ; sed et be-
atorum apostolorum ac mar-
tyrum tuorum, Petri et Pauli,
Andreae, Jacobi, Joannis,
Thomae, Jacobi, Philippi, Bar-
tholomaei, Matthaei, Simonis
et Thaddaei, Lini, Cleti, de-
mentis, Xysti, Cornelii, Cy-
priani, Laurentii, Chrysogo-
ni, Joannis et Pauli, Cosmae
et Damiani, et omnium Sanc-
torum tuorum; quorum me-
ntis precibusque concedas,
ut in omnibus protectionis
tuae nuniamur auxilio. Per
eumdem Christum Dominum
nostrum. Amen.
Communicating with, and
honoring in the first place
the memory of the glorious
and ever Virgin Mary, Mother
of Our Lord and God Jesus
Christ; as also of the blessed
apostles and martyrs, Peter
and Paul, Andrew, James,
John, Thomas, James, Philip,
Bartholomew, Matthew, Si-
mon and Thaddeus, Linus,
Cletus, Clement, Xystus, Cor-
nelius, Cyprian, Lawrence,
Chrysogonus, John and Paul,
Cosmas and Damian, and
of all Thy saints; by whose
merits and prayers grant
that we may be always de-
fended by the help of Thy
protection. Through the
same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Spreading his hands 01
(Here the t:
' ANC igitur oblationem
*JL.£ servitutis nostrae, sed
et cunctae familiae tuae, quae-
sumus Domine ut placatus
accipias; diesque nostros in
tua pace disponas, atque ab
aeterna damnatione nos eripi,
et in elect orum tuorum jube-
as grege numerari. Per
Christum Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
Quam oblationem, tu Deus
in omnibus quaesumus bene-
die^tam, adscrip+tam, ra-
Hhtam, rationabilem, accepta-
bilemque facere digneris; ut
nobis cor^pus et san4«guis fiat
dilectissimi Filii tui Domini
nostri Jesus Christi.
Qui pridie quam pateretur
accepit panem in sanctas ac
<er the oblation, he says:
>ell is rung.)
E therefore beseech
Thee, O Lord, gra-
ciously to accept this obla-
tion of our service, as also
of Thy whole family; dis-
pose our days in Thy peace,
command us to be delivered
from eternal damnation, and
to be numbered in the flock
of Thy elect. Through Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Which oblation do Thou,
O God, vouchsafe in all
things to make bless^ed, ap-
pro v4-ed, rationed, reason-
able, and acceptable, that it
may become to us the body
*h and 4* blood of Thy most
beloved Son Jesus Christ our
Lord.
Who, the day before He
suffered, took bread into His
952
Canon of the Mass for the Dead.
venerabiles manus suas, et
elevatis oculis in coelum, ad te
Deum Patrem suum omnipo-
tentem: tibi gratias agens,
benedixit, fregit, deditque
discipulis suis, dicens: Ac-
cipite, et manducate ex hoc
omnes; hoc Est enim cor-
pus meum.
holy and venerable hands,
and with His eyes lifted up
toward heaven, to God, His
Father almighty ; giving
thanks to Thee, did bless,
break, and give to His dis-
ciples, saying: Take, and
eat ye all of this; for this
IS MY BODY.
After pronouncing the words of consecration, the Priest kneeling
adores the sacred Host; rising, he elevates it; and then placing
it on the corporal, again adores it. After this he never disjoins
his thumbs and forefingers, except when he is to take the Host,
until after the washing of his fingers.
(At the Elevation the bell is rung three times.)
[IMILI modo postquam TN like manner, after He
ccenatum est, acci- .-■-> had supped, taking also
piens et hunc praeclarum cali- this excellent chalice into His
cem in sanctas ac venerabiles
manus suas, item tibi gratias
agens bene+dixit, deditque
discipulis suis, dicens: Acci-
pite et bibite ex eo omnes;
HIC EST ENIM CAUX SANGUI-
NIS MEI NO VI ET JETERNI
TESTAMENTi; MYSTERIUM Fl-
DEIJ QUI PRO VOBIS ET PRO
MUI/TIS EFFUNDETUR, IN RE-
MI SSI ONEM PECCATORUM.
Haec quotiescunque feceri-
tis, in mei memoriam facietis.
holy and venerable hands,
and giving Thee thanks, He
bless4«ed, and gave to His
disciples, saying: Take, and
drink ye all of this; for
THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY
BLOOD OF THE NEW AND
ETERNAL TESTAMENT; THE
MYSTERY OF FAITH; WHICH
SHALL BE SHED FOR YOU, AND
FOR MANY, TO THE REMISSION
OF SINS.
As often as ye do these
things, ye shall do them in
remembrance of Me.
Kneeling, ' he adores; rising, he elevates the chalice; then replacing
it on the corporal, he covers it, and again he adores.
(The bell is rung three times, as before.)
He then proceeds:
NDE et memores Do- Jr"7rr'HEREFORE, O Lord,
mine nos servi tui, sed vIlA/ we Thy servants, as
it plebs tua sancta, ejusdem also Thy holy people, calling
Christi Filii tui Domini no- to mind the blessed Passion
stri tarn beatae passionis, nec- of the same Christ Thy Son,
non et ab inferis Resurrec- Our L,ord, His Resurrection
Canon of the Mass for the Dead. # 953
tionis, sed et in coelo gloriosae
Aseensionis : off erimus prae-
clarae Majestati tuae, de tuis
donis ac datis, Hostiam^
puram, Hostiam 4* sanctam,
Hostiam *b immaculatam, pa-
nem *b sanctum vitae aeternae,
et calicem *i* salutis perpetuae.
from hell, and glorious Ascen-
sion into heaven, offer unto-
Thy most excellent Majesty^
of Thy gifts and grants, a
pure Host, a holy 4* Host, an
immaculate *h Host, the holy
4* bread of eternal life, and
the chalice 4« of everlasting
salvation.
Extending his
CN* UPRA quae propitio ac
serene vultu respicere
aigneris, et accepta habere,
sicuti accepta habere digna-
tus es munera pueri tui justi
Abel, et sacrificium Patriar-
chal nostri Abraham; et quod
tibi obtulit summus sacerdos
tuus Melchisedech, sanctum
sacrificium, immaculatam
hostiam.
hands, he says:
V I 'PON which vouchsafe to
VA* look with a propitious
and serene countenance, and
to accept them, as Thou
wert graciously pleased to
accept the gifts of Thy just
servant Abel, and the sac-
rifice of our Patriarch Abra-
ham, and that which Thy
high priest Melchisedech of-
fered to Thee, a holy sacri-
fice, an immaculate host.
Bowing down profoundly, with his hands joined and placed upon
the Altar, he says:
QfUPPLICES te rogamus
omnipotens Peus, ju-
be haec perferri per manus
sancti angeli tui in sublime
altare tuum, in conspectu
divinae Majestatis tuae ut
quotquot ex hac altaris par-
ticipation, sacrosanctum Fi-
lii tui corpus et 4* sangui-
nem sumpserimus, omni be-
nedictione ccelesti et gratia
repleamur. Per eumdem
Christum Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
Memento etiam Domine fa-
mulorum famularumque tua-
rum N. et N., qui nos praeces-
y V| J^E most humbly be-
UlA» seech Th.ee> almighty
God, command these things
to be carried by the hands
of Thy holy angel to Thy
altar on high, in the sight of
Thy divine Majesty, that as
many of us [he kisses the
altar] as, by participation at
this altar, shall receive the
most sacred body 4* and 4*
blood of Thy Son may be
filled with all heavenly ben-
ediction and grace. Through
the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Be mindful, O Lord, of
Thy servants and handmaids
N. and N., who are gone
954
Canon of the Mass for the Dead.
serunt cum signo fidei, et dor- before us, with the sign of
miunt in somno pacis. faith, and slumber in the
sleep of peace.
He prays for such of the Dead as he intends to pray for.
IPSIS Domine et omni-
bus in Christo quiescen-
tibus, locum refrigerii, lucis
et pacis, ut indulgeas, de-
precamur. Per eumdem Chris-
tum, etc. Amen.
/^O these, O Lord, and to
Vr) all that rest in Christ,
grant, we beseech Thee, a
place of refreshment, ligt t,
and peace. 0 Through the
same Christ our Lord. Amen
Here, striking his breast and slightly raising his voice, he sayi
Nobis quoque peccatoribus
famulis tuis, de multitudine
miserationum tuarum speran-
tibus partem aliquam et socie-
tatem donare digneris, cum
tuis Sanctis apostolis et mar-
tyribus; cum Joanne, Ste-
phano, Matthia, Barnaba,
Ignatio, Alexandra, Marcel-
lino, Petro, Felicitate, Per-
petua, Agatha, Lucia, Ag-
nete, Csecilia, Anastasia, et
omnibus Sanctis tuis: intra
quorum nos consortium, non
estimator meriti, sed veniae,
quaesumus, largitor admitte.
Per Christum Dominum nos-
trum.
Per quern haec omnia Do-
mine semper bona creas, sanc-
ti^ficas, vivH«ncas, bene*K
dicis, et praestas nobis.
He uncovers the chalice and makes a genii/lection; then taking
the Host in his right hand, and holding the chalice in his left,
he makes the sign of the cross three times across the chalice,
saying:
And to us sinners, Thy ser-
vants, hoping, in the multi-
tude of Thy mercies, vouch'
safe to grant some part and
fellowship with Thy holy
apostles and martyrs; wilh
John, Stephen, Matthias,
Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexan-
der, Marcellinus, Petei, Feli-
citas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy,
Agnes, Cecily, Anastasia, and
with all Thy saints: into
whose company we beseech
Thee to admit us, not con-
sidering our merits, but free-
ly pardoning our offences.
Through Christ our Lord.
By whom, O Lord, Thou
dost always create, sancti-
fy, quick^en, bless 4*, and
give us all these good things.
Per ip4*sum, et cum ip*f"so,
et in ip^so, est tibi Deo
Patri^omnipotenti, in uni-
tate Spiritus 4* Sancti, om-
nis honor et gloria.
Through *h Him, and with
4« Him, and in Him, is to
Thee, God the Father
almighty, in the unity of the
Holy 4* Ghost, all honor and
glory.
Canon of the Mass for the Dead. 955
Replacing the Host, and covering the chalice, he genuflects,
and says:
V. Per omnia saecula saecu- V. For ever and ever,
lorum.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Or emus.
*|S)R^CEPTIS salutaribus
r-*— moniti, et divina in-
stitutione formati, audemus
dicere :
Pater noster, qui es in cce-
lis, sanctincetur nomen tuum :
adveniat regnum tuum; fiat
voluntas tua sicut in coelo, et
in terra. Panem nostrum
quotidianum da nobis hodie:
et dimitte nobis, debita nos-
tra, sicut et nos dimittimus
debitoribus nostris. Et ne .
nos inducas in tentationem.
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
V. Amen.
Let us pray.
INSTRUCTED by Thy
saving precepts, and
following Thy divine insti-
tution, we presume to say:
Our Father, Who art in
heaven, hallowed be Thy
name: Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as
it is in heaven. Give us
this day our daily bread:
and forgive us our tres-
passes, as we forgive them
that trespass against us.
And lead us not into tempta-
tion.
R. But deliver us from
evil.
V. Amen.
He takes the paten between his first and second finger, and says:
*"| * IBERA nos, cuaesumus
1 1 A Domine, ab omnibus
malis, praeteritis, presentibus,
et futuris: et intercedente
beata et gloriosa semper Vir-
gine Dei Genitrice Maria, cum
beatis apostolis tuis Petro et
Paulo, atque Andrea, et om-
nibus Sanctis, da propitius
pacem in diebus nostris: ut
ope misericordiae tuae adjuti,
et a peccato sinus semper
liberi, et ab omni perturba-
tion e securi.
^-px ELIVER us, we be-
JLJ seech Thee, O Lord,
from all evils past, present,
and to come: and by the in-
tercession of the blessed and
glorious Mary ever Virgin,
Mother of God, together with
Thy blessed apostles Peter
and Paul, and Andrew, and
all the saints [making the
sign of the cross on himself
with the paten, he kisses it
and says], mercifully grant
peace in our days: that by
the assistance of Thy mercy
we may be always free from
sin, and secure from all dis-
turbance.
956
Canon of the Mass for the Dead.
He Maces the paten wider the Host, uncovers the chalice, and
makes a genuflection; theft rising, he takes the Host, breaks it
in the middle over the chalice, saying:
Per eumdem Dominum nos- Through the same Jesus
trum Jesum Christum Filium Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord,
tuum.
He puts the part which is in his right hand upon the paten, breaks
a particle from the other part in his left hand, saying:
Qui tecum vivit et regnat in Who with Thee in the
unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus. unity of the Holy Ghost
liveth and reigneth God.
He places the part in his left hand on the paten, and holding the
particle which he broke off in his right hand, and the chalice in
his left, he says:
V. Per omnia saecula saecu- V. World without end.
lorum.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
He makes the sign of the cross with the particle over the
chalice, saying:
V. Pax Domini sit V. May the peace 4* of the
semper vobis *i* cum. Lord be 4* always with *b
you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
He puts the particle into the chalice, saying:
Haec commixtio et conse- May this mixture and con-
cratio corporis et sanguinis secration of the body and
Domini nostri Jesu Christi blood of Our Lord Jesus
fiat accipientibus nobis in Christ be to us that receive
vitam aeternam. Amen. it effectual to eternal life.
Amen.
He covers the chalice, makes a genuflection; then bowing down
and having his hands joined before his breast, he says:
GNUS Dei, qui tollis
peccata mundi, dona
eis requiem.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis pecca-
ta mundi, dona eis requiem.
*ir~! AMB of God, Who tak-
,J — i est away the sins of
the world, give them rest;
Lamb of God, Who takest
away the sins of the world,
give them rest.
Canon of the Mass for the Dead. 957
Agnus Dei, qui tollis pecca-
ta mundi, dona eis requiem
sempiternam.
Standing in an inclined position,
ing on the altar, and his eyes
Host, he says:
BOMINE Jesu Christe, Fi-
li Dei vivi, qui ex vol-
untate Patris, ' cooperante
Spiritu Sancto, per mortem
tuam mundum vivificasti : li-
bera me per hoc sacrosanc-
tum corpus et sanguinem
tuum ab omnibus iniquita-
tibus meis, et universis malis :
et fac me tuis semper inhae-
rere mandatis, et a te nun-
quam separari permittas : qui
cum eodem Deo Patre et
Spiritu Sancto vivis et reg-
nas Deus in saecula saeculo-
rum. Amen.
Perceptio corporis tui Do-
mine Jesu Christe, quod ego
indignus sumere praesumo,
non mihi proveniat in judi-
cium et condemnationem ;
sed pro tua pietate prosit
mihi ad tutamentum mentis
et corporis, et ad medelam
percipiendam. Qui vivis et
regnas cum Deo Patre, in
unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus
per omnia saecula saeculorum.
Amen.
Making a genuflection,
Panem ccelestem accipiam
et nomen Domini invocabo.
Lamb of God, Who takest
away the sins of the world,
give them eternal rest.
with his hands joined and rest-
reverently fixed upon the sacred
*T~~I ORD Jesus Christ, Son
rJ — * of the living God, Who
according to the will of the
Father, through the cooper-
ation of the Holy Ghost, hast
by Thy death given life to
the world; deliver me by
this Thy most sacred body
and blood from all my in-
iquities and from all evils;
and make me always adhere
to Thy commandments, and
never suffer me to be sep-
arated from Thee; Who with
the same God the Father and
Holy Ghost livest and reign-
est God for ever and ever.
Amen.
Let not the participation
of Thy body, O Lord Jesus
Christ, which I, all unworthy,
presume to receive, turn to
my judgment and condem-
nation; but through Thy
goodness may it be to me a
safeguard and remedy, both
of soul and body. Who with
God the Father, in the unity
of the Holy Ghost, livest
and reignest God for ever
and ever. Amen.
the Priest rises and says:
I will take the bread of
heaven, and call upon the
name of the Lord.
958
Canon of the Mass for the Dead.
Then slightly inclining, he takes both parts of the Hcst between
the thumb and forefinger of his left hand, and the paten be-
tween the same forefinger and the middle one; then striking his
breast with his right hand, and raising his voice a little, he
says three times, devoutly and humbly:
Domine non sum dignus ut Lord, I am not worthy
intres sub tectum meum ; sed that Thou shouldst enter
tantum die verbo, et sanabi- under my roof; say but the
tur anima mea. word, and my soul shall be
healed.
Then with, his right hand crossing himself with the Host over
the paten he says:
Corpus Domini nostri Jesu May the body of Our Lord
Christi custodiat animam me- Jesus Christ preserve my
am in vitam aeternam. Amen, soul to life everlasting. Amen.
He then reverently receives both parts of the Host, joins his hands,
and remains a short time in meditation on the Most Holy Sacra-
ment. Then he uncovers the chalice, genuflects, collects what-
ever fragments may remain on the corporal, and wipes the paten
over the chalice, saying while so doing:
Quid retribuam Domino What shall I render to
pro omnibus quae retribuit the Lord for all He hath
mihi? Calicem salutaris acci- rendered unto me? I will
piam, et nomen Domini invo- take the chalice of salvation,
cabo. Laudans invocabo Do- and call upon the name of
minum, et ab inimicis meis the Lord. Praising I will
salvus ero. call upon the Lord, and I
shall be saved from my
enemies.
He takes the chalice in his right hand, and making the sign of
the Cross with it, he says:
Sanguis Domini nostri Jesu The blood of Our Lord
Christi custodiat animam rae- Jesus Christ preserve my
am in vitam aeternam. Amen, soul to everlasting life. Amen.
Then he receives the chalice.
(After which he communicates all who are to communicate.)
Those who are to communicate go up to the sanctuary at the Domine
non sum dignus, when the bell rings: 'Ine Acolyte spreads a
cloth before them, and says the Confiteor.
Canon of the Mass for the Dead. 959
Then the priest turns to the communicants , and pronounces a
general absolution in these words:
Misereatur vestri omnipo-
tens Deus, et dimissis pecca-
tis vestris, perducat vos ad
vitam aeternam.
R. Amen.
V. Indulgentiam, absolu-
tionem, et remissionem pec-
catorum vestrorum tribuat
vobis omnipotens et miseri-
cors Dominus.
R. Amen.
May almighty God have
mercy on you, forgive you
your sins, and bring you to
life everlasting.
R. Amen.
V. May the almighty and
merciful Lord give you par-
don, absolution, and remis-
sion of your sins.
R. Amen.
Elevating a particle of the Blessed Sacrament, and turning toward
the people, he says:
Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui Behold the Lamb of God,
tollit peccata mundL behold Him Who taketh
away the sins of the world
And then repeats three times, Domine non sum dignus.
Descending the steps 0} the Altar to the communicants, he admin*
isters the Holy Communion, saying to each:
Corpus Domini nostri Jesu May the body of Our Lord
Christi custodiat animam Jesus Christ preserve thy
tuam in vitam aeternam. soul to life everlasting. Amen.
Amen.
Then the Priest holds the chalice for a little wine for the first ablu-
tion, and says:
Quod ore sumpsimus Do- Grant, Lord, that what we
mine, pura mente capiamus; have taken with our mouth
et de munere temporali fiat we may receive with a pure
nobis remedium sempiter- mind; and of a temporal
num. gift may it become to us an
eternal remedy.
Then, having taken the first ablution, he says:
Corpus tuum Domine quod May Thy body, O Lord,
sumpsi, et sanguis quern po- which I have received, and
tavi, adhaereat visceribus Thy blood which I have
meis : et praesta, ut in me non drunk, cleave to my bowels ;
remaneat scelerum macula, and grant that no stain of
quern pura et sancta refece- sin may remain in me, who
runt sacramenta. Qui vivis have been refreshed with
960
Canon of the Mass for the Dead.
et regnas in saecula saeculo-
rum. Amen.
pure and holy sacraments,
Who livest, etc. Amen.
Then the Acolyte pouring wine and water over his fingers, he
washes them, wipes them, and takes the second ablution: he
then wipes his ?nouth and the chalice, which he covers; and
reads the Communion.
Com. Lux aeterna luceat eis
Domine: Cum Sanctis tuis in
aeternum, quia pius es. V.
Requiem aeternam dona eis
Domine; et lux perpetua lu-
ceat eis. Cum Sanctis.
May light eternal shine
upon them, O Lord: With
Thy saints for ever, because
Thou art merciful. Eternal
rest give to them, O Lord;
and let perpetual light shine
upon them. With Thy saints.
Then he turns to the people, and says:
V. Dominus vobiscum. V. The Lord be with you.
R. Et cum spirit u tuo. R. And with thy spirit
Then he reads the Post Communion.
P. C. Praesta, quaesumus
omnipotens Deus, ut anima
famuli tui, N., quae hodie de
hoc saeculo migravit, his
sacrinciis purgata et a pecca-
tis expedita, indulgentiam
pariter et requiem capiat
sempiternam. Per.
Grant, we beseech Thee,
almighty God, that the soul
of Thy servant, N., which
has this day departed out of
this world, being purified
by this sacrifice, and de-
livered from sins, may re-
ceive pardon and everlasting
rest.
Afterwards he turns toward the people, and says:
V. Dominus vobiscum. V. The Lord be with you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
Turning toward the Altar, lie says: .
Vi Requiescant in pace. V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Bowing down bejore the Altar, with his hands joined ani resting
on it, the Priest says:
Placeat tibi, sancta Trini-
tas, obsequium servitutis
meae ; et praesta, ut sacrificium
quod oculis tuae Majestatis
indignus obtuli, tibi sit ac-
ceptable, mihique, et omni-
O holy Trinity, let the per-
formance of my homage be
pleasing to Thee; and grant
that the sacrifice which I,
unworthy, have offered up in
the " sight of Thy Majesty
The Masses for All Souls' Day
961
bus pro quibus illud obtuli,
sit, te miserante, propitiabile.
Per Christum Dominum nos-
trum. Amen.
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
may be acceptable to Thee,
and through Thy mercy be
a propitiation for me, and
all those for whom I have
offered it. Through, etc.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
He then makes the sign of the Cross .first upon the Altar, and then
upon his forehead, lipst and heart, and begins the Gospel
according to St. John, as on page 275.
THE MASSES FOR ALL SOULS' DAY (NOVEMBER 2ND)
Note. — The Introit, Gradual, Offertory, and Communion are
the same in all Masses for the Dead. The only variations are the
Collects, Epistles, and Gospels, which are given below for each Mass.
FIRST
Coll. ^IDELIUM
c*—[ Deus omni-
um Conditor et Redemptor,
animabus famulorum famu-
larumque tuarum, remissio-
nem cunctorum tribue peeca-
torum ut indulgentiam quam
semper optaverunt, piis sup-
plicationibus consequantur,
Qui vivis, etc.
Epist. Lectio Epistolse Be-
ad Pauli Apostoli ad Corin-
thios. — Fratres, ecce mysteri-
um vobis dico: omnes qui-
dem resurgemus, sed non
omnes immutabimur. In
momento, in ictu oculi, in
novissima tuba: canet enim
tuba et mortui resurgent in-
corrupti; et nos immutabi-
mur. Oportet enim corrup-
tible hoc induere incorrupti-
onem: et mortale hoc in-
duere immortalitatem. Cum
autem mortale hoc induerit
immortalitatem, tunc fiet ser-
mo, qui scriptus est: absorp-
ta est mors in victoria. Ubi
est mors victoria tua? Ubi
est mors stimulus tuus? Sti-
MASS.
OGOD, the Creator and
Redeemer of all the
faithful, grant to the souls
of Thy servants departed
the remission of all their
sins; that through pious
supplications they may ob-
tain the pardon which they
have always desired.
From the Epistle of St.
Paul to the Corinthians. —
Brethren, behold, I tell you a
mystery: we shall all indeed
rise again, but we shall not
all be changed. In a mo-
ment, in the twinkling of an
eye, at the last trumpet:
for the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall rise again
incorruptible, and we shall
be changed. For this cor-
ruptible must put on incor-
ruption, and this mortal must
put on immortality. And
when this mortal hath put
on immortality, then shall
come to pass the saying that
is written, Death is swallowed
up in victory. O death,
962
The Masses for All Souls' Day.
mulus autem mortis pecca-
tum est: virtus vero peccati
lex. Deo autem gratias qui
dedit nobis victoriam per
Dominum nostrum Jesum
Christum.
Gosp. In illo tempore dix-
it Jesus turbis Judaeorum,
Amen, amen, dico vobis, quia
venit hora et nunc est quan-
do mortui audient vocem Fi-
lii Dei; et qui audierint, vi-
vent. Sicut enim Pater ha-
bet vitam in semetipso, sic
dedit et Filio habere vitam in
semetipso: et potestatem de-
dit ei judicium facere quia Fi-
lms hominis est. Nolite mi-
rari hoc, quia venit hora, in
qua omnes qui in monumen-
tis sunt audient vocem Filii
Dei et procedent, qui bona
fecerunt in resurrectionem
vitae, qui vero mala egerunt
an resurrectionem judicii.
Sec. Hostias quaesumus
Domine quas tibi pro ani-
mabus famulorum famula-
rumque tuarum orTerimus
propitiatus intende; ut qui-
bus fidei christianse meritum
contulisti dones et praemium.
Per Dominum.
P.C. Animabus quaesumus
Domine famulorum famula-
rumque tuarum oratio pro-
nciat supplicantium: ut eas
et a peccatis omnibus exuas,
et tuae redemptionis facias
where is thy victory? O
death, where is thy sting?
Now the sting of death is sin:
and the strength of sin is the
law. But thanks be to God,
Who hath given us the
victory through Our Lord
Jesus Christ.
At that time Jesus said to
the multitudes of the Jews,
Amen, amen, I say unto
you, that ^ the hour cometh
and now is, when the dead
shall hear the voice of the
Son of God; and they that
hear shall live. For as Thy
Father hath life in Himself,
so He hath given to the Son
also to have life in Himself:
and He hath given Him
power to do judgment, be-
cause He is the Son of man.
Wonder not at this, for the
hour cometh wherein all that
are in the grave shall hear
the voice of the Son of God;
and they that have done
good things shall come forth
unto the resurrection of life,
but they that have done
evil, unto the resurrection of
judgment.
Mercifully look down upon
this sacrifice which we offer to
Thee for the souls of Thy
servants, O Lord; we beseech
Thee that to those to whom
Thou didst grant the merit of
Christian faith Thou mayest
also grant its reward.
We beseech Thee, O Lord,
that the prayer of Thy sup-
pliants may benefit the souls
of Thy servants; that Thou
mayest deliver them from all
The Masses for All Souls' Day.
963
esse participes.
etc.
Qui vivis, their sins, and make them
partakers of Thy redemption .
SECOND MASS.
Coll
X)1
Note: Also said on the Anniversary including parts in brackets.
OGOD, the Lord of mer-
cies, grant to the souls
of Thy servants, (whose anni-
versary we commemorate) , a
place of refreshment, the
happiness of rest, and the
clearness of Thy light.
^ EUS indulgenti-
arum Domine
da animabus famulorum fa-
mularumque tuarum, (quo-
rum anniversarium depositio-
ns diem commemoramus) , re-
frigerii sedem , quietis beatitu-
dinem, et luminis claritatem.
Less. Lectio libri Macha-
baeorum. In diebusillis: vir
fortissimus Judas, facta col-
latione, duodecim millia
drachmas argenti misit Jero-
solymam ofTerri pro peccatis
mortuorum sacrificium, bene
et religiose de resurrectione
cogitans (nisi enim eos, qui
ceciderant, resurrecturos spe-
raret, superfluum videretur,
et vanum orare pro mortuis),
et quia considerabat quod hi,
qui cum pietate dormitionem
acceperant, optimam habe-
rent repositam gratiam.
Sancta ergo et salubris est
cogitatio pro defunctis ex-
orare ut a peccatis solvan-
tur.
Gosp. In illo tempore: dix-
it Jesus turbis Judaeorum:
Omne quod dat mihi Pater
ad me veniet: et eum, qui
venit ad me, non ejiciam fo-
ras: quia descendi de ccelo,
non ut faciam voluntatem
meam, sed voluntatem ejus,
qui misit me. Haec est au-
tem voluntas ejus qui misit
From the Book of Macha-
bees. In those days, the .
most valiant man Judas,
making a gathering, sent
twelve thousand drachms of
silver to Jerusalem for sac-
rifice to be offered for the sins
of the dead, thinking well
and religiously concerning
the resurrection (for if he
had not hoped that they
that were slain should rise
again, it would have seemed
superfluous and vain to pray
for the dead); and because
he considered that they who
had fallen asleep with godli-
ness had great grace laid up
for them. It is therefore a
holy and wholesome thought
to pray for the dead, that
they may be loosed from sins.
At that time, Jesus said to
the multitudes of the Jews,
All that the Father giveth
Me shall come to Me; and
him that cometh to Me I will
not cast out: because I came
down from heaven, not to do
My own will, but the will of
Him Who sent Me. Now
this is the will of the Father
964
The Masses for All Souls9 Day.
me, Patris, ut omne quod
dedit mihi non perdam ex eo,
sed resuscitem illud in novis-
simo die. Haec est autem
voluntas Patris mei, qui mi-
sit me: ut omnis qui videt
Filium, et credit in eum,
habeat vitam aeternam, et
ego resuscitabo eum in novis-
simo die.
Sec. Propitiare, Domine,
supplicationibus nostris, pro
animabus famulorum famula-
rumque tuarum, (quorum ho-
die annua dies agitur) pro
quibus tibi offerimus sacrifi-
cium laudis: ut eas Sancto-
rum tuorum consortio sociare
digneris.
P.C. Praesta, quaesumus,
Domine, ut animas famulo-
rum famularumque tuarum,
(quorum anniversarium de-
positionis diem commemora-
mus), his purgatae sacrificiis,
indulgentiam pariter et re-
quiem capiant sempiternam.
Who sent Me, that of all that
He hath given Me I should
lose nothing, but should raise
it up again in the last day;
and this is the will of My
Father that sent Me, that
every one who seeth the Son
and believeth in Him, may
have life everlasting; and I will
raise him up in the last day.
Be propitious, O Lord, to
our supplications for the
souls of Thy servants, (whose
anniversary is this day com-
memorated) for whom we
offer Thee the sacrifice of
praise; that Thou mayest
vouchsafe to associate them
-to the company of Thy saints.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O
Lord, that the souls of Thy
servants, (whose anniversary
we commemorate) purified by
this sacrifice, may obtain
pardon and everlasting rest.
THIRD MASS.
Coll. *T~\EUS, veniae
,JL/ largitor, et
humanae salutis amator: quae-
sumus clementiam tuam; ut
animas famulorum, famular-
umque tuarum, quae ex hoc
saeculo transierunt, b. Maria
semper Virgine intercedente
cum omnibus Sanctis tuis, ad
perpetuae beatitudinis consor-
tium pervenire concedas.
Less. In diebus illis: Au-
divi vocem de caelo, dicentem
mihi: Scribe: Beati mortui,
qui in Domino moriuntur.
Amodo jam dicit Spiritus, ut
OGOD, the bestower of
pardon and lover of
man's salvation, we beseech
Thy clemency, through the
intercession of blessed Mary
ever a virgin, and all Thy
saints, that the souls of Thy
servants and handmaids who
have passed out of this world
may together enjoy ever-
lasting happiness.
IN THOSE days I heard a
voice from heaven, saying
to me, Write, blessed are
the dead, who die in the
Lord. From henceforth now,
The Third Mass for All Souls s Day. 965
requiescant a laboribus suis:
opera enim illorum sequun-
tur illos.
Gosp. illo tempore:
Ji^ Dixit Jesus
turbis Judaeorum: Ego sum
panis vivus, qui de caslo
descendi. Si quis manduca-
verit ex hoc pane, vivet in
asternum: et panis, quern ego
dabo, caro mea est pro mundi
vita. Litigabant ergo Judaei
ad invicem, dicentes: Quo-
modo potest hie nobis carnem
suam dare ad manducandum?
Dixit ergo eis Jesus: Amen,
amen dico vobis: nisi man-
ducaveritis carnem Filii hom-
inis, et biberitis ejus san-
guinem, non habebitis vitam
in vobis. Qui manducat
meam carnem, et bibit meum
sanguinem, habet vitam aster-
nam: et ego resuscitabo eum
in novissimo die.
Sec. Deus, cujus miseri-
cordias non est numerus, sus-
cipe propitius preces humili-
tatis nostras: et animabus
omnium fidelium defuncto-
rum, quibus tui nominis de-
disti confessionem, per haec
sacramenta salutis nostras,
cunctorum remissionem tri-
bue peccatorum.
P.C. Prassta, quaesumus,
omnipotens et misericors
Deus: ut animas famulorum,
famularumque tuarum, pro
quibus hoc sacrificium laudis
tuae obtulimus majestati; per
hujus virtu tern sacramenti: a
peccatis omnibus expiatas,
lucis perpetuae, te miserante,
recipiant beatitudinem. Per
Dominum.
saith the Spirit, that they
may rest from their labors,
for their works follow them.
KJ |'T THAT time, Jesus
cJ^-L, said to the multitudes
of the Jews: I am the living
bread, which came down
from heaven. If any man
eat of this bread he shall live
for ever: and the bread that
I will give is My flesh for
the life of the world. The
Jews therefore strove among
themselves, saying, How can
this man give us His -flesh to
eat? Then Jesus said to
them, Amen, amen, I say
unto you, Except you eat the
flesh of the Son of man, and
drink His blood, you shall
not have life in you. He
that eateth My flesh, and
drinketh My blood, hath
everlasting life: and I will
raise him up in the last day.
OGOD, Whose mercy is
boundless, mercifully
receive the prayers of our
lowliness, and grant, through
these sacraments of our sal-
vation, to the souls of Thy
servants and handmaids, to
whom Thou didst grant the
confession of Thy name, the
remission of all sins.
RANT, we. beseech
Thee, O almighty and
merciful God , that the souls of
Thy servants and handmaids,
for whom we have offered this
sacrifice of praise to Thy
majesty, being purified of all
sins by the virtue of this
sacrament, may, by Thy
mercy, receive the beatitude
of perpetual light.
966
Litanies.
Xttames,
Xitang of tbe Satnte*
*T^E reminiscaris, Domine,
delicta nostra vel
parentum nostrorum; neque
viidictam sumas de peccatis
nostris.
Kyrie, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison.
Christ e, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe , audi nos.
Christe, exaudi nos,
Pater de coelis Deus, Mise-
rere nobis.
Fili Redemptor mundi,
Deus, Miserere nobis.
Spirtus Sancte Deus, Miserere
nobis.
Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus,
Miserere nobis.
Sancta Maria, Ora, etc,
Sancta Dei genitrix, Ora, etc,
Sancta Virgo virginum, Ora,
etc.
Sancte Michael, Ora, etc.
Sancte Gabriel, Ora, etc.
Sancte Raphael, Ora, etc.
Omnes sancti Angeli et Arch-
angeli, Orate, etc.
Omnes sancti beatorum Spi-
rituum ordines, Orate, etc.
Sancte Joannes Baptista, Ora,
etc.
Sancte Joseph, Ora, etc.
Omnes sancti Patriarchae
Ora--, etc
EMEMBER not, O
(-1-^3 Lord, our offences, nor
those of our fathers; neither
take Thou vengeance of our
sins.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the
world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have
mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have
mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
St. Michael,
St. Gabriel,
St. Raphael,
All ye hoiy angels and
archangels, '
All ye holy orders of
blessed spirits,
St. John Baptist,
St. Joseph,
AW ye holy Patriarchs
and Prophets,
Litanies.
Sancte Petre,
Sancte Paule,
Sancte Andrea,
Sancte Jacobe,
Sancte Joannes,
Sancte Thoma,
Sancte Jacobe,
Sancte Philippe,
Sancte Bartholomaee,
Sancte Matthaee,
Sancte Simon,
Sancte Thaddaee,
Sancte Matthia,
Sancte Barnaba,
Sancte Luca,
Sancte Marce, J
Omnes sancti Apostoli et
Evangelistas, Orate, etc.
Omnes sancti Discipuli
Domini, Orate, etc.
Omnes sancti Innocentes,
Orate, etc.
Sancte Stephane, Ora, etc.
Sancte Laurenti, Ora, etc.
Sancte Vincenti, Ora, etc.
Sancti Fabiane et Sebas-
tiane,
Sancti Joannes et Paule,
Sancti Cosma et Da-
miane,
Sancti Gervasi et Protasi, I
Omnes sancti martyres, J
Sancte Sylvester, >
Sancte Gregori,
Sancte Ambrosi,
Sancte Augustine,
Sancte Hieronyme,
Sancte Martine,
Sancte Nicolas,
Omnes sancti Pontifices et
Confessores, Orate, etc.
St. Peter,
St. Paul,
St. Andrew,
St. James,
St. John,
St. Thomas,
St. James,
St. Philip,
St. Bartholomew,
St. Matthew,
St. Simon,
St. Thaddeus,
St. Matthias,
St. Barnabas,
St. Luke,
St. Mark,
All ye holy apostles and
evangelists,
All ye holy disciples of
Our Lord,
All ye holy Innocents,
St. Stephen,
St. Lawrence,
St. Vincent,
SS. Fabian and Sebas-
tian,
SS. John and Paul,
SS. Cosmas and Damian,
SS. Gervase and Protase,
All ye holy martyrs,
St. Sylvester,
St. Gregory,
St. Ambrose,
St. Augustine,
St. Jerome,
St. Martin,
St. Nicholas;
All ye holy bishops and
confessors,
968
Litanies.
Omnes sancti
Orate, etc.
Sancte Antoni,
Sancte Benedicte,
Sancte Bernarde,
Sancte Dominice,
Sancte Francisce,
Omnes sancti Sacerdotes
Levitae, Orate, etc.
Omnes sancti Monachi
Eremitae, Orate, etc.
Sancta Maria Magda-
lena,
Sancta Agatha,
Sancta Lucia,
Sancta Agnes,
Sancta Caecilia,
Sancta Catharina,
Sancta Anastasia,
Omnes sanctae Virgines
Viduae, orate, etc.
Omnes Sancti et Sanctae
Dei,
Intercedite pro nobis.
Propitius esto,
Parce nobis, Domine.
Propitius esto,
Exaudi nos, Domine.
Ab omni malo, Libera nos,
Domine.
Ab omni peccato,
* Ab ira tua,
A subitanea et improvisa
morte,
Ab insidiis diaboli,
Doctores, All ye holy Doctors,
et
et
et
St. Anthony,
St. Benedict,
St. Bernard,
St. Dominic,
St. Francis,
All ye holy Priests and
Levites,
All ye holy Monks and
Hermits,
St. Mary Magdalene,
St. Agatha,
St. Lucy,
St. Agnes,
St. Cecily,
St. Catharine,
St. Anastasia,
All ye holy Virgins and
Widows,
All ye holy Men and
Women, saints of God,
Make intercession for us.
Be merciful,
Spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful,
Graciously hear us, O Lord,
From all evil, O Lord, de-
liver us.
From all sin, .
* From Thy wrath,
From sudden and un-
looked-for death,
From the snares of the
devil.
* Here, for the Devotion of the Forty Hours, is inserted:
Ab imminentibus periculis, From dangers that threaten us,
A flagello terraemotus. . From the scourge of earth-
quakes,
A peste, fame, et bello From plague, famine, and war.
Litanies.
Ab ira, et odio, et omni
mala voluntate,
A spiritu fornicationis,
A fulgure et tempest ate,
A flagello terraemotus,
A peste, fame, et bello,
A morte perpetua,
Per mysterium sanctae
Incarnationis tuae,
Per adventum tuum,
Per nativitatem tuam,
Per baptismum et sanc-
tum jejunium tuum,
Per crucem et Passionem
tuam,
Per mortem et sepul-
turam tuam,
Per Sanctam Resurreo
tionem tuam,
Per admirabilem Ascen-
sionem tuam,
Per adventum Spiritus
Sancti Paracliti,
In die judicii,
Peccatores,
Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut nobis parcas,
Ut nobis indulgeas,
Ut ad veram pcenitentiam
nos perducere digneris,
Ut Ecclesiam tuam sanc-
tam regere et conser-
vare digneris,
From anger, and hatred,
anci every evil will,
From the spirit of for-
nication,
From lightning and
tempest,
From the scourge of
earthquakes,
From plague, famine,
and war,
From everlasting death,
ct Through the mystery of
Thy holy Incarnation,
► 2 Through Thy coming,
^ Through Thy nativity,
^ Through Thy baptism,
and holy fasting,
? Through Thy cross and
Passion,
Through Thy death and
burial,
Through Thy holy
Resurrection,
Through Thine admir-
able Ascension,
Through the coming of
the Holy Ghost the
Paraclete,
In the day of judgment,
We sinners,
Beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst
^ spare us,
3 That Thou wouldst par-
es don us,
I That Thou wouldst bring
us to true penance,
| That Thou wouldst
vouchsafe to govern
g and preserve Thy holy
Church,
970
Litanies.
*Ut Domnum Apostoli-
cum, et omnes eccles-
iasticos ordines in
sancta religione con-
servare digneris,
Ut inimicos sanctae Ec-
clesiae humiliare dig-
neris,
Ut regibus et principibus
Christianis pacem et
veram concordiam do-
nare digneris,
Ut cuncto populo Chris-
tiano pacem et uni-
tatem largiri digneris;
Ut nosmetipsos in tuo
sancto servitio confor-
tare et conservare dig-
neris,
Ut mentes nostras ad
ccelestia desideria eri-
gas,
Ut omnibus benefacto-
ribus sempiterna bona
retribuas,
Ut animas nostras, fra-
trum, propinquorum,
et benefactonim no-
strorum ab aetema
damnatione eripias, .
J
* That Thou wouldst
vouchsafe to preserve
our Apostolic Prelate,
and all orders to the
Church in holy re-
ligion,
That Thou wouldst
vouchsafe to humble
the enemies of holy
Church,
That Thou wouldst
vouchsafe to give
peace and true con-
cord to Christian kings
and princes,
That Thou wouldst
vouchsafe to grant
peace and unity to all
Christian people,
That Thou wouldst
vouchsafe to confirm
and preserve us in Thy
holy service,
That Thou wouldst lift
up our minds to heav-
enly desires,
That Thou wouldst ren-
der eternal blessings to
all our benefactors,
That Thou wouldst de-
liver our souls, and
the souls of our
brethren, relations, and
benefactors from eter-
nal damnation,
* For the Devotion of the Forty Hours, insert:
Ut Tucarum, et haere ticorum That Thou wouldst vouchsafe
conatus reprimere et ad nihi- to check and bring to naught
lum redigere digneris, . the attempts of all Turks
and heretics.
Litanies.
971
Ut fructus terrae dare
et conservare digneris,
Ut omnibus fidelibus de- j a
functis requiem aeter- i 1
nam donare digneris, | g
Ut nos exaudire digneris, §
Pili Dei,
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata
mundi,
Parce nobis, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata
mundi,
Exaudi nos, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata
mundi,
Miserere nobis.
Christe, audi nos,
Christe, exaudi nos.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
Pater noster (secreto).
V. Et ne nos inducas in
tentationem.
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
PSALM
*1^vEUS in adjutorium me-
A*J urn intende: Domine,
ad adjuvandum me festina.
Confundantur et reve-
reantur: qui quaerunt ani-
mam meam.
Avertantur retrorsum, et
erubescant, qui volunt mihi
mala.
Avertantur statim eru
That Thou wouldst ]
vouchsafe to give and |
preserve the fruits of ^
the earth,
That Thou wouldst
vouchsafe to grant
eternal rest to all the
faithful departed,
That Thou wouldst
vouchsafe graciously
to hear us,
Son of God,
Lamb of God, Whc takest
away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest
away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest
away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us,
Christ, graciously hear us.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father {secretly).
V. And lead us not into
temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
LXIX.
OGOD, come to my
assistance: O Lord,
make haste to help me.
Let them be confounded
and ashamed: that seek
after my soul.
Let them be turned back-
ward, and blush for shame,
that desire evils unto me.
Let them be straightway
97*
Litanies,
bescentes, qui dicunt mihi:
Euge, euge.
Exultent et laetentur in
te omnes qui quaerunt te;
et dicant semper: Magni-
ficetur Dominus: qui dili-
gunt salutare tuum.
Ego vero egenus et
pauper sum: Deus, adju-
va me.
Adjutor meus et liberator
meus es tu: Domine, ne
moreris.
Gloria Patri, etc.
V. Salvos fac servos tuos.
R. Deus meus, speran-
tes in te.
V. Esto nobis, Domine,
turris fortitudinis.
R. A facie inimici.
V. Nihil proficiat inimi-
cus in nobis.
R. Et filius iniquitatis non
apponat nocere nobis.
V. Domine, non secun-
dum peccata nostra, facias
nobis.
R. Neque secundum in-
iquitates nostras retribuas
nobis
V. Oremus pro Pontifice
nostro, N.
R. Dominus conservet
eum, et vivificet eum, et
beatum faciat eum in terra;
et non tradat eum in animam
inimicorum ejus.
V. Oremus pro bene
factoribus nostris.
turned backward blushing
for shame, that say unto me:
'Tis well, 'tis well.
Let all that seek Thee
be joyful and glad in Thee;
and let such as love Thy
salvation say always, The
Lord be magnified.
But I am needy and poor:
O God, help Thou me.
Thou art my helper and
my deliverer: O Lord, make
no long delay.
Glory be, etc.
V. Save Thy servants.
R. Who hope in Thee,
O my God.
V. Be unto us, O Lord,
a tower of strength.
R. From the face of the
enemy.
V. Let not the enemy
prevail against us-
R. Nor the son of iniquity
approach to hurt us.
V. O Lord, deal not with
us according .to our sins.
R. Neither requite us ac-
cording to our iniquities.
V. Let us pray for our
Sovereign Pontiff, N.
R. The Lord preserve him
and give him life, and make
him blessed upon the earth;
and deliver him not up to the
will of his enemies.
V. Let us pray for our
benefactors.
Litanies.
973
R. Recribuere dignare, Do-
mine, omnibus nobis bona
facientibus propter nomen
luum vitam aeternam. Amen.
V. Oremus pro fidelibus
defunctis.
R. Requiem aeternam dona
ais, Domine; et lux per-
petua luceat eis.
V. Requiescant in pace.
R. Amen.
V. Pro fratribus nostris
absentibus.
R. Salvos fac servos tuos,
Deus meus, sperantes in te.
V. Mitte eis, Domine,
uxilium de sancto.
R. Et de Sion tuere eos.
V. Domine, exaudi ora-
X onem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad
\e veniat.
Oremus.
*T~*vEUS, cui proprium est
<\J misereri semper, et
parcere : suscipe depreca-
tionem nostram; ut nos, et
omnes f amulos tuos, quos de-
lictorum catena constringit,
miseratio tuae pietatis cle-
menter absolvat.
Exaudi, quaesumus, Do-
mine, supplicum preces, et
confitentium tibi parce pec-
catis: ut pariter nobis in-
dulgentiam tribuas benignus
et pacem.
R. Vouchsafe, O Lord, for
Thy name's sake, to reward
with eternal life all those
who do us good. Amen.
V. Let us pray for the
faithful departed.
R. Eternal rest give unto
chem, O Lord: and let
perpetual light shine upon
them.
V. Let them rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V. For our absent breth-
ren.
R. Save Thy servants, who
hope in Thee, O my God.
V. Send them help, O
Lord, from the sanctuary.
R. And defend them out
of Sion.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Whose prop-
erty is always to
have mercy and to spare,
receive our humble petition ;
that we, and all Thy ser-
vants who are bound by
the chain of sins, may by
the compassion of Thy
goodness, mercifully be ab-
solved.
Graciously hear, we be-
seech Thee, O Lord, the
prayers of Thy suppliants,
and forgive the sins of them
that confess to Thee; that,
in Thy bounty, Thou mayest
grant us both pardon and
peace.
974
Litanies.
Xneffabilem nobis, Domi-
ner misericordiam tuam cle-
menter ostende: ut simul
nos et a peccatis omnibus
exuas, et a poenis, quas pro
his meremur, eripias.
Deus, qui culpa offenderis,
poenitentia placaris: preces
populi tui supplicantis pro-
pitius respice; et flagella
tuae iracundiae, quae pro pec-
catis nostris meremur, aver-
te.
Omnipotens sempiterne
Deus, miserere famulo tuo
Pontifici nostro N. et dirige
eum secundum tuam cle-
mentiam in viam salutis aeter-
nae: ut te donante tibi pla-
cita cupiat, et tota virtute
perficiat.
Deus, a quo sancta de-
sideria, recta consilia, et
justa sunt opera: da ser-
vis tuis illam, quam mun-
dus dare non potest pacem;
ut et corda nostra mandatis
tuis dedita, et hostium su-
blata formidine, tempora sint
tua protectioue tranquilla.
Uie igne Sancti Spiritus
renes nostros et cor no-
strum, Domine : ut tibi casto
corpore serviamus, et mun-
do corde placeamus.
Show forth upon us, O
Lord, in Thy mercy, Thy
unspeakable loving kind-
ness ; that Thou mayest both
loose us from all our sins
and deliver us from the
punishments which we de-
serve for them,
O God, Who by sin art
offended, and by penance
pacified, mercifully regard
the prayers of Thy people
making supplication to Thee,
and turn away the scourges
of Thine anger, which we
deserve for our sins.
Almighty, everlasting God,
have mercy upon Thy ser-
vant, N., our Sovereign
Pontiff, and direct him,
according to Thy clemency,
into the way of everlasting
salvation; that by Thy
grace he may both desire
those things that are pleas-
ing to Thee, and perform
them with all his strength.
O God, from Whom all
holy desires, all right coun-
sels, and all just works do
come, give unto Thy ser-
vants that peace which
the world can not give;
that both our hearts being
devoted to the keeping of
Thy commandments and the
fear of enemies being takeu
away, we may pass our time
by Thy protection, peace
fully.
Inflame, O Lord, our reins
and heart with the fire of
the Holy Ghost ; that we
may serve Thee with a
chaste body, and please Thee
with a clean heart.
Litanies.
974a
Fidelium, Deus, omnium
conditor et redemptor, anima-
bus famulorum,famularumque,
tuarum remissionem cuncto-
rum tribue peccatorum; ut
induigentiam, quam semper
optaverunt, piis supplication-
ibus consequantur.
Actiones nostras, quaesumus,
Domine, aspirando praeveni, et
adjuvandoprosequere: ut cuno
ta nostra oratio, et operatio
a te semper incipiat, et per te
coepta finiatur.
OMNIPOTENS sempiterne
Deus, qui vivorum domi-
naris simul et mortuorum, om-
niumque misereris, quos tuos
fide et opere futuros esse
praenoscis: te supplices exo-
ramus; ut pro quibus effun-
dere preces decrevimus, quos-
que vel praesens saeculum ad-
huc, in carne retinet, vel futu-
rum jam exutos corpore sus-
cepit, intercedentibus omni-
bus Sanctis tuis, pietatis tuae
dementia omnium delictorum
suorum veniam consequantur.
Per Dominum nostrum Jesum
Christum, Filium tuum: Qui
tecum vivit et regnat in uni-
tate Spiritus Sancti Deus per
omnia saecula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
V. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
O God, the creator and re-
deemer of all the faithful, give
to the souls of Thy servants
departed the remission of all
their sins; that through pious
supplications they may ob-
tain the pardon which they
have always desired.
Direct, we beseech Thee,
O Lord, our actions by Thy
holy inspirations, and carry
them on by Thy gracious
assistance; that every prayer
and work of ours may always
begin from Thee, and through
Thee be happily ended.
LMIGHTY, everlasting
God, Who hast domin-
ion over the living and the
dead, and art merciful to all,
of whom Thou foreknowest
that they will be Thine by
faith and good works; we
humbly beseech Thee, that
they for whom we intend to
pour forth our prayers, wheth-
er this present world detaineth
them in the flesh, or the world
to come hath already divested
them of their bodies, may,
by the grace of Thy loving
kindness and the intercession
of all Thy saints, obtain the
remission of all their sins,
through Our Lord, Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, Who with
Thee liveth and reigneth in
the unity of the Holy Ghost,
God, world without end.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee,
974&
Litanies.
V. Exaudiat nos omnipotens
et misericors Dominus.
R. Amen.
V. Et fidelium animae per
misericordiam Dei requies-
cant in peace.
R. Amen.
V. May the almighty and
merciful Lord graciously hear
us.
R. Amen.
V. And may the souls of
the faithful departed, through
the mercy of God, rest in
peace.
R. Amen.
Litanies.
Xttang for tbe ffaltbful Departed.
(For private devotion.)
*T"J ORD, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
A * Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on the soul
faithful departed.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
St. Michael,
All ye angels and archangels,
All ye orders of blessed spirits,
St. Joseph,
All ye holy patriarchs and prophets,
All ye holy apostles and evangelists,
All ye holy martyrs,
All ye holy bishops and confessors,
All ye holy doctors,
All ye holy priests and Levites,
All ye holy monks and hermits,
All ye holy virgins and widows,
All ye saints of God,
Be merciful, spare them, O Lord.
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Lord.
From all evil,
From the rigor of Thy justice,
From the power of the devil,
From long-enduring sorrow,
From cruel flames,
From horrible darkness,
From dreadful weeping and wailing,
Through Thy holy nativity,
Through Thy most sweet name,
Through Thy most profound humiliations,
Through Thine infinite love,
Through Thy bloody sweat,
976
Litanies,
Through Thy scourging, }
Through Thy crowning with thorns, \ g.c
Through Thy carrying of the cross, }► J? T
Through Thy most cruel death,
Through Thy five most holy wounds, J
In the day of judgment,
We sinners, beseech Thee, hear us.
Thou Who forgavest Magdalen, and didst grant the
prayer of the thief,
That Thou wouldst be pleased to deliver the souls of our
parents, relations, friends, and benefactors, from the
pains of hell,
That Thou wouldst be pleased to have mercy on those of
whom no special remembrance is made on earth,
That Thou wouldst be pleased to grant them all the par-
don and remission of their sins,
That Thou wouldst be pleased to receive them into the
company of the blessed,
King of awful majesty,
Son of God,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant
unto them rest.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant
unto them rest.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant
unto them rest everlasting.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
From the gate of hell, deliver their souls, O Lord.
O Lord, hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee.
Let us pray,
OGOD, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful,
grant unto the souls of Thy servants departed the
remission of all their sins; .that, by pious supplications,
they may obtain the pardon which they have always desired.
Grant this, O God, Who livest and reignest for ever and
ever. Amen.
O eternal God, Who, besides the general precept of
charity, hast commanded a particular respect for parents*
Psalter of Jesus.
977
kindred, and benefactors; grant, we beseech Thee, that,
as they were the . instruments by which Thy providence
bestowed on us our birth, education, and innumerable other
blessings, so our prayers may be the means to obtain for
them a speedy release from their excessive sufferings, and
admittance to Thine infinite joys. Through Jesus Christ
our Lord.
V. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
Cbe psalter of Jesus.
Recited during Lent in Many Convents.
PART I.
*J I'T the name of Jesus let every knee bow of those that
J9 * , are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth; and
\et every tongue confess that Our Lord Jesus Christ is in the
^lory of God the Father.
First Petition.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, > Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, have mercy on us, O God of compassion, and for-
give the many and great offences we have committed in Thy
sight.
Many have been the follies of our lives and great are the
miseries we have deserved for our ingratitude.
Have mercy on us, dear Jesus, for we are weak; O Lord,
heal us who are unable to help ourselves.
Deliver us from setting our hearts upon any of Thy crea-
tures, which may divert our eyes from a continual looking
up to Thee.
Grant us grace henceforth, for the love of Thee, to hate
sin, and, out of a just esteem of Thee, to despise all worldly
vanities.
Have mercy on all sinners, Jesus, we beseech Thee; turn
their vices into virtues, and making them true obser\ers
of Thy law, and sincere lovers of Thee; bring them to bliss
in everlasting glory.
Have mercy also on the souls in purgatory, for Thy bitter
978
Psalter of Jesus.
Passion, we beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.
O Blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on us.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the Father,
etc.*
Second Petition.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, J
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, fHelp us.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, help us to overcome all temptations to sin, and the
malice of our ghostly enemy.
Help us to spend our time in virtuous actions, and in
such labors as are acceptable to Thee.
To render our hearts enamored of virtue, and inflamed
with a strong desire of Thy glorious presence.
Help us to deserve and keep a good name, by a peaceful
and pious living to Thy honor, O Jesus, our own comfort
and the benefit of others.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Hary, etc. Glory be to the Father
etc.
Third Petition.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, > Strengthen us.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, strengthen us in soul and body, to please Thee in
executing such works of mercy as may bring us to everlasting
joy and felicity.
Grant us a firm purpose, most merciful Saviour, to amend
our lives and atone for the years past.
Those years which we have " misspent to Thy displeasure,
in vain or wicked thoughts, wTords, deeds, and evil customs.
Make our hearts obedient to Thy will, and ready for Thy
love, to perform every work of mercy.
Grant us the gifts of the Holy Ghost, which, through a
virtuous life and a devout frequenting of Thy most holy sacia-
ments, may at length bring us to Thy heavenly kingdom.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
Fourth Petition.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, >■ Comfort us.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
* Have mercy, etc. ; O Blessed Trinity, etc. ; Our Father, etc.,
are repeated at the end of every petition,
Psalter of Jesus.
979
Jesus, comfort us, and grant us grace to place our chief,
our only joy and felicity in Thee.
Send us" heavenly meditations, spiritual sweetnesses,
and fervent desires of Thy glory; fill our souls with the
contemplation of heaven, where we shall everlastingly dwell
with Thee.
Bring often to our remembrance Thine unspeakable
goodness, Thy gifts, and the great mercy which Thou hast
shown us.
And when Thou bringest to our minds the sad remem-
brance of our sins, whereby we have so ungratefully offended
Thee, ..
Comfort us with the assurance of obtaining Thy grace,
by the spirit of peif ect repentance, which may cleanse away
our guilt, and prepare us for Thy kingdom.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
Fifth Petition.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, >Make us constant.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ;
Jesus, make us constant in faith, hope, and charity; give
us perseverance in all virtues, and a resolution never to
offend Thee.
Let the memory of Thy Passion, and of those bitter pains
Thou didst suffer for us, strengthen our patience, and sup-
port us in all tribulation and adversity.
Let us always hold fast the doctrines of the Catholic Church,
and render us diligent frequenters of all holy duties.
Let no false delight of this deceitful world blind us, no
evil temptation or fraud of the devil shake our hearts,
Those hearts, which have for ever set up their rest in
Thee, and resolved to undervalue all for Thy eternal reward.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Lord Jesus Christ humbled Himself, being made
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Hear these our petitions, O most merciful Saviour, and
grant us Thy grace so frequently to repeat and consider
them, that they may prove easy steps whereby our souls
vmay ascend to the knowledge, love, and performance of
our duty to Thee and our neighbor, through the whole course
of our iivas-
K. Allien.
Our Father, etc. Hail Marv, eta Creed,
gSo
Psalter of Jesus.
PART II.
At the name of Jesus, etc.
Sixth Petition,
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, >• Enlighten us with spiritual wisdom.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, enlighten us with spiritual wisdom, that we may
know Thy goodness, and all those things which are most
acceptable to Thee.
Grant us a clear apprehension of our only good, and dis-
cretion to order our lives according to it.
Grant that we may wisely proceed from virtue to virtue,
until at length we arrive at the clear vision of Thy glorious
majesty.
Permit us not, dear Lord, to return to those sins for which
we have sorrowed, and from which we have been cleansed
by confession.
Grant us grace to benefit the souls of others, by our good
example, and to assist those by good counsel whom Thou
hast confided to our care.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
Seventh Petition.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, >- Grant us grace to fear Thee.
J:sus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, grant us grace inwardly to fear Thee, and to avoid
all occasions of offending Thee.
Let the threats of the torments which are to fall on sinners,
the fear of losing Thy love and Thy heavenly inheritance,
always keep us in awe.
Let us not dare to remain in sin, but return soon to re-
pentance, lest, ' through Thine anger, the dreadful sentence
of endless death and damnation fall upon us.
Let the powerful intercession of Thy blessed Mother, and
all Thy saints, but above all, Thine own merits and mercy,
O my Saviour, ever be between Thine avenging justice and
our poor souls.
Enable us, O my God, to work out our salvation with fear
and trembling, and let tne apprehension of Thy secret judg-
ments render us more humble and diligent supplicants at
the throne of Thy grace.
Have mercy, etc.
Psalter of Jesus,
981
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the Father
etc.
Eighth Petition,
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, \
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, > Grant us grace to love Thee.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, grant us grace truly to love Thee, for Thine infinite
goodness, and those excessive bounties we have received,
and hope for ever to receive, from Thee.
Let the rememb' .nee of Thy . goodness and patience
conquer the malice and wretched inclinations of our per-
verse nature.
Let the consideration of Thy many deliverances, Thy
frequent calls, and continual assistance in the ways of life,
make us ashamed of our ingratitude.
And what dost Thou require of us for all Thy mercies, or
by them, but to love Thee? and why dost Thou require it,
but because Thou art our only good?
O dear Lord, our whole life shall be nothing but a desire
of Thee, and because we indeed love Thee, we will most
diligently keep Thy commandments.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
Ninth Petition,
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, >- Grant us grace to remember our death.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, grant us grace always to remember our death,
and the great account we are then to give ; that so our souls,
being always well disposed, may depart out of this world
in Thy grace.
Then by the holy intercession of Thy blessed Mother,
and the assistance of the glorious St. Michael, deliver us
from the enemy of our souls : and do thou, our good angel,
we beseech thee help us at that most important hour.
Then, dear Jesus, remember Thy mercy and turn not
Thy most amiable face away from us, because of our offences.
Secure us against the terrors of that day, by causing us to
cie daily to earthly things, and to have our conversation
continually in heaven.
Let the remembrance of Thy death teach us to esteem
our lives, and the memory of Thy Resurrection encourage
us to descend cheerfully into the grave.
Have mercy, etc.
982
Psalter of Jesus.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
Tenth Petition,
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, \
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, > Send us here our purgatory.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, send us here our purgatory, and so prevent the
torments of that cleansing fire which awaits those souls
in the next world that have not been sufficiently cleansed
in this.
Vouchsafe to grant us those merciful crosses and afflictions
which Thou seest necessary for taking off our affections from
all things here below.
Since none can see Thee who love anything which is not
for Thy sake, suffer not our hearts to find any rest here,
but in sighing after Thee.
Too bitter, alas! will be the anguish of a soul which is
separated from Thee, which desires, but cannot come to
Thee, being bound with the heavy chains of sin.
Here then, O my Saviour, keep us continually mortified
to this world, that, being purified thoroughly by the fire
of Thy love, we may immediately pass from hence into
Thine everlasting possession.
Have mercy, etc. Our Lord Jesus, etc.
Hear these, etc. Our Father, etc.
Hail Mary: Creed.
PART III.
At the name of Jesus, etc.
Eleventh Petition,
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, >■ Grant us grace to avoid bad company.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, grant us grace to avoid bad company and to shun
the society of the worldly; but when duty or accident
brings us into contact with them, we beseech Thee, by the
sanctity of Thy conversation among sinners, to defend us
and preserve us from being overcome by any temptations
to mortal sin.
Cause us, O Blessed Lord, to remember always with dread,
that Thou art present and wilt take an account of all our
words and actions, and judge us according to them.
Repress in us, dear Jesus, all inordinate affection for the
pleasures of taste and of sense, and grant us grace to avoid
all such as would excite the fire of these unhappy appetites
Psalter of Jesus.
983
Thy power defend, Thy wisdom direct, Thy fatherly
pity chastise us and make us live so here among men that
we may be fit for the conversation of angels hereafter.
Have mercy on all sinners, Jesus, we beseech Thee,
turn their vices into virtues, and making them true ob-
servers of Thy law, and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them
to bliss in everlasting glory.
Have mercy also on the souls in purgatory, for Thy bitter
Passion, we beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.
O Blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on us.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
Twelfth Petition.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, 'J- Grant us grace to call on Thee for help.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, }
Jesus, grant us grace in all our necessities, to call on Thee
for help, faithfully remembering Thy death and Resurrection
for us.
Wilt Thou be deaf to our cries, Who wouldst lay down
Thy life for our ransom? or canst Thou not save us, Who
couldst take it up again for our crown?
Whom have we in heaven but Thee, O dear Jesus, Whose
blessed mouth has pronounced: 1 'Call on Me in the day of
trouble and I will deliver thee"?
Thou art our sure rock of defence against all sorts of
snemies; Thou art our. ready grace able to strengthen us in
-every good work.
Therefore in all our sufferings, in all our weakness and
temptations, we will confidently call on Thee; hear us, O
Jesus, and when Thou hearest, have mercy.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
Thirteenth Petition.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, >• Make us persevere in virtue.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, make us persevere in virtue and a good life, and
never relinquish Thy service, till Thou br ingest us to our
reward in Thy kingdom. In all pious customs and hoty
duties, in our daily and necessary employments, continue
aiid strengthen, O Lord, both our souls and bodies.
Is our life anything but a pilgrimage on earth toward
the new Jerusalem, to which he that sits down, or turns
984- Psalter of fesus.
out of the way, can never arrive? O Jesus, make us always
consider, through how much pain, and how little pleasure
Thou didst press on to a bitter death, that being the way to
a glorious Resurrection.
Make us, O dear Redeemer, seriously weigh those severe
words of Thine: "He only that perseveres to the end shall
be saved."
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the Father,
etc.
Fourteenth Petition.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, \
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, I Grant us grace to fix our minds on Thee.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, grant us grace to fix our minds on Thee especially
in time of prayer, when we directly converse with Thee.
Stop the fancies of our wandering heads, and the desires
of our unstable hearts; suppress the power of our spiritual
enemies who endeavor to draw our minds from heavenly
thoughts to many vain imaginations.
So shall we, with joy and gratitude, look on Thee as our
deliverer from all the evils we have escaped, and as our
benefactor for all the good we have received or can hope for.
We shall see that Thou Thyself art our only good, and
that all other things are but means ordained by Thee, to
make us fix our minds on Thee, to make us love Thee more
and more, and, by loving Thee, to be eternally happy.
O beloved of our souls, take up all our thoughts here>
that our eyes, abstaining from all worldly vanities, may
become worthy to behold Thee face to face in Thy glory for
ever.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the Father
etc.
Fifteenth Petition.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) Grant us grace to order our lives
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, V tQward ^ etemal ^
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, )
Jesus, grant us grace to order our lives toward our eternal
welfare, heartily intending and wisely designing all the
operations of our souls and bodies for obtaining the reward
of Thine infinite bliss and eternal felicity.
For what else is this world but a school to cultivate souls
and fit them for the other world? And how are they to be
fitted but by an eager desire of enjoying God, their only
end? Break our fro ward spirits, O Jesus; make them
Psalter of Jesus.
985
humble and obedient; grant us grace to depart hence with
contempt of this world and hearts filled with joy at our
going to Thee.
Let the memory of Thy Passion make us cheerfully under-
go all temptations and sufferings here for Thy love, whilst
our souls breathe after that blissful life and immortal glory
which Thou hast prepared in heaven for Thy servants.
O Jesus, let us frequently and attentively consider, that
whatsoever we gain, if we lose Thee, all is lost ; and what-
soever we lose, if we gain Thee, all 'is gained.
Have mercy on all sinners, Jesus, we beseech Thee, turn
their vices into virtues, and making them true observers
of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss
in everlasting glory.
Have mercy also on the souls in purgatory, for Thy bitter
Passion we beseech Thee and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.
O Blessed Trinity, etc.
Our Lord Jesus Christ humbled Himself, becoming obedi-
ent unto death even the death of the cross (Phil. ii. 8).
Hear these our petitions, O most merciful Saviour, and
grant us Thy grace so frequently to repeat and consider
them, that they may prove easy steps whereby our souls
may ascend to the knowledge, love, and performance of our
duty to Thee and our neighbor through the whole course of
our lives.
R. Amen.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Creed.
Bevottons for SDvent an& Ember 2>ag0.*
ASPIRATIONS.
BEHOLD, O Lord! the affliction of Thy people, and send
Him Whom Thou art to send. Send forth the Lamb, the
Ruler of the earth, to free us from our chains: that being delivered
from the hands of our enemies, we may serve Thee, O God!
in holiness and justice, all the days of our lives.
Be comforted, be comforted, my people! take courage and
fear not; God Himself will come and save you. All flesh shaJl
see the salvation of God.
ANTHEMS. FROM THE ROMAN BREVIARY FOR ADVENT.
HESE Anthems express and represent the ardent desires
and wishes of the prophets for the coming of Christ, and
ought to express the desire we have that Christ may be born in us
by His grace.
* From the " Visitation Manual/5
986
Psalter of Jesus.
O WISDOM, Who didst proceed out of the mouth of the
Most High, reaching from end to end, with might and
with sweetness disposing all things: come and teach us the way
of prudence.
OADONAI, and Leader of the house of Israel, Who didst
appear to Moses in the fire of the flaming bush, and
'5i.dst give him the law on Sinai, come and save us with an out-
stretched arm.
OROOT of Jesse, Who art a signal to the people; in Whose
presence kings shall be silent, and to Whom the Gentiles
shall pray, come and deliver us now, and delay not.
OKEY of David, and scepter of the house of Israel, Who
openest and no man shutteth;- Who shuttest and no man
openeth, come and take out of prison him who is in fetters, and
who sitteth in darkness and in the shadow of death.
O ORIENT brightness of eternal light, and Sun of righteous-
ness, come and enlighten those that sit in darkness and
in the shadow of death.
OKING of the Gentiles, and their desired One, the corner-
stone that joinest the two walls; come and save man,
whom Thou didst form out of slime.
O EMMANUEL, our King and Lawgiver, the expectation
of the Gentiles, and their Saviour, come and save us, O
Lord, Our God.
Prayer.
HOU art already come, O Lord Jesus Christ! all the
earth is filled with Thy mercies, and the Church through-
out the world gives Thee thanks for having been made man
for our salvation; yet, at the same time, she incessantly entreats
Thee by her tears, her sighs, and fervent prayers, to save Thy
people, and deliver them from the evils which they experience.
Come, then, O Saviour of the world! lo rescue my soul from
the imminent dangers to which my past sins and my present
weakness daily expose me. Come, and live in me by Thy grace,
in the spirit of Thy sanctity, in the plenitude of Thy strength,
in the perfection of Thy ways, in the truth of Thy virtues, and
in the communion of Thy mysteries. Triumph over all adverse
powers in Thy Holy Spirit, for the glory of Thy Father. Amen.
A Little Book of Novenas.
987
HE Ember Days were instituted— 1. To consecrate by-
penance each of the four seasons of the year;
2. To pray to God for the preservation of the fruits of the
earth, and to give Him thanks for those already received;
3. To beg of God worthy pastors for the Church, and to
implore His blessing on those who are promoted to Holy Orders.
Prayer.
E beseech Thee, O Lord, mercifully to regard the devo-
tion of Thy people, that mortifying their bodies by fast-
ing, their minds may be refreshed by good works. Through
Christ our Lord.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all He hath done
for thee.
Receive, O Lord, we beseech Thee, the offerings of our
homage, and mercifully sanctify Thy own gifts.
Bless and preserve, O Lord, the fruits of the earth. Enable
us, by Thy grace, so to enjoy these and all other temporal bless-
ings, that we may not lose those which are eternal.
Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst institute in Thy Church a sacred
hierarchy, to be perpetuated without interruption to the end
of the world, by the Sacrament of Holy Orders, hear the pravers
which we humbly offer up to Thee, for those who are to be
ordained at this time, that, strengthened by Thy grace and
directed by Thy Spirit, they may please Thee to Whom they
engage themselves, and by word and example, contribute to
the salvation of souls, redeemed by Thy blood. Who livest
and reignest, world without end. Amen.
H Xlttle 3Boofe of novenas*
IRovena tor Cbrtetmas.
1. /~\ GOD and Saviour of our souls, sweet Infant Jesus,
Whom the angels and shepherds adored in the
stable of Bethlehem on that holy night when Thou wert
born of the Virgin Mary, we offer Thee our profound adora-
tion and our most earnest thanksgiving for having become
man for our redemption and salvation; grant that we may
apply all our powers to fulfil Thy gracious designs, that we
* We- are indebted to Pagani and to the Sisters of Mercy
Cl Choir Manual" for many novenas.
988
A Little Book of Novenas.
may become perfectly renewed in heart and inflamed with
Thy holy love.
Pater; Ave; Gloria. Sweet Jesus, be my love.
2. O merciful Redeemer, Who didst vouchsafe to remain
in the chaste cloister of Mary's womb, hidden and unknown,
though Thou wast the Eternal Word, and the wisdom of
the Father; grant that we may learn from Thee to love soli-
tude and silence, and escape the evils that are found in the
tumult and distractions of the world; grantus greater purity
of mind and of heart; grant that we may glorify Thee, and
edify others by our purity and modesty.
Pater; Ave; Gloria, etc.
3. O Infant God, Who, from the moment of Thy concep-
tion in holy Mary's womb, didst offer Thyself to Thine
eternal Father for the salvation of our souls, vouchsafe to
give us a lively sense of the one thing necessary, so that we
may labor zealously for others, and work out our own salva-
tion in fear and trembling, yet with confidence in Thy love
Pater; Ave; Gloria, etc.
4. O sweetest Jesus, Who didst go up to Bethlehem In
the womb of Mary, to obey the commands of Caesar, who
had ordered all his subjects to be enrolled; grant us grace to
obey with alacrity the most arduous commands from those
who hold Thy place over us.
Pater; Ave; Gloria, etc.
5. O most adorable Jesus, Who, upon Thy arrival at
Bethlehem, wast rejected by all men; grant us to follow
Thy example in sufferings and contempt, that we may wel-
come Thee joyfully into our hearts, when Thou seekest an
entrance there, either by holy inspirations or by Thy divine
Sacraments.
Pater; Ave; Gloria, etc.
6. O Divine Infant, Who, when excluded from Bethlehem,
didst inspire Thy holy Mother to retire to a poor and wretched
stable, in which obscure and humble place it was Thy will
to be born, in order to confound our pride, and to teach us
humility. O grant that henceforward, conforming ourselves
to Thy will, we may renounce all pomp and pride, and become
truly meek and humble of heart.
Pater; Ave; Gloria, etc.
7. G Divine Word, Who for the love of us, Thy poor
A Little Book of Novenas.
creatures, wast pleased to be born under the most lowly
roof, to be wrapped in the meanest swaddling-bands, and
to b laid in a vile manger, amongst beasts, and to suffer a
thous nd evils. O grant that we also may renounce all
worldly vanities, and embrace poverty of spirit, and morti-
fication of he flesh, so necessary for our perfection. Grant
that we may be thoroughly detached from creatures, and
poor in all things save in Thy love and Thy grace.
Pater; Ave; Gloria, etc.
8. O divine Saviour, O King of peace, Who wast pleased
to make Thy appearance amongst us when the whole world
was in peace; vouchsafe to send us Thy peace, so that all
our powers being brought into subjection to Thee, Thou
mayest at the approaching solemnity be born anew in our
souls. .
Pater; Ave; Gloria, etc.
9. O divine Saviour, O King of immortal glory, Who,
in Thy great mercy, didst come into the world to redeem
us and to make us holy; grant that, denying all ungodliness
and love of this world, we may live soberly in ourselves,
justly toward our neighbor, and piously before Thee, that
so we may be happy with Thee for all eternity.
Pater; Ave; Gloria, etc.
PRAYER TO THE INFANT JESUS.
aOME to me, O Divine Saviour! vouchsafe to be born in
my heart; grant that, taught by Thine example, and
assisted by Thy grace, I may be poor in spirit and humble of
heart. Keep me chaste and obedient. I wish to live but for
Thee, and to do all things purely for love of Thee.
O my Jesus, my supreme and true Good! what can have
attracted Thee from heaven to be born in a cave, if it be not
the love that Thou Hearest to man? What has drawn Thee
from the bosom of Thy Father to lay Thyself down in a manger ?
What has brought Thee down from Thy throne above the stars,
to stretch Thyself on a little straw? What, from the midst of
the nine choirs of angels, has placed Thee between two animals ?
Thou dost inflame the seraphim with holy fire, and lo, Thou
Hit trembling with cold in this stable! Thou dost give motion
to the heavens and the sun, and now Thou canst not move
without being carried in some one's arms! Thou dost provide
both man and beast with food, and dost Thou now require a
little milk to sustain Thy life! Thou art the delight of heavens
99°
A Little Book of Novenas*
and yet I hear Thee weep and moan? Tell me who hath re-
duced Thee to such misery ? "Who hath done this ? Love hath
done it," says St. Bernard; the love that Thou bearest to man hath
done it.
O dearest Infant! tell me what Thou earnest on earth to do?
Tell me whom Thou art seeking? Ah, I understand Thee now;
Thou art come in order to die for me, to deliver me from an
unhappy eternity. Thou art come to seek me, a lost sheep,
in order that I may no more fly from Thee, but love Thee. Ah,
my Jesus, my treasure, my life, my love, my all; if I do not
love Thee, whom, then, shall I love ? Where can I find a father,
a friend, a spouse more worthy of love than Thou, and who
has loved me more than Thou hast done? I am sorry because
I did not love Thee and serve Thee more fervently. Forgive
me, O my beloved Redeemer; for I repent of having treated
Thee with ingratitude. I am sorry for it with all my heart.
Pardon me, and give me Thy grace, that I may never again
separate myself from Thee, and that I may love Thee constantly
during the years that remain to me in this life. My Love, I
give myself entirely to Thee. Dispose of 'all that I am, and
of all that I have according to Thy will. May Thy holy will
be done in me and through me. O Mary, thou art my advo-
cate; thou dost obtain by thy prayers whatever thou wilt from
thy Son; beg of Him to forgive me my offences, and to grant me
holy perseverance unto death. St. Joseph, do thou also pray for
me. that I may become daily more pleasing to Jesus.
ADESTE FIDELES.
DESTE fideles,
Laeti triumphantes ;
Venite, venite in Bethlehem*
Natum videte
Regem Angelorum:
Venite adoremus,
Venite adoremus,
Venite adoremus Dominum.
Deum de Deo,
Lumen de Lumine,
Gestant puellae viscera:
Deum verum,
Genitum, non factum:
Venite adoremus,
V A I'TTH hearts truly grateful,
VJlAi Come, all ye faithful,
To Jesus, to Jesus in Beth-
lehem;
See Christ your Saviour,
Heaven's greatest favor.
Let's hasten to adore Him;
Let's hasten to adore Him;
Let's hasten to adore Him;
Our God and King.
God to God equal;
Light of Light eternal;
Carried in Virgin's ever spot-
less womb.
He all preceded,
Begotten not created.
A Little Book of Novenas.
991
Venire adoremus,
Venite adoremus Dominum. -
Cantet nunc Io!
Chorus Angelorum:
Cantet nunc aula ccelestium,
Gloria
In excelsis Deo!
Venite adoremus,
Venite adoremus,
Venite adoremus Dominum.
Ergo qui natus
Die hodierna,
Jesu tibi sit gloria:
Patris aeterni
Verbum caro factum;
Venite adoremus,
Venite adoremus,
Venite adoremus Dominum.
Let's hasten to adore Him, etc.
Angels now praise Him,
Loud their voices raising,
The heavenly mansions with
joy now ring.
Praise, honor, glory,
To Him Who is most holy.
Let's hasten to adore Him, etc.
To Jesus, born this day,,
Grateful homage repay;
To Him Who all heavenly
gifts doth bring.
Word uncreated,
To our flesh united.
Let's hasten to adore Him, etc.
HYMN FOR CHRISTMAS DAY.
(Another Version of the Adeste fideles.)
Oh, come ! all ye faithful !
TriuniDbantly sing!
Come, see in the manger
The angels' dread King!
To Bethlehem hasten!
With joyful accord;
Oh, hasten! oh, hasten!
To worship the Lord.
True Son of the Father!
He comes from the skies;
The womb of the Virgin
He doth not despise;
To Bethlehem hasten, etc.
Not made but begotten,
The Lord of all might,
True God of true God,
True Light of true Light;
Tc Bethlehem hasten, etc.
992
A Liitte Book of Novenas*
Hark! to the angels!
All singing in heaven,
"To God in the highest
High glory be given."
To Bethlehem hasten, etc.
To Thee, then, O Jesu!
This day of Thy birth,
Be glory and honor
Through heaven and earth
True Godhead Incarnate !
Omnipotent Word!
Oh, hasten! oh, hasten!
To worship the Lord.
Snotber 1fto\>ena to tbe 1bol£ GbUD Jesus*
EST PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS.
First Day.
To the adorable interior of the holy Infant — His spirit
designs, thoughts, and intentions.
NTER into the sanctuary, the divine interior of the
holy Infant Jesus, and learn to form yours according
to it. All divine, noble, humble, simple, generous, recollected,
and detached from the world, His every thought and inten-
tion are solely directed to His Father's glory. There you
will find no idle thoughts and projects — no vanities or self-
seeking — no suspicious thoughts contrary to charity.
Prayer.
*j"T*DORABLE interior of the Infant Jesus! I revere You
e^J-, from my heart. How do You confound our pride
and human wisdom! Ah, teach me, divine Jesus, after Your
example, to despise the world, and not to seek the eyes of
others in my devotion. You, O my God! humbly conceal
the treasures of grace and wisdom contained in Your divine
mind, taking on Yourself the appearance of weakness,
ignorance, and incapacity. Oh, heal my pride; remove my
blindness and ignorance of interior things— dissipate my
darkness — destroy my worldly notions — and render my
thoughts, views, desires, and sentiments like to Yours. Amen
A Little Book of Novenas.
993
Each day say to Mary and Joseph:
O BLESSED parents of the Infant Jesus, Mary, and
Joseph, if we came to solicit you to obtain for us
worldly prosperity, joys, honors, and comforts, our sighs
could never reach the cradle of a God, poor, humble even
to annihilation, forgotten, suffering, weak, and lying in a
manger; but these are not our desires or petitions. No;
we humbly and earnestly implore you to beg for us, at the
crib of your Infant Son, that, like Him; and as His true and
faithful followers, we may love to live in true humility — dis-
engagement from creatures — contempt of the world and its
vanities — constant recollection of the holy presence of God —
fervor and fidelity in all our duties — and in the practice of
the tenderest charity to all persons. May we never blush
at the humility of the crib, nor at the poverty and simplicity
of Bethlehem. May we ever rejoice at our happy lot as
true spouses of Jesus Christ: ever in tender charity look
with a compassionate eye on those who live but for this
world, and continually pray that all may come to bless, to
praise, and to love the Saviour Who comes to redeem them.
Infant Jesus, poor and simple, grant our petition!
Infant Jesus, humble and obedient, grant our petition!
Infant Jesus, silent and recollected, grant our petition!
Infant Jesus, inflamed with love for us, grant our petition!
Holy Mother of the Infant Jesus, pray for us I
Blessed St. Joseph, pray for us!
All ye saints, devoted to the Holy Infancy of Jesus, pray
for us!
• Second Day.
To the Sacred Heart of the Infant Jesus.
HIS day adore the Sacred Heart of your Infant Saviour —
that Heart so full of tenderness and charity, that Heart
* so pure and holy, the beloved retreat of all interior and faithful
souls.
Prayer.
O BLESSED Heart of the Infant Jesus! I adore and
love you as the center of all hearts, and humbly en-
treat you to give me grace henceforth to rest and repose in
you, as in my true home. May you be my oratory, in
which, and through which, I shall offer to the Eternal Fathe*
994
A Little Book of Xovenas.
all my requests, that He may receive them more propitiously.
May you be my school, wherein I may learn that celestial
science so different from worldly wisdom — those pure prin-
ciples which lead to the interior life. In fine, may you, O
Sacred Heart! be my treasury, and may I find abundant
riches in your poverty, love, suffering, and fidelity. Amen.
{Prayer as first day, to Mary and Joseph.)
Third Day.
To the sacred mouth of the Infant Jesus.
HIS day adore, love, and reverence the sacred mouth
of your Infant Saviour, which now keeps a profound
silence; but which will soon be opened to announce the
truths of life and salvation, to speak in your behalf to the
Eternal Father, and which at the close of life will pronounce
your final sentence.
Prayer.
O SACRED mouth of my Infant Saviour, I sincerely
adore you. O blessed infantine lips! I love and
venerate you. O sweet Jesus! how loudly does Your silence
speak to my heart. Ah! attract me to love and practice
this holy virtue, as far as my state permits, and let all my
words be stamped with the seal of charity. O adorable,
Incarnate Word of the Father! Eternal Wisdom silent in
the womb of Your Virgin Mother, endow me with that spirit
of sweetness, patience, and mildness, of which You are the
Model. Teach me how to speak, and how to be silent.
May this tongue, on which You so often repose in the Ador-
able Sacrament, rather cleave to my jaws than ever pro-
nounce an unbecoming word; and may charity, humility,
modesty, sweetness, prudence, and simplicity accompany all
my words and expressions. Amen.
(Prayer as first day, to Mary and Joseph.)
Fourth Day.
To the sacred hands of the Infant Jesus.
^^HIS day kiss in spirit those pure and liberal hands,
now so weak, cold, and trembling, which will be one
day instruments of so many great works, healing the sick,
L
A Little Book of Novenas.
995
curing the blind, and which will, at length, be fastened with
huge nails to the cross.
Prayer.
OMOST pure and generous hands of my Infant Saviour!
I adore, revere, and love you. O innocent hands!
which have been so often raised to heaven in our favor, may
I imitate your charity and compassion for the poor and
afflicted, in constantly praying for the salvation of my neigh-
bors, as well as for my own. O blessed hands! pierced
with huge nails, may I rather die than ever again (by sin)
fasten you to the cross. O most holy Infant! grant me con-
tinually to hold fast Your blessed hands, that I may securely
walk through the slippery paths of this life, always moving
according to Your holy will, and with submission to my
spiritual guides. Amen.
(Prayer as first day, to Mary and Joseph.)
Fifth Day.
To the pure and benign eyes of the Infant Jesus.
HIS day adore and love the pure and benignant eyes of
your Infant Saviour, those eyes which beam purity,
love, and sweetness; those eyes which have wrought such
wonders in souls; those eyes, in fine, which have shed over
our miseries abundant tears. O may they impart to us the
grace of true contrition for our sins, and compassion for the
miseries of others.
Prayer.
OMOST pure and benignant eyes of our Infant Saviour!'
Eyes beaming love, tenderness, and compassion for
us, wretched sinners! Eyes ever intent upon all our works
and ways, watching over us with unceasing care, we honor
and revere you. O grant me, dear Jesus, in honor of the
purity and sanctity of Your holy eyes, carefully to guard mine,
to look on and consider but You, and what may lead to Your
love and service. "Turn away from me all vanities," take
from me the spirit of curiosity, so opposed to the spirit of the
Gospel, and grant that I may live under Your all-seeing eye
with all possible respect, modesty, and love, continually
remembering Your holy presence, and ever lamenting my
996
A Little Booti of Novenas.
past and present infidelities with greater love and regret
Amen
{Prayer as first day, to Mary and Joseph,)
Sixth Day.
To the sacred feet of our Infant Jesus.
HIS day adore those sacred feet, bound for your love
in swathing bands, \o teach you to love holy obedience,
submission to the divine law, and to all tin duties of your
state.
Prayer.
OMOST holy ieet of my Infant Savioui ! I adore, love,
and venerate you with my whole heart, and embrace
you in spirit: especially those parts destined to be pierced
on the cross by your executioners. O gi1re me grace to
walk faithfully and constantly in the paths of your counsels
and commandments, continually exhorting me to greater
sanctity and perfection. May I, with your grace, steadily
advance in your sacred footsteps, in true contempt of all
worldly vanities, in hatred and aversion for worldly maxims,
in a faithful discharge of my duties to you, my neighbor,
and myself; in a patient endurance of the faults of others,
and in profound humility of heart and conduct. Thus shall
I be ever in security, for they who follow you walk not in
darkness.
{Prayer as first day, to Mary and Joseph.)
Seventh Day.
To the precious blood of the Infant Jesus.
HIS day adore the precious blood of our Infant Saviour,
flowing through His sacred veins, and one day to be
poured out on Calvary, for the remission of our sins.
Prayer.
OMOST pure and precious blood of my Infant Saviour!
drawn by the Holy Ghost from the virginal veins of
your immaculate Mother. O saving blood! shed for our
redemption on Calvary, and daily offered on our altars in
the adorable sacrifice, our nourishment and strength in the
Holy Eucharist, I adore, love, and venerate you, and humbly
A Little Book of Novenas.
997
pray that you may abundantly flow on me, and on all pooi
' sinners, on all my friends, relatives, benefactors, and enemies.
May I receive the happy fruits of such a blessing with love,
gratitude, and compunction, especially at the holy Mass>
and in the Sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist. Through
these sacred channels may you constantly flow, to nourish
my soul to everlasting life, and to impart to me that purity,
innocence, love, and fervor of which you are the source and
preservative. Amen.
(Prayer as first day, to Mary and Joseph.)
Eighth Day.
To honor the poverty, obedience, etc., of the Infant Jesus.
HIS day adore and try to imitate the blessed Infant,
as the true model of that perfection to which all
Religious are bound to aspire; and renew your sacred en-
gagements at the feet of your Infant Saviour with increased
fervor.
Prayer.
OMOST holy Infant Jesus! my King, my Master, and
Saviour! I adore You in this state of poverty, suffer-
ing, and submission, and humbly beg grace to observe faith-
fully the solemn vows by which I bound myself to renounce
I he world, with its pomps — the flesh, with its vices — the
devil, with his temptations — to lead a life of innocence,
prayer, sincere humility, and ardent love of God and my
neighbor. O dearest Jesus! may my only treasure hence-
forth be Your grace — my only pleasure Your service and
love — and my only desire the accomplishment of your most
holy will. O grant that I may always fulfil it. Amen.
(Prayer as first day, to Mary and Joseph.)
Ninth Day.
To adore and welcome the Infant Saviour, just coming
into the world.
HIS day adore, love, bless, praise, and welcome the
little Saviour, Who comes to redeem you — prepare
Him a cradle in your hearts, and do not imitate the unfeeling
inhabitants of Bethlehem.
998
A Little Book of ' JVovenas.
Prayer.
LL hail! most lovely, most holy, most amiable,
Infant Jesus, King of my soul! Ah! blessed be
the hour in which Your holy Mother will give You to
me as my ransom. O most beautiful above the children of
men! give me grace to prepare to receive you worthily on
the glorious feast of Your nativity. Give me a heart all
glowing with holy desires, love, gratitude, and ardent zeal,
to correspond with the designs which bring You on earth.
Give me the true spirit of Your holy nativity, a spirit of
humility, silence, detachment, -docility, meekness, and true
and ardent charity. Give me grace daily to advance in devo-
tion to Your blessed Infancy, and faithfully to persevere in
the discharge of all my duties, in spite of the allurements of
Satan, or the railleries of the world. Bless me then, divine
Infant, as You blessed the humble and simple shepherds
watching over their flocks; and let me ever remember, that
it is to the humble, simple, and faithful You most willingly
communicate Your choicest gifts. Amen.
{Prayer as first day, to Mary and Joseph.)
PRAYER TO THE INFANT JESUS.
{Suitable for those in charge of children.)
O ETERNAL God, made an Infant for love of us, to
Thee do I offer each little child, whom for Thy love
and in honor of Thy holy childhood I will devote my whole
strength to instruct and save. Grant that I may ever
behold Thee in the children confided to my care : and never,
oh, never permit, my Jesus, that any act or word of mine
should scandalize Thy little ones.
Give me a share in Thy humility, Thy charity, and Thy
gentleness to all. Grant Thy blessing to my labors and
bring me safely to heaven, where surrounded by these little
ones whom I taught to love Thee, I may praise Thee and
bless Thee for ever.
Zhc Xast Bag ot tbe ©ear**
^HE end of the year should naturally make you think
v£) of the end of your life. This reflection should in-
duce you to place yourself in the state in which you would
* From the "Visitation Manual."
A Little Book of ' Novenas.
999
like to be found at the hour of your death, We ought,
said a great saint, to ask of .God, through Jesus Christ, the
grace to repair all the spiritual losses we have sustained
through our negligence. We should beseech Him, in the
name and through the merits of this divine Saviour, tc
enable us to attain that degree of perfection to which He
wished to conduct us, if we had corresponded with fidelity.
This practice suits particularly the end of the year.
In thanksgiving to almighty God, for the spiritual and
temporal blessings bestowed on you, on your parents, on
all mankind, during the past year, recite with lively senti-
ments of gratitude the Te Deum or Magnificat.
And in expiation of your infidelities, recite the Miserere.
AN OFFERING OF THE NEW YEAR.
OMY God! another year is added to the number of those
for which I am accountable to Thee. Well may I
recount them all in the bitterness of my soul, for they have
been filled with infidelities and ingratitude. Thou hast granted
them to me to know, to love, and serve Thee, and every one
of them brings to my recollection numberless omissions of
these essential duties. Have mercy on me, O Lord, have
mercy on me, for I have no hope but in Thy mercy. It now
offers me this new. year to repair the evils and retrieve the
losses of those which are past. Grant, O Lord, that it be
entirely consecrated to Thy glory, sanctified by Thy love,
and wholly employed in Thy service.
A PRAYER TO THE ADORABLE NAME OF JESUS.
OMOST sweet Jesus, how glorious is that name which
is given to Thee this day I I rejoice that it is not borne
by Thee a mere empty name, the shadow of a name, as others
have borne it; but a name full of truth, and of all perfection.
I thank Thee, O good Jesus, for the will which Thpu hadst
to save us, accepting the office, with the name, of Saviour;
fulfil it, O Lord, effectually in me; and seeing Thou art Jesus,
Esio mihi Jesus. Be to me Jesus, be my Saviour. Amen.
O blessed Virgin, beseech thy Son to imprint in my heart
that esteem and love of this holy name, which He imprinted
in thine.
May the adorable name of Jesus be the sweet and daily
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music of my soul, and the seal of my heart; and, when in
the agony and cold sweat of death, I shall give the last look
to heaven for mercy, may the parting sigh of my soul be Jesus,
sweet Jesus, Amen.
THIRTY-THREE PETITIONS.
Offered through the merits of the sacred humanity of Our Lord
Jesus Christ.
GOOD Jesus! Word of the Eternal Father, convert me!
O good Jesus! Son of Mary, make me her child'
o
my Master, teach me!
Prince of peace, give me peace!
my Refuge, receive me!
my Pastor, feed my soul!
Model of patience, comfort me!
my Redeemer, save me!
my God and my All, possess me!
the true Way, direct me!,
eternal Truth, instruct me!
Life of the blessed, make me live in Thee!
my Support, strengthen me!
my Justice, justify me!
my Mediator, reconcile me to Thy Father!
Physician of my soul, heal me!
my Judge, absolve me!
my King, govern me!
my Sanctification, sanctify me!
Abyss of goodness, pardon me!
living Bread from heaven, satiate me!
the Father of the prodigal, receive me!
Joy of my soul, refresh me!
my Helper, assist me!
Magnet of love, attract me!
my Protector, defend me!
my Hope, sustain me!
Object of my love, make me love Thee!
Fountain of life, cleanse mei
my Propitiation, purify me!
my last End, let me obtain Thee!
my Glory, glorify me. Amen.
Prayer.
T7ESUS! O name of Jesus! sweet name! delightful name! con-
fj soling name ! for what else is Jesus than Saviour! Where-
fore, 0 Jesus, for Thy sweet name's sake, be to me a Jesus,
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
O good Jesus
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IOOI
and save me. Suffer me not to be eternally lost, whom Thou
didst create out of nothing. O good Jesus I let not my
iniquities destroy me, whom Thy bounty made. O sweet
Jesus! recognize in me what is Thine, and efface all that is
not Thine. O sweet Jesus! show mercy now in the time of
mercy, and condemn me not in the day of justice. What
profit to Thy precious blood, or what honor will my destruc-
tion give Thy holy name, O Jesus I ''The dead shall not
praise Thee, O Lord Jesus! nor all they that go down to
hell." O most amiable Jesus! most meek, most loving
Jesus! O Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! admit me to the number of
Thy servants! O Jesus, comfort of all who fly to Thee! O
sweet Jesus! forgive me my sins! O Jesus! Son of the Virgin
Mary, infuse into my soul grace, wisdom, charity, chastity,
and humility, that I -may love Thee perfectly, praise Thee,
serve Thee, and eternally rejoice and glory in Thee, with all
who devoutly honor and fervently invoke Thy holy name, O
Jesus. Amen.
IRovena to tbe Infant Jesus.
PRAYER TO THE HOLY CHILD.
O CHILD Jesus, I have recourse to Thee; by Thy holy
Mother, I implore Thy assistance in this necessity
(here mention your request), for I firmly believe that Thy
divinity can assist me. I confidently hope to obtain Thy
holy grace. I love Thee with my whole heart and my whole
soul; I am heartily sorry for my sins, and I entreat of Thee,
O good Jesus, to give me strength to overcome my evil pas-
sions. I make the resolution of never again offending Thee,
and I, resolve to suffer everything rather than displease Thee.
Henceforth I wish to serve Thee faithfully. For the love
of Thee, O divine Child! I will love my neighbor as myself.
0 Jesus, omnipotent Child, I again implore Thy assistance on
this occasion (mention it) . Grant that I may possess Thee
eternally, with Mary and Joseph, and adore Thee with the
angels and saints in heaven. Amen.
A
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PRAYER TO THE HOLY FAMILY.
To be said before a representation of the Holy Family.
OMOST loving Jesus, Who by Thy sublime and beautifm
virtues of humility, obedience, poverty, modesty, charity,
patience, and gentleness, and by the example of Thy domestic
life, didst bless with peace and happiness the family which
Thou didst choose on earth, in Thy clemency look down upon
this household, humbly prostrate before Thee and imploring
Thy mercy. Remember that this family belongs to Thee; for
to Thee we have in a special way dedicated and devoted ourselves.
Look upon us in Thy loving-kindness, preserve us from dange:*;
give us help in time of need; and grant us the grace to persevere
to the end in the imitation of Thy Holy Family; that having
revered Thee and loved Thee faithfully on earth, we may bless
and praise Thee eternally in heaven. O Mary, most sweet
Mother, to thy intercession we have recourse, knowing that thy
Divine Son will hear thy prayers. And do thou, O glorious
Patriarch, St. Joseph, assist us by thy powerful mediation,
and offer, by the hands of Mary, our prayers to Jesus. Amen.
IHovena for tbe 1Re\v year.
OMOST amiable Redeemer! AYhose infinite love for
man far exceeded Thy corporal strength in the crib of
Bethlehem, receive our fervent adorations and most ardent
thanksgiving for the first effusion of that adorable blood
which Thou didst afterwards shed to the last drop for us on
the cross. Oh, how ardently must Thou have desired our sal-
vation, since Thou didst so soon begin to suffer for us! How
much must Thou have wished for our confidence, since Thou
didst so early assume that name which, above all names, is
best calculated to render Thee amiable in our eyes and
dear to our hearts. O Jesus! our infant, but most power-
ful Saviour! we now feel that Thou art Our Redeemer, and
therefore most confidently approach Thy crib, to represent
to Thee all our wants, and in particular to implore, by Thy
adorable infancy, by Thy painful circumcision, and above ai3
by Thy sacred name, which is the joy of heaven, the terror of
hell, the consolation of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners,
that Thou wouldst grant us the intentions of this novena.
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1003
Pardon us, O adorable Jesus, all our negligences, tepidity,
and sloth in- Thy divine service during the past year, and
mercifully deign to accept the oblation which we now make
of every day, hour, and moment of the year we commence.
Give efficacy by Thy precious blood to the resolutions we
now make, of living from this moment in the manner we
should wish to have done when time shall be about to close
for ever for us. We fervently offer Thee each and every
action of this year, in unison with the adorable actions of
Thy mortal life: we offer Thee our intentions and every
movement of body and soul, (most solemnly renouncing
every motive but Thy love) ; the most perfect obedience to
Thy holy will, and ardent zeal for Thy glory. O merciful
Jesus! by the helplessness of infancy, to which Thou didst
descend for our sakes, strengthen our weakness and fortify
our resolutions never more to offend Thee. By the silence
of childhood, which Thou wouldst not break, though Thou
wert the uncreated Word of God, grant us that spirit of
silence, recollection, and prayer which will best enable us
to acquire the other virtues of our holy state. May the
most ardent love so deeply imprint Thy saving name on our
hearts that it may be always in our minds, frequently on our
lips, that it may be our defence in temptation, our refuge in
danger, and at length our certain passport to a happy eternity.
IRovena for Bplpban^.
1. /~\ HOLY Magi! you were living in continual expecta-
tion of the rising of the Star of Jacob, which
would announce the birth of the true Sun of justice; obtain
for us an increase of faith and charity, and the grace to live
in continual hope of beholding one day the light of heavenly
glory and eternal joy.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
2. O holy Magi! who at the first appearance of the won-
drous star left your native country to go and seek the new-
born King of the Jews; obtain for us the grace of correspond-
ing with alacrity to every divine inspiration.
Glory be, etc.
3. O holy Magi! who regarded neither the severity 01
the season, nor the inconveniences of the journev. that yov»
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might find the new-born Messias; obtain for us the grace
not to allow ourselves to be discouraged by any of the diffi-
culties which may meet us in the way of salvation.
Glory be, etc.
4. O holy Magi, who, when deserted by the star in the city
of Jerusalem, sought humbly, and without human respect,
from the rulers of the Church, the place where you might
discover the object of your journey; obtain for us grace to
have recourse, in faith and humility, in all our doubts and
perplexities to the counsel of our superiors, who hold the
place of God on earth.
Glory be, etc.
5. O holy Magi, who were gladdened by the reappear-
ance of the star which led you to Bethlehem; obtain for us
from God the grace, that, remaining always faithful to Him
in afflictions, we may be consoled in time by His grace, and
in eternity by His glory.
Glory be, etc.
6. O holy Magi, who, entering full of faith into the stable
of Bethlehem, prostrated yourselves on the earth, to adore
the new-born King of the Jews, though He was surrounded
only by signs of poverty and weakness; obtain from the
Lord for us a lively faith in the real presence of Jesus in the
Blessed Sacrament, the true spirit of poverty, and a Christ-
like charity for the poor and suffering.
Glory be, etc.
7. O holy Magi, who offered to Jesus Christ gold, incense,
and myrrh, thereby recognizing Him to be at once King, God,
and Man; obtain from the Lord for us the grace never to
present ourselves before Him with empty hands; but that
we may continually offer to Him the gold of charity, the
incense of prayer, and the myrrh of penance and mortifi-
cation.
Glory be, etc.
8. O holy Magi, who, when warned by an angel not to
return to Herod, travelled back to your country by another
road; obtain for us from the Lord the grace that, after having
£ound Him by true repentance, we may avoid all danger of
losing Him again.
Glory be, etc.
9. O holy Magi, who were the first among the Gentiles
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iocs
called to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and who persevered
in the faith till your deaths, obtain for us of the Lord the
grace of living always in conformity to the baptismal promises
and especially in accordance with our Religious Vows, lead-
ing ever a life of faith; that like you we may attain to the
beatific vision of that God Who now is the object of our faith.
Glory be, etc.
IRovena to tbe 1bol£ IRame of Jesue.
O MERCIFUL Jesus! Who didst in Thy early infancy
commence Thy office of Saviour by shedding Thy
precious blood, and assuming for us that name which is
above all names: -we thank Thee for such early proofs of
Thine infinite love. We venerate Thy sacred name in union
with the profound respect of that angel who first announced
it to the earth, and unite our affections to the sentiments of
tender devotion, which the adorable name of Jesus has, in
all ages, enkindled in the hearts of Thy saints. Animated
with a firm faith in Thy unerring word, and penetrated wTith
confidence in Thy mercy, we now most humbly remind Thee
of the promise Thou hast made, that when two or three should
assemble in Thy name, Thou Thyself wouldst be in the
midst of them. Come then into the midst of us, most amiable
Jesus, for it is in Thy sacred name we are here assembled.
Come into our hearts, that Thy Holy Spirit may pray in and
by us; and through that adorable name which is the joy
of heaven, the terror of hell, the consolation of the afflicted,
and the solid ground of our unlimited confidence, mercifully
grant us all the petitions of this novena.
O Mary ever Virgin, and blessed Mother of Our Redeemer,
who didst participate so sensibly in the sufferings of thy dear
Son, when He first shed His sacred blood, and assumed for
us the name of Jesus, obtain for us through that adorable
name the favors we petition Him. Beg also that He may
inflame our hearts with His divine love, and imprint thereon
His most sacred name; that it may be always in our minds,
frequently on our lips, our refuge and hope during life, and
our consolation and support at the hour of death. Amen.
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IRovena tor tbe purification of ©ur Xafcg.*
O ETERNAL God! Whose adorable Majesty was so
imperfectly honored by the sacrifices of the Old Law,
we rejoice, from the bottom of our hearts, in the homage
Thou didst receive from Thy beloved Son, on His presenta-
tion in the Temple. Sacrifice and sin-offering had ceased to
please Thee; they were no longer agreeable in Thine eyes —
when, behold! He came, in Whom from eternity Thou wert
well pleased, to offer Thee that Victim, of adoration which
Thine infinite Majesty expected — that Sacrifice of expiation
which Thy justice required — that Victim of thanksgivings
which Thy benefits deserved — and that Host of impetration
to which Thy mercy had reserved the most precious favors.
But, Lord, the glorious advantage of presenting Thee a
Victim worthy of Thy greatness was not confined to that pro-
pitious moment. From the rising to the setting of the sun,
there is now offered to Thy name a clean oblation. In all
parts of the earth, at this moment, that holy, innocent, un-
defiled oblation is presented to Thee, which must always
ascend before Thee as an odor of sweetness. Oh, permit us,
then, to unite an unreserved oblation of our whole being,
and a fervent renewal of our vows, to the first oblation which
Jesus offered in the Temple, and also to all the Masses now
going on throughout the world. We most humbly beg of
Thee to accept this Victim, infinitely greater than any favors
we could ask, as a powerful motive for granting us the inten-
tions of this novena. O most happy Virgin! from whom
the Almighty first received a Victim worthy of Himself, let
us not be excluded from a share in the graces which, through
thee, have been granted to the world. Since we are so often
in possession of that same sacred Victim, which thou didst
present to God, obtain for us a share m that ardent love which
consumed thy pure soul — in that spirit of sacrifice which
* Many prayers suitable for Novenas to the Holy Ghost, to the
Sacred Eieart of Jesus, to the Blessed Sacrament, to the Passion
if Our Lord, and to the Blessed Virgin Mary will be found in
those sections which are reserved for these special devotions.
Consult the Index.
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1007
accompanied thy oblation — and in that profound humility,
which on this solemnity concealed thy glorious privileges
from all the world. Do thou thyself give us the Divine Infant
in each of our communions, as thou didst to holy Simeon.
Obtain that, like him, a lively faith may discover to us Our
Lord and Salvation, in the mystery of His humiliation; that
our hearts may love Him therein ardently, and that frequent
union with Jesus, in the Sacrament of His infinite goodness,
may so detach us from the world, that we may never cease
to sigh after that kingdom of peace, where we shall never sin,
and never cease to love. Amen.
IFlcwena to St. 3osepb*
O GLORIOUS descendant of the kings of Juda! inheritor
of the virtues of all the patriarchs! just and happy
St. Joseph! listen to our prayers. Thou art our glorious pro-
tector, and shalt ever be, after Jesus and Mary, the object
of our most profound veneration and tender confidence.
Thou art a hidden saint, though one of the greatest of saints,
and art peculiarly the patron of interior souls.
In union with all those who have ever been most devoted
to thee, we now dedicate ourselves to thy service, beseeching
thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ, Who vouchsafed to love
and obey thee as a Son, to become a father to us, and to obtain
for us the filial respect, confidence, and love of children
toward thee. O powerful advocate of all Christians! whose
intercession, as St. Teresa assures us, has never been found
to fail, deign to intercede for us now and to implore for us
the particular intentions of the novena. (Specify them.)
Present us, O great saint, to the adorable Trinity with Whom
thou hadst so glorious and so intimate a correspondence.
Obtain that we may never efface by sin the sacred image
according to the likeness of which we were created. Beg
for us that our divine Redeemer may enkindle in our hearts,
and in all hearts, the fire of His love, and infuse therein the
virtues of His adorable infancy — His purity, simplicity,
obedience, and humility. Obtain for us likewise a lively
devotion to thy Virgin spouse, and protect us so powerfully
in life and in death that we may have the happiness of dying,
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as thou didst, in the friendship of Our Creator, and under the
immediate protection of the Mother of God.
XitanE of St. Joaepb*
ord, have mercy. Head of the Holy Family,
Christ, have mercy. Joseph most just,
Lord, have mercy. Joseph most chaste,
Christ, hear us. Joseph most prudent,
Christ, graciously hear us. Joseph most strong,
God, the Father of Heaven,1 Joseph most obedient,
God the Son, Redeemer of the Joseph most faithful,
world, Mirror of patience,
God, the Holy Ghost, Lover of poverty,
Holy Trinity, one God, Model of artisans,
Holy Mary, pray for us, Glory of home life,
St. Joseph, renowned offspring Guardian of virgins,
of David,2 Pillar of families,
Light of Patriarchs, Solace of the wretched,
Spouse of the Mother of God, Hope of the sick, ■
Chaste guardian of the Virgin, Patron of the dying,
Foster father of the Son of God, Terror of demons,
Diligent protector of Christ, Protector of Holy Church,
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us5
O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously
hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have
mercy on us.
V. He made him the lord of his household.
R. And prince over all his possessions.
Let us pray.
0 God, Who in Thy ineffable providence didst vouchsafe
to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thy most holy
Mother; grant, we beseech Thee, that we may have him for our
intercessor in heaven, whom we venerate as our protector on
earth : Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day.
' 1 Have mercy on us. 2 Pray for us.
IRovena for tbe Annunciation of ©ur XaDp,
O ADMIRABLE Virgin! the most exalted yet the most
humble among all creatures ! we salute thee, in union
with the respect and veneration of the angel who was deputed
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1009
from heaven to hail thee as full of grace, and as the chooser*.
Mother of the Author of -grace. O most happy Mother!;
most pure Virgin! most favored among all women, why
can not we join with the generations yet unborn, which
will call thee blessed? (Luke i.). Why can not we
share in the profound feelings of humiliation which filled
thy soul, even in the moment of thy glorious exaltation? O
• most humble, but most privileged handmaid of the Lord!
since thou hast found grace before God, obtain for us
that we may persevere in grace to the end of our lives.
Since thou hast never felt the anguish which springs from
sin, and wert never degraded by a single imperfection, thou
hast no cause to fear those tremendous judgments which
certainly await us if we continue to lead imperfect, tepid
lives in the sanctuary of religion. O powerful Protectress
of those who trust in thee! O Refuge of sinners! whose mis-
fortunes thou well knowest how to compassionate! shield us
from the anger of thy divine Son; obtain for us that we may
be like thee, ever docile to holy inspirations and ever ready
to say with thee: "Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuutn":
"Be it done unto me according to thy word;" and since it
is by thee that Our Lord comes to us, may we, by thee, attain
to the enjoyment of His adorable presence in heaven. Amen.
St. Gabriel, angel of the Annunciation, pray thou also for
us in our present needs. Amen.
Iftovena in Hxmor of ©ur Saviour's ipaseion.
for lent**
1. f \ JESUS, my Saviour, Who didst sweat blood in
the garden at the sight of the sufferings which
my sins and my ingratitude were to cause Thee: I adore
Thee bathed in Thy blood; I give thanks to Thy Sacred
Heart which suffered so much for me; I hate my sins which
were the cause of Thy sufferings; and I am resolved to die
rather than to afflict Thee again. Grant me grace to under-
stand the great evil of sin; that I may resist even unto blood
* The " Litany of the Passion," and other prayers suitable for
Lent and Novenas in honor of the Sufferings of Our Lord are
given in this book among the Devotions to the Passion. " The
Jesus Psalter " is also recommended ior Lent,
I0IO
A Little Book of Novenas.
the temptations of the world, the devil, and the flesh; and
that I may be conformed in all- things to the will of Thy
divine Father, however contrary to my own inclinations.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.
2. O my Lord Jesus, Who wast so cruelly maltreated in
the house of Annas and Caiphas; I thank Thee that Thor
didst vouchsafe to suffer for love of me insults so atrocious,,
and contempt so shameful. Ah! how often have I insultecf
Thee in the person of my neighbor! I humbly ask Thy par-
don, and resolve, with Thy holy aid, to suffer whatever may
be done against me with patience and gentleness, and never
to offend Thee again, either in word or work.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.
3. O Jesus my King! Who wast so scorned by the Jews that
they preferred to Thee a malefactor, a murderer; I pray Thee
to grant me pardon for having often preferred to Thee some
miserable creature, some base gratification. Grant that
I may rather die than again offend against Thy infinite
Majesty. Be Thou henceforward the King of my heart,
and grant that by the help of Thy grace I may ever love and
serve Thee, until I shall have the happiness to see and enjoy
Thee in the kingdom of Thy glory.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.
4. O most pure Jesus, most chaste among men! Whost
innocent flesh was thus torn by the scourging in the house of
Pilate, to purge away the wicked pleasures which we enjoy
m ours; I confess that it was for me Thou didst suffer such
cruel torments. I am confounded when I reflect on the
blows I have caused Thee, and how often I have wounded
Thee by my sensual gratifications. I entreat of Thee by all
Thy sufferings to sanctify my body and my soul, to wash
me and purify me by Thy precious blood from all my filthy
stains. Ah! let not that flesh which was once cleansed in
Thy blood, be again defiled with sin. May I serve Thee to
the end of my life with a clean heart, and may all my actions
be guided by the purest intentions.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.
5. O Jesus, greatest of all sovereigns, Who wast crowned
with thorns, ^nd tre ted with cruel mockery; all derided
and despised as Thou art, I acknowledge Thee for my King.
And since there was no part of Thy sacred body which was
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ion
not bruised for me, I will no longer delight in indulging
mine, but live in the practice of constant mortification, that
so I may have some resemblance to Thee, my only true and
sovereign good.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.
6. O adorable and divine blood, shed for my salvation,
flow over me, to wash me, to purify me, to sanctify me: flow
over sinners, that they may be reclaimed; over the heathen,
that they may be enlightened; over the perfidious Jews,
that they may be softened; over all, that all being united in
the same faith, in the same hope, and in the same charity,
we may reign with Thee and in Thee, in that charity which
shall subsist for ever.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.
7. O Jesus, my Redeemer, Who. wast for my sake nailed
upon the cross, and didst shed Thy blood to free me from
the slavery of the devil; I thank Thee for the incomparable
love which Thou hast borne me, and the pain which Thou
hast suffered for me. I kiss with the deepest respect Thy
feet and Thy hands; I adore Thy Sacred Heart, which was
opened for love of me; and I resolve, from this time forth,
rather to lay down my life than to crucify Thee again by any
mortal sin. For.. love of Thee, I crucify myself anew on the
cross of my vows, and resolve to imitate Thy example faith-
fully to the end of my life. O good Lord, my blessed Saviour!
By that glorious triumph, which, in Thy death. Thou didst
achieve over sin and hell, and by that throne of glory to which
Thou wast exalted by Thy Eternal Father in heaven: grant
that I also, in the hour of death, may triumph over all my
enemies, and come at last with Thee to the joys of paradise.
Yes, O my Jesus, grant me this grace by the merits of Thine
agony and Thy death on the cross.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.
PRAYER BEFORE A PICTURE OF CHRIST CRUCIFIED.*
BEHOLD, O kind and sweetest Jesus, I cast myself
upon my knees in Thy sight, and with the most fer-
vent desire of my soul I pi ay and beseech Thee, to impress
* A plenary indulgence, applicable to the souls in purgatory,
is granted to all, who with due dispositions recite this prayer
1012
A Little Book of Xovenas.
upon my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity,
with true repentance for my sins and a most firm desire of
amendment, whilst with deep affection and grief of soul I
consider within myself and mentally contemplate Thy five
most precious wounds; having before my eyes that which
the prophet David said of Thee, O good Jesus: "They have
pierced my hands and my feet, they have numbered all my
bones."
IRovena for Easter* In Ibonor of tbe Glorious
IResurrection of our XorD.
JESUS, Who didst confound all Thine enemies by
clothing in glory and splendor that body which had
been the victim of the cruelty of man, give me grace to die to
myself that I may rise again with Thee, and after Thy like-
ness lead a new, divine, immortal life: new, by change of con-
duct, divine by the generosity and purity of my love, immor-
tal by perseverance in well doing. Work in my heart, O
Lord, this happy change; make me pass from death to life,
from darkness to light, from a life full of imperfections to a
life perfect and worthy of Thee. Make me go on from light
to light, from virtue to virtue, till I come at last to Thee, O
God of virtue, source of all life, and of all light. To thee
also I turn, O holy Virgin, who had the greatest share in
the sufferings and the glory of thy divine Son; deign to make
me a partaker of that divine joy which thou didst feel on the
blessed day of His Resurrection. Dry my tears and free my
heart from all oppressive sadness. Let Thy risen Son enter
into my heart, as through the closed doors, into the upper
chamber. Let Him say to me, as tc the Apostles, "Peace
be to thee;" let Him show to me, as to Thomas, His sacred
wounds; let Him abide with me continually, and never more
depart from me.
TO THE GLORIOUS WOUNDS OF JESUS RISEN.
I. risen Jesus, I devoutly kiss and adore the glorious
wound of Thy left foot, and pray Thee to give me
before any image or representation of Christ crucified, provided
they confess, and receive holy communion, saying, at the same
time, five Our Fathers, Hail Marys, and Glory for the intentions
of the Sovereign Pontiff.
A Little Book of Novenas.
X013
grace to fly from all occasions of sin, and ever more to walk in
the way of salvation according to the spirit of my holy vows.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
2. My risen Jesus, I devoutly kiss and adore the glorious
wound of Thy right foot, and pray Thee to give me grace to
walk constantly in the way of Christian holiness till I come
to the home of paradise.
Glory, etc.
3. My risen Jesus, I devoutly kiss and adore the glorious
wound of Thy left hand, and pray Thee to deliver me from all
evil, whether of the body or the soul, and most especially from
the unhappy fate of the wicked who shall stand at Thy left hand
at the day of judgment.
Glory, etc.
4. My risen Jesus, I devoutly kiss and adore the glorious
wound of Thy right hand, and pray Thee to bless my soul there-
with, and after death to open to me the gates of paradise.
Glory, etc.
5. My risen Jesus, I devoutly kiss and adore the glorious
wound of Thy side, and pray Thee to kindle in my heart the fire
of Thy love here, that I may hereafter love Thee eternally in
heaven.
Glory be, etc.
To -Mary.
^TT"1 ASTLY, I. pray thee, O most holy Virgin Mary, by thy
rl A great joy on seeing thy risen and glorified Son, to obtain
for us the grace to rise also after our death to the eternal glory
of paradise. Hail Mary (three times).
iftovena for Pentecost**
O JESUS! triumphant Conqueror of sin and death! Who
hast taken possession of that seat of bliss purchased
by Thy blood, remember Thy tender promise that Thou
wouldst not leave us orphans. Send down upon us and upon
Thy whole Church that Spirit of light, of truth, and of love
Who alone can bring to our minds, and imprint on our hearts,
the divine lessons of humility, poverty, obedience, and con-
tempt of the world which Thou hast taught us during Thy
mortal life. But, alas! if Thine apostles themselves were
rendered unworthy of receiving the plenitude of Thy Spirit,
by too natural an attachment to Thy adorable humanity,
* Consult the section on "Devotions in Honor of the Holy
Ghost" for appropriate prayers for the Feast of Pentecost.
ioi4
A Little Book of Novenas.
which was so lovely, so amiable, so deserving of their tenderesf
love, how can we hope for His descent into our hearts, which
are defiled by a thousand imperfect and sinful inclinations?
O my God, if Thou desirest to give us Thy divine Spirit, pre-
pare Thyself His dwelling in our souls; unite our hearts and
affections to the ardent sighs and perfect dispositions with
which Thy blessed Mother and apostles awaited His coming.
And Thou, O adorable Spirit! Who breathest where Thou
wilt, deign to descend on us, who are here assembled in Thy
name, and on all the members of Thy Church, to which Thou
wilt teach all truth to the end of time. O Spirit of purity!
Spirit of peace! Whom the foulest stains of sin can not resist,
purify our souls, and infuse therein that peace which the
world can not give. Oh, rend the heavens and come down,
consoling Spirit! that, strengthened and encouraged by
Thee, we may faithfully comply with the duties of our holy
state, embrace the cross, in whatever shape it is presented,
and study to accomplish the divine will with the utmost per-
fection.
HYMN TO THE HOLY GHOST.
aOME, Holy Ghost, send down those beams
Which sweetly flow in silent streams
From Thy bright throne above;
O come, Thou Father of the poor.
O come, Thou Source of all our store;
Come fill our hearts with love.
O Thou, of Comforters the best,
O Thou, the soul's delightful guest,
The pilgrim's sweet relief;
Thou art true rest in toil and sweat,
Refreshment in the excess of heat,
And Solace in our grief.
Thrice blessed light, shoot home Thy darts,
And pierce the centers of those hearts
Whose faith aspires to Thee;
Without Thy Godhead, nothing can
Have any price or worth in man,
Nothing can harmless be.
Lord, wash our sinful stains away,
Water from heaven our barren clay,
Our wounds and bruises heal;
To Thy sweet yoke our stiff necks bow;
A Little Book of Novenas. 1015
Warm with Thy fire our hearts of snow,
Our wand'ring feet repel.
Grant to Thy faithful, dearest Lord,
Whose only hope is Thy sure Word,
The seven gifts of the Spirit:
Grant us in life Thy helping grace,
Grant us at death to see Thy face,
And endless joys inherit. Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle
ir_ them the fire of Thy love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and thev shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who hast taught the hearts of the faithful by the
light of the Holy Spirit: grant that we may, by the gift
of the same Spirit, be always truly wise, and ever rejoice in His
consolation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
prater for tbe /Ifcontb of /IRa^
OMOST august and blessed Virgin Mary! Holy Mother
of God! glorious Queen of heaven and earth! power-
ful protectress of those who love thee, and unfailing advocate
of all who invoke thee! look down, we beseech thee, from
thy throne of glory on thy devoted children; accept the
solemn offering we present thee of this month, specially
dedicated to thee, and receive our ardent, humble desire,
that by our love and fervor we may worthily honor thee,
who, next to God, art deserving of all honor. Receive us,
O Mother of mercy, among thy best beloved children; ex-
tend to us thy maternal tenderness and solicitude; obtain
for us a place in the Heart of Jesus and a special share in the
gifts of His grace. Oh, deign, we beseech thee, to recognize
our claims on thy protection, to watch over our spiritual
and temporal interests, as well as those of all who are dear
to us; to infuse into our souls the spirit of Christ and to
teach us thyself to become meek, humble, charitable, patient,
and submissive to the will of God.
May our hearts burn with the love of thy divine Son, and
of thee, His blessed Mother, not for a month alone, but for
time and eternity; may we thirst for the promotion of His
honor and thine, and contribute as far as we can to its exten-
sion. Receive us, O Mary, the Refuge of sinners; grant us
1
ioi6
A Little Book of Novenas.
a mother's blessing and a mother's care now and at the
hour of our death. Amen.*
movena for Corpus CbrtstL
O AMIABLE Jesus! Who hast given us, in the adorable
Eucharist, so convincing a proof of Thine infinite love,
permit us to thank Thee, in the name of all Thy creatures,
for the blessings included in this one precious gift. We
adore Thee, O hidden Deity! and most ardently wish we
could offer Thee such love as would atone for our own offences,
and those committed by all mankind, against this most
amiable mystery. But, my God, if all creatures are so deeply
indebted to Thy mercy for this Adorable Sacrament, how
much more sensibly should we feel our obligations, since,
by Thy special predilection, we have been chosen to dwell
under the same roof with Thyself, to see Thee daily offered
on our altars, and to receive so frequently Thy precious body
and blood. Convinced by these Thy tender mercies, that
our confidence in Thy goodness can not be too great, we come
n w to implore of Thee, by that infinite love which induced
Thee to institute this Adorable Sacrament, and by all the
graces which have ever flowed from this source of every
blessing, to grant us the favor we ask in this novena.
We firmly purpose to become more fervent and de-
voted adorers of this Sacrament of love, and to take Thy
Eucharistic life for the rule and model of ours. Give us
grace to honor Thy silence on our altar, by the spirit of recol-
lection and prayer; . Thy poverty, obedience, and adorable
sanctity, by detachment from all things — renunciation of
self-wH, and horror of sin; above all, we beseech Thee,
O living Bread of eternal life! to remove all obstacles to our
more fruitfully and worthily receiving Thee; and to grant us
so tender a devotion to this amiable mystery that our hearts
and thoughts may ever be turned to Thee, present on our
altars, and every action o^ our lives be directed to the per-
fect accomplishment of Thy holy will. Amen.
* For other suitable prayers and novenas during the Month
of May see the section on " Devotions in Honor of the Blessed
Virgin Mary."
A Little Book of Novenas.
1017
IWovena tor tbe ffeaat of tbe Sacrefc Ibeart,
O ADORABLE Jesus! Who hast discovered to us Th>
most Sacred Heart, that we may form some idea of
the extent of Thy love, send forth Thy light and Thy grace
into our hearts, that we may value as we ought so precious a
favor. We adore thee, O infinitely amiable Heart, and
beseech thee to receive our adorations, in union with those
thou thyself renderest to the Divinity on our altars, in
union with the perfect homage of all thy saints, and in par-
ticular, in union with the unceasing adorations of the heavenly
spirits, who crowd thy sanctuary during this glorious solem-
nity, and honor the presence of thy amiable Heart on our
altars. Yet it is not for those pure and ardent spirits that
thou burnest with love in the Holy Eucharist, it is for us, it
is for all creatures, even for those who are most unmindful
of all thy mercies.
But though all the world should forget Thee, O divine
Victim of charity, surely we, at least, should return Thee
love for love, since Thou hast loved us with an eternal
charity, and selected us long before our existence, as the
favorites of Thy Divine Heart, the objects of its ten-
derest affection and peculiar favors. Penetrated with the
confidence which should arise from the recollection of all
Thou hast already done for us, and art willing to do for
those who trust in thee, we humbly represent our present
necessities to Thee, O adorable Heart, the Fountain of all
grace, the Ocean of mercy and exhaustless Source of con-
solation and strength! We most fervently entreat thee to
infuse into our hearts the dispositions thou requirest, and
then, for thine own sake, to grant the earnest petitions of
this novena.
Thou art, O Furnace of love, a public Victim. Thy
mercies and graces are offered to all who will onlv ask, that
they may receive; but Thy tenderest compassion seems
peculiarly directed to all unhappy sinners.
For them Thou wert overwhelmed with sorrow in the
Garden of Olives, and wounded on the cross; for them we
most particularly pray, and most earnestly entreat the grace
of conversion.
For ourselves, and every member of this Community;,
ioi8
A Litile Book of Kovenas.
we beg the true spirit of our holy state, whatever particulai
graces Thou knowest to be most necessary for each of us;
but particularly that ardent charity and sincere humility
which seem to have been the favorite virtues of Thine adorable
Heart.
Animate us with Thy zeal for the salvation of those com-
mitted to our care; model their young hearts on Thine, and
assist us all to learn of Thee, Who art meek and humble of
Heart, that thereby we may find rest to our souls in this life
and everlasting repose in a happy eternity.
IRovena for tbe festival of tbe Hesitation.
1. ^\ MARY! by that purity of intention through
which you quitted your home and proceeded
to visit your cousin Elizabeth: obtain for us, we pray, the
grace of seeking, simplv, in all that we do, the sole glory of
God.
Hail Mary, etc.
2. By that care with which you journeyed to the mountains
of Judea ; obtain for us, we pray, the grace to walk continu-
ally in the way of holiness, and that we may never be driven
back by any obstacles which our enemies may oppose against
us.
Hail Mary, etc.
3. By the profound humility which made you, O Mary!
the first to salute your cousin Elizabeth; obtain for us, we
pray, the grace to turn to our profit whatever occasions may
be offered us for the practice of this virtue, so beautiful and
so necessary for our salvation.
Hail Mary, etc.
4. By that extreme joy which you infused into the soul
of Elizabeth when you tenderly embraced her; obtain for
us, we pray, the grace to continue until death in the profession
of our vows and in the exercise of piety and charity, that we
may attain to the fulness of heavenly happiness.
Hail Mary, etc.
5. By that extraordinary favor which you, O Mary! ob-
tained for John, that he should be sanctified in his mother's
womb before he saw the light; obtain for us, we pray, the
grace of preserving ourselves free from all stain till death.
Hail Mary, etc.
A Little Book of Novenas.
1019
6. By the most humble confession which you made, O Mary!
of that marvelous work which almighty God had performed
in you, by which you became the object of the benediction
to all mankind; obtain for us the grace always to acknowl-
edge the blessings which we receive from the Lord, and. to
employ them to His honor and glory.
Hail Mary, etc.
7. By that ardent charity which you, O Mary! practices
during the three months in which you dwelt in the house oi
Elizabeth; obtain for us, we pray, the grace to be always
ready to assist with affection all the necessities of our neigh-
bors.
Hail Mary, etc.
8. By the model which you, O Mary! exhibited of every
virtue in your daily intercourse with your relations, Elizabeth,
and her holy spouse, Zacharias; obtain for us, we pray, that
we may have grace to give continual edification to our neigh-
bors by all our words and actions.
Hail Mary, etc.
9. By that admirable detachment from your nearest rela-
tives, O Mary! which you exhibited when, having com-
pleted all the duties which you had undertaken in the house
of Elizabeth, you returned immediately to your home in
Nazareth; obtain for us, we pray, that we may be enabled
always to live so detached from the things of the world as
never to mingle in the affairs of men, except when summoned
by necessity or charity, that our hearts may be fixed on God
alone, from Whom we hope for peace in this life, and eternal
blessedness in the kingdom of heaven.
Hail Mary, etc.
IRovena for tbe Bsaumptlon.
O GLORIOUS Queen of all the heavenly host! whose
sacred body, the immaculate temple of the divinity,
is now assumed into heaven, we unite our voices to the choirs
of angels who celebrate thy triumph. Winter is now past
for thee, O fervent follower of thy crucified Son. In this
world, like Him, thou hadst not any parts in its perishable
possessions; but now all the treasures of heaven are thine;
they are thine to enjoy, and thine to distribute; for thy
intercession is now an infinite treasure to man, by which they
1020
A Little Book of Novenas.
that use it become the friends of God. Thou wert buried
in obscurity in this valley of tears, but now thou art elevated,
O Mother of God, to the highest pinnacle of glory! Should
not thy triumphant exaltation encourage us to despise this
world, and aspire after the next? For, O amiable Virgin! How
short were thy sufferings on earth, yet for all eternity thou
shalt be admired in the holy assembly; among the elect thou
shalt have praise, and among the blessed thou shalt be blessed.
Look down then with compassion on us poor banished
children of Eve; draw our hearts after thee, by filial con-
fidence and vigorous exertions, to imitate thy virtues: above
all, obtain for us true humility, which neither seeks nor
values any earthly distinction; poverty of spirit — purity of
heart — that thirst after the strong and living God, which can
never be satisfied until His glory appears — and such ardent
love of our Divine Spouse, as may cause. us to despise the
whole world, and incessantly sigh after those eternal joys,
of which it is written: " Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things
God hath prepared for them That love Him." (Cor. II, 9.)
Bovena for tbe 1ftatuut£ of tbe Messed Divgin /Hbar^.
OMARY, the channel of God's tenderest mercies to man!
thou wert promised from the beginning of the world
to crush the serpent's head, to bring forth the Redeemer of
mankind. In thy sacred birth appears the dawn of that
glorious day of grace for which all nations ardently sighed.
O blessed infant, already thou beginnest to accomplish
the predictions of the prophets, and to satisfy the longing
desires of the just; already thou hast conceived in thy heart,
by the most perfect love, that adorable Being, Who was
afterwards to be born of thee! O happy Virgin! who, on
entering the world, didst become a victim of charity, per-
fectly and unreservedly submissive to the will of God, may
I, even at the last hour of my life, be enriched with a share
of the dispositions with which thy soul was adorned in thy
earliest infancy. Thou art the dignified descendant of
kings, patriarchs, and prophets, yet thy birth so little cor-
responds with thy rank, that even the commencement of
thy life makes thee like to Him, Whom thou wert destined
A Little Book of Novenas.
I02I
to resemble in all things. Inspire me, then, by thy example
and intercession, with that spirit of renunciation, detach-
ment from the world, and self-contempt, which I premised
at my baptism, but which I solemnly engaged to practice
at my religious profession. Thou knowest the weakness
and perverse inclinations which I brought into the world,
and which, unhappily, have gained strength with increasing
years. I conjure thee, O immaculate Virgin! by the purity
and sanctity of thy nativity, by the riches of grace and virtue
which the weakness of childhood then concealed in thee,
to obtain for me strength to fulfil the duties of my exalted
state, to co-operate with the graces of heaven, and to advance
daily and even hourly toward that perfection to which I
am bound to aspire.
R. Amen. .
IRovena to ©ur-Ha&B of /Hbe£C£»
O IMMACULATE and ever-glorious Mary! Mother of
mercy! ever gracious, ever bountiful, behold, we thy
suppliants, prostrate before thee in all humility, most earnestly
implore thee to be our protectress and advocate with God,
to obtain for us those graces and blessings which may best
conduce to His greater glory and our own sanctification.
More particularly we beseech thine intercession in behalf
of this Institute, for the exercise of those works of mercy
and charity, which Jesus Christ, the Almighty Son of God,
did so love when on earth.
Defend it, O Blessed Lady, against its enemies. May
it extend and prosper; and may the worship of God, thine
honor, and the welfare of His servants, be promoted wherever
it is established throughout the world.
May the unity of charity prevail in all our Communities,
and all scandals be unheard of amongst us. May those
whom thy Divine Son has made His spouses by calling them
from their homes and kindred to dispense His mercies to
their fellow-creatures, possess the true spirit of their divine
vocation.
May they in all things seek to be united to Him and to
thee, to advance in all perfection by the observance of their
Holy Rule and their vows; to deny themselves and be con-
formable to God's holy will.
1022
A Little Book of Novenas.
Obtain for them an ardent and ever-increasing zeal foi
the functions of the Institute. May their zeal be blessed
by God, and efficacious for the welfare of the suffering, the
erring, and the ignorant. Preserve them from all il.usions,
and sustain them amidst temptations. Beseech Our Lord
to add to their numbers subjects capable of glorifying Him,
by efficaciously laboring for their own sanctification in the
service of the poor; and so enlighten and direct all the
Superiors of the Institute, that they may neither admit nor
retain any save those to whom He has granted a due voca-
tion.
May the blessing of God and thy protection be with all
whom the Sisters protect and instruct. Comfort and de-
fend our parents, relative?, and friends, and bring them to
the enjoyment of eternal life with all our benefactors.
That thou canst obtain for us these benefits we know, O
holy Mother of God; and we have filial confidence that thou
wilt be favorable to us, because thou art the Mother of
mercy, our Mother, and patroness. Amen.
IRovena for tbe JFeast of tbe Guardian Umels.
OPURE and happy spirits, whom the Almighty selected
to become the angels and guardians of men! I most
humbly prostrate before you, to thank you for the charity
and zeal with which you execute this commission. Alas!
how many pass a long life, without ever thanking that invisible
friend to whom they a thousand times owed its preservation!
O charitable guardians of those souls for whom Christ died!
O burning spirits, who can not avoid loving those whom
Jesus eternally loved! permit us to address you on behalf
of all those committed to your care, and to implore for them
all in general a grateful sense of your many favors, and also
the grace to profit by your charitable assistance. O angels
of those happy infants who as yet are without spot before
God, preserve their innocence we earnestly conjure you.
Angels of youth who are exposed to so many dangers, con-
duct them safely to the bosom of God, as Tobias was con-
ducted back to his father. Angels of those who employ
themselves in the instruction of youth, animate them with
your zeal and love; teach them to emulate your purity and
ever to keep God in view, as you do, that they may worthily
A Littie Book of Novenas.
1023
and successfully cooperate with the invisible guardians of
those who are in their care. O angels of the clergy, who
have the eternal Gospel to preach to those who abide on
earth, present their words, their actions, and their intentions
to God, and purify them in that fire of love which consumes
you. Angels of those who are destined to follow the Lamb
whithersoever He goeth, obtain for them the true spirit of their
holy state, particularly the spirit of silence, recollection, and
prayer, that in life and death they may be worthy to be
united to their heavenly Spouse. O angels of all those
who, throughout the world, are deprived of religious in-
struction, open for them some source of salvation, raise up
some one to break for them the Bread of the Word; and you,
O guardian angels of sinners, charitable guides of those un-
happy mortals/ whose perseverance in sin would embitter
even your unutterable joys were you not established in the
peace of God, O join us, we ardently beseech you, in imploring
their conversion. Angels of all those who at this moment
struggle in the agonies of death, strengthen, encourage, and
defend them against the attacks of their infernal enemy.
O faithful guides! holy spirits! ardent adorers of the Divinity 1
guardian angels of all creatures! protect us all; teach us to
love, to pray, to combat on earth, and rather obtain for us
an instant death, than permit us to commit one mortal sin.
R. Amen.
IRovena to tbe fl>atron Saint of tbe IRcliQioxxe ©rDer to
wbtcb ©ne JBelongs.
O ILLUSTRIOUS and blessed saint (N.), our glorious
patron ! favored friend and servant of God! we, thy
devoted children, prostrate ourselves before thee, and salute
thee as our beloved Father, the faithful guardian and advo-
cate of our Order.
We return thee thanks for the many blessings we have
hitherto received through thine intercession, and for thy
continual care and protection of this Community; and with
all the fervor of our hearts we desire to testify our love and
gratitude toward thee. We praise and magnify GQd for
the innumerable favors He bestowed on thee during thy
mortal life; for those precious gifts and graces wherewith
He enriched and adorned thy pure soul even from thine
r
1024 A Little Book of Novenas,
■earliest years: and for those eminent virtues by which thou
didst glorify Him and become so bright a model to thy people.
We rejoice with thee, O most beloved and blessed saint,
for that glory and bliss to which thou art now exalted in
recompense of thine heroic virtues and many sufferings,
and which thou wilt for ever enjoy in the bosom of God. Oh,
then, since thou art so happy, take pity on us thy children,
who claim thy powerful intercession with lively confidence.
Remember the many miseries and dangers to which we are
still exposed; speak to God in our behalf; implore for each
one of us all the graces we ask, both for ourselves and those
who are dear to us, and especially the favor we petition for
in this novena. (Here mention it.)
Deign also, we conjure thee,' O blessed saint, to beseech
the Holy Spirit to infuse into our soul those virtues which
will render us most pleasing to God and conformable to our
divine Spouse — humility, meekness, patience, charity, and
obedience — fervent and constant devotion to the mysteries
of His life, Passion, and death; tender love of His Blessed
Mother; confidence in her protection and zeal for her honor;
the spirit of prayer and recollection; sincere esteem and
affection for our state; fidelity to each observance, together
with the true spirit of our Holy Rule, and a generous and
perfect love of God and of His holy will above all things.
Take also under thy special patronage, O glorious saint,
the children confided to our care; watch over them unceas-
ingly, and obtain for them a solid piety and a great horror
of sin.
Intercede also for our suffering poor and assist us in all
our undertakings, that we may ever promote the greater
glory of God here, and that we may bless Him and love Him
eternally with thee. Amen.
Iflovena for tbe ffeast of tbe presentation of tbe
JSlesseD tiMrgin /Hbarg.
r\ INCOMPARABLE Virgin, destined from all eternity
to become the living temple of the most High! per-
mit thy devoted clients to remind thee of that entire, fervent,
and most perfect oblation, which thou didst offer of thyselt
on the day of thy Presentation in the Temple.
O sacred model of those who are called to leave all and
A Little Book of Novenas.
1025
cllow Christ! thcu art that Virgin by excellence, whose
nnocence and sanctity were never defiled.
To thee, then, it peculiarly belongs, not only to follow the
Lamb whithersoever He goeth, but also to lead many virgins
in thy train. Oh, receive us into the happy number of those
whom thy glorious example has urged to the heroic practice
of religious perfection; obtain for us a share in the disposi-
tions of thy heart, when, though a child in years, *thou wast
already far advanced in eminent holiness, and, forgetting
thy people and thy father's house, didst enter the Temple,
to live to God, and for Him alone. We beseech thee, by
the singular graces bestowed on thee then, to employ thy
powerful interest in our behalf, and to obtain for us the inten-
tions of this no vena.
Remember, 'O most holy Virgin! that thine early flight
from the world, thy spirit of sacrifice and heroic perfection,
even in childhood, were graces which entitle thee not only to
our veneration, but to our tender confidence. Listen, then,
to the petitions we now make, and obtain for us the true
spirit of the interior life, that the Heart of Jesus may be our
sanctuary, where we abide secure from all dangers. Teach us
to commemorate thy consecration of thyself to God on the
day of thy Presentation by a fervent renewal of our vows;
that, after thine example, we may leave all in heart and will,
and find all in Christ, and thus love God above all things
most ardently, and all creatures, for His sake; that His ador-
able will may be ours, and that every exertion of our mind
and body may be happily consecrated to the promotion of
His greater glory. Amen.
IRcwena tor tbe Ifmmaculate Conception.
OMOST pure and immaculate Virgin ! the most privileged
of all creatures! the only one amongst the descendants
of Adam who wert never for an instant an enemy of thy Crea-
tor! O most perfect image of the holiness of God, Mary, con-
ceived without sin! remember, we conjure thee, the ends
for which thou wert enriched with graces which no mortal
before or since has ever enjoyed. Remember thou wert
miraculously preserved from even the shadow of sin, not
oniy that thou mightest become the Mother of God, but also
the Mother, the Refuge, and Advocate of man; penetrated
1026
A Little Book of Novenas.
therefore, with the most lively confidence in thy never- failing
mediation, we most humbly implore thine intercession that
we may obtain the intentions of this novena. . . . Thou
knowest, O Mary, how often our hearts are the sanctuaries of
God, who abhors iniquity. Obtain for us, then, that angelic
purity which was thine earliest and favorite virtue, that
purity of Jieart which will attach us to God alone, and that
purity of intention which will consecrate every thought,
word, and action to His greater glory. Obtain also for us a
constant spirit of prayer, silence, and self-denial, that we
may recover by penance that innocence which we have lost
by sin, and at length attain safely to that blessed abode of
the saints, where nothing defiled can enter.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have re-
course to thee.
Recite the " Litany of the Blessed Virgin,", or the following
hymn:
HYMN.
V. ^OTA pulchra
es,
Maria.
R. Tota pulchra es, Maria.
V. Et macula originalis non
est in te.
R. Et macula originalis non
est in te.
V. Tu gloria Jerusalem.
R. Tu laetitia Israel.
V. Tu honorificentia populi
nostri.
R. Tu advocata peccatorum.
V. O Maria.
R. O Maria.
V. Virgo prudentissima.
R. Mater ciementissima.
V. Ora pro nobis.
R. Intercede pro nobis ad
Dominum Jesum Christum.
V. In conceptione tua, Virgo
Immaculata fuisti.
R. Ora pro nobis Patrem
cujus Filium peperisti.
V. {gjHOU art all
fair,
O Mary.
R. Thou art all fair, O Mary.
V. And the original stain is
not in thee.
R. And the original stain is
not in thee.
V. Thou art the glory of
Jerusalem.
R. Thou art the joy of Israel.
V. Thou our people's special
honor.
R. Thou the Advocate of
sinners.
V. O Mary.
R. O Mary.
V. Virgin prudent above ali
R. Mother most tender.
V. Pray thou for us.
R. Intercede for us with
Jesus Christ our Lord.
V. In thy conception, Holy
Virgin, thou wast immaculate.
R. Pray for us to the Father,
Whose Son thou didst bring
forth.
A Little Book of Novenas.
1027
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who by the Virgin's immaculate conception didst
prepare a worthy dwelling for Thy Son, we beseech
Thee, that Thou, Who, by the death of that same Son of Thine,
foreseen by Thee, didst preserve her from every stain, wouldst
grant that by her intercession we also may be purified, and so
come to Thee.
Then the following:
OGOD, the Shepherd and Ruler of all the faithful, look
mercifully down on Thy servant, our Holy Father, Pope
N., whom Thou hast chosen to be the shepherd of Thy Church.
Grant, we beseech Thee, that he may both by word and
example benefit those over whom he governs, that, together with
the flock entrusted to his care, he may come to life everlasting.
O God, our refuge and our strength, listen to the holy prayers
of Thy Church, Who art Thyself the Author of holiness, and
grant that we may obtain what we ask for with faith and con-
fidence through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Iprager to St. Bugustme,
(Feast August 28th.)
O GLORIOUS St. Augustine, our dear holy father,
vouchsafe me your blessing; look down upon me with
compassion, and obtain for me to be a worthy child of yours.
Make me say with a love like that with which your seraphic
heart burned for Jesus: " Too late have I known Thee, too
late have I loved Thee," so that I may repair my past sinful
life by the most ardent, generous love for my divine Spouse,
"for many sins are forgiven those who love much." Ask
for me a share in your profound humility, that I may ever
be little and humble in my own eyes, preferring to be made
little account of, in order to resemble Him, who underwent
such deep humiliations for the love of me. Obtain also for
me, my beloved holy father, an unbounded courage and con-
fidence, and that the sight of my faults may humble, but
not deject me. Make me unchangeably patient and kind
to all; at the hour of death, may you own me for your child,
and may I, in your dear company, praise almighty God for
all eternity. Ainen.
1028
A Little Book of Novenas.
PRAYER EST HONOR OF ST. MONICA.
OGOD, the Comforter of the sorrowful, and the salvation
of those that hope in Thee, who didst mercifully accept
the pious tears of blessed Monica for the conversion of her
son Augustine, grant us, by the intercession of both, to deplore
our sins, and to find Thy pardon and Thy grace through
Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER TO THE SAINTS OF OUR ORDER.
O GLORIOUS saints of our Order, I heartily con-
gratulate you upon the glory you now enjoy.
You who are assured of eternal bliss, take us under your
protection, so that we may one day rejoice in your holy
company. Beg almighty God to bestow upon us your
spirit of fidelity and devotedness to duty that we may
always be faithful in little things as well as in great.
Amen.
. THE CITY OF THE SAINTS.
Hymn to tlie Saints and Martyrs of Religious Orders.
Question. * ■ T ROM your blissful thrones of glory,
% I [ Look on us, O ye elect;
Tell us what repays your combats
Tell us what we may expect.
Answer. Our delights no words can utter,
Eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard;
Nor can mortals feel the pleasure
That for us God hath reserved.
Q. Ye bright martyr-throng, whose courage
Never quailed amid the strife,
What is now to be your portion
After giving up your life ?
A. We with waving palms all standing,
And with banners bright unfurled,
Sing for ever Alleluia
To the Saviour of the world,
A Little Book of Novenas.
I02Q
Q, Famous Doctors, ye whose voices
Have resounded here below,
By what new and wondrous doctrines
Are your minds enlightened now?
A. From the everlasting fountain
Of the unerring truth of God,
We are learning untold secrets
Ever in our blest abode.
Q. Ye whose unabated penance
Made the desert so renown'd,
Hermits tell us, for your rigors,
What delights ye now have found?
A. For the pleasures we relinquished,
For our homes and friends below,
Joys delicious pour in torrents,
Fill our hearts and overflow.
Q. Ye, the Virgins, whose betrothals
Bound you to a heavenly Spouse,
With what favors does He own you,
Faithful to your threefold vows?
A, Happy brides, in spotless garments,
Close beside Our Lord we throng;
Where the Lamb goes, there we follow,
While we sing "the unknown song."
Q. As we gaze upon your glory
Saints of God, in heaven's own light,
Teach us how we, too, may join you,
How to win those crowns so bright.
A, Would you come where we have entered,
Fight with all your strength and power;
Would you live the life eternal,
Die to self at every hour.
Q. Ah! we shrink from pain and sorrow,
We are frightened when we hear;
We must live in constant struggles,
We must die to all that's dear.
A. If the path be rough and thorny,
At the end all pain shall cease;
If the battle be a fierce one,
There shall be eternal peace.*
* From the Hymn-Book of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
1030
A Little Book of Novenas.
Bovena to St. aSeneDict, Bbbot.*
1. *T^Y that extraordinary love which vdu, O great
r*-^ Patriarch St. Benedict, evinced for retirement
and mortification when you concealed yourself at the age
of fifteen in the wilderness, where you were not content ta
feed solely on roots and to sleep on the bare ground, but
also tormented your body with a rough hair shirt which you
wore till your death: obtain for us all the grace to abhor all
the pomps and vanities of the seductive world, and to apply
ourselves continually to the abnegation of our own will and
the mortification of the flesh.
Glory be, etc.
2. By the heroic intrepidity with which you, O great Patri-
arch St. Benedict, despised all the artifices of the devil, who
attempted to drive you from your solitude, and by the com-
plete victory which you obtained over your evil imaginations
by casting yourself naked amidst thorns and briars: obtain
for us all the grace to rise superior to all the assaults of the
infernal enemy, and to be always ready to endure any evD
rather than to stain our souls with a single sin.
Glory be, etc.
3. By the generosity with which you, O great Patriarch
St. Benedict, pardoned your subjects, who, after having
chosen you superior, began to persecute you in the most
unworthy manner, even attempting to poison you: obtain
for us all the grace to sutler in peace the persecutions and
contempt with which it shall please God to visit us during
the few days of this our mortal life.
Glory be, etc.
4. By that truly apostolic zeal with which you, O great
Patriarch St. Benedict, broke the idols in pieces, pulled
down the temples, burnt the woods which retained the
inhabitants of Monte Cassino in the darkness of paganism,
and established the faith of Jesus Christ, through the whole
neighborhood, by the erection of your monastery; by that
ardent love of God and your neighbor which led you to lay
the foundation of that great Order which has given to the
Church hundreds of saints, and so many distinguished labor-
* Feast on March 21st.
A Little Book of Novenas.
ers in literature and science, obtain for us the grace to em-
ploy our powers for the good of our neighbor. Glory be, etc.
5. By that supernatural light, by which you, great Patri-
arch St. Benedict, revealed to your religious brethren the
time at which you would pass to eternity, obtain for us all
the grace to. be always Hike you, humble, mortified, and
fervent, and that we may receive from God the lights needful
to guide us in the way of sanctity, and may continually and
diligently seek our eternal salvation.
PRAYER FOR A HAPPY DEATH IN HONOR OF ST. BENEDICT.
O. HOLY father St. Benedict, blessed by God, both in grace
and in name, who, whilst standing in prayer with thy
hands raised up to heaven, didst most happily yield thy angelic
spirit into the hands of thy Creator, and hast promised zealously
to defend against all the snares of the enemy, in the last struggle
of death, those who shall daily commemorate thy glorious depart-
ure, and thy heavenly joys; protect me, I beseech thee this
day, and every day, by thy paternal blessing, that I may never
be separated from our blessed Lord, from thyself and the com-
pany of all the blessed. Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. SCHOLASTIC A.
E beseech thee, St. Scholastica, do thou, who couldst not
be sated or wearied with the words of grace which flowed
from the lips of thy brother, the great Patriarch St. Benedict;
do thou, whose pure soul, on its departure from its mortal habi-
tation, was seen soaring toward heaven in the likeness of a
dove; as if to give testimony that thy life had been enriched
with the fullest gifts of the Holy Spirit, obtain for us from God
the gift of prayer and of contemplation, and of listening with
zeal and docility to all instructions; come to our aid in the
pursuit of all the virtues that should adorn a good Religious,
and be our defence against all our enemies, "that we may stand
in the evil day and be in all things perfect,'' through Jesus Christ
Our Lord. Amen.
JDewtfons to St. jftancte ot Resist
PIOUS PRACTICE OF THE FIVE SUNDAYS IN HONOR OF THE
SACRED STIGMATA.
all the faithful who, upon the five Sundays which imme-
\zJ diately precede the feast of the sacred Stigmata of St. '
Francis of Assisi, or upon any other rive consecutive Sundays
1032
A Little Book of Novenas.
during the year, shall exercise themselves either in pious medi-
tation, or in vocal prayer, or in any other work of Christian piety,
in honor of the said sacred Stigmata, a plenary indulgence, once
a year, on each of the five Sundays, on usual conditions. — Leo
XIII., Nov. 21, 1885.
{Feast of Stigmata, Sept. iyth.)
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH IN HONOR OF THE SACRED STIGMATA OF
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSIST
OLORD Jesus Christ, Who, when the world was growing
cold, in order to inflame our hearts with the fire of Thy
love, didst in the body of the most blessed Francis renew the
marks of Thy Passion, grant graciously that, by his merits and
prayers, we may ever bear our cross in imitation of Thee, and
bring forth worthy fruits of penance, Who livest and reignest
for ever. Amen.
IRovena to St* jf ranctB of Bssiet.*
1. GLORIOUS St. Francis, who voluntarily re-
nounced all the comforts and riches of your
home to follow more perfectly the life of poverty and abne-
gation of Jesus Christ: obtain for us, we pray, a generous
contempt of all things in this world, that we may secure the
true and eternal things of heaven.
Glory be, etc.
2. O glorious St. Francis, who, during the whole course
of your life, continually wept over the Passion of the Re-
deemer, and labored most zealously for the salvation of souls:
obtain for us, we pray, the grace of weeping continually over
those sins by which we have crucified afresh Our Lord Jesus
Christ, that we may attain to be of the number of those who
shall eternally bless His supreme mercy.
Glory be, etc.
3. O glorious St. Francis, who,, loving above all things suf-
fering and the cross, didst merit to bear in your body the miracu-
lous stigmata, by which you became a living image of Jesus
Christ crucified: obtain for us, we pray, the grace to bear
in our bodies the mort;fications of Christ, that we may merit
one day to receive the solid and unfailing consolations which
are infallibly promised to all those that now weep.
Glory be, etc.
* Feast on October 4th.
A Little Book of Novenas.
1033
IRovena to St, Clara *
1. *YT> Y that spirit of penance which made you take delight
in the most rigorous fasts, in the most rigid
poverty, and in the most severe mortifications in divesting
yourself of all your wealth, and enduring the greatest suffer-
ings that you might live for Jesus Christ alone: obtain for
us, • O admirable St. Clara, the grace to prefer at all times
abjection to glory, poverty, to riches, and mortifications to
pleasures, that we may become not in name only, but in deed,
true disciples of Jesus Christ
Glory be, etc.
2. By that ardent charity and lively faith which were
your characteristics, and by the wonderful miracles which
you performed for the sake of charity: obtain for us all, O
admirable St. Clara, that we may at all times put our trust
in God alone, and thus be made worthy to receive from HL
bountiful Providence all that we may need for soul and body.
Glory be, etc.
3. By that especial devotion which you had to Jesus Christ
in the Blessed Sacrament, and which caused you to be ravished
into ecstasies in His presence, by the fervent prayer which
your society made before the sacramental Host, when you
were forced to make a precipitate flight before the barbarous
Saracens; obtain for us, O admirable St. Clara, the grace to
take our delight in frequenting the sacraments, assisting at
the holy mysteries, and in paying the most fervent devotion
to the Most Blessed Eucharist: that we may receive consola-
tion during the present life, and attain to the possession of
eternal beatitude in heaven.
Glory be, etc.
1Ro\>ena to St- 5>omtntc-t
1. /~\ GLORIOUS St. Dominic, who were from your
earliest infancy the admiration of all the world,
by the continual practice of prayer, fasting, vigils, and all
kinds of austerity, as well as by the most zealous custody
* Feast on August 12th.
t Feast on August 4th.
A
io34
A Little Book of Novenas.
of all your senses, and the most active charity to your neigh-
bor, depriving yourself of all your wealth that you might
supply the necessities of the poor: obtain for us the grace
to apply ourselves continually to exercises of piety, penance,
and charity, and, by the sanctification of our own souls, to
promote the salvation of our neighbor.
Glory be, etc.
2. O glorious St. Dominic, who by the new Order which
you instituted, became the support of the Church in the most
stormy times: obtain for us, we pray, the grace to be at all
times zealous for the glory of the Church, that, regarding her
interests as our own, we may never spare ourselves in defend-
ing her, but endeavor to make her glorious and triumphant
throughout the whole world.
Glory be, etc.
3. O glorious St. Dominic, who received from the hands
of the Blessed Virgin herself, and spread, at her command,
through the whole world, the efficacious devotion of the
Rosary, which, from the beginning, operated innumerable
miracles: obtain, we pray, that we may be always most
devout to Mary, especially in her Rosary, which she estab-
lished to confound heresy, arouse faith, drive away scandals,
promote virtue, merit the divine mercy, and to support and
defend the holy Church.
Glory be, etc.
4. O glorious St. Dominic, who never felt the smallest
sentiment of vanity, either at the increase of your Order or
at the important victories you obtained over heretics, nor at
all the miracles which God deigned to work by your means:
obtain for us, we pray, the grace to tread faithfully in the
way of humility, that we may at length share in the eternal
reward to which you have attained.
Glory be, etc.
5. O glorious St. Dominic, whose characteristics were,
besides humility and apostolic zeal, an eminent spirit of
prayer and the constant recollection of thy soul in God,
obtain for us the grace that we may love prayer, and walk
constantly in the presence of God, so that we may attain to
eternal union with Him in heaven.
Glory be, etc.
A Little Book of Novenas.
Iftovena to St* Catbarine ot Sienna.*
1. ^T. Catharine, fairest and most glorious of the
^3 daughters of St. Dominic, by that spirit of prayer,
which was your delight from your infancy, obtain for us
the love and practice of prayer, and the grace so to converse
with God as to become daily more pleasing to Him.
Glory be, etc.
2. By that especial love which you, O great saint, bore to
the virtue of purity, consecrating yourself at eight years of
age to the Lord by an irrevocable vow, and afterwards by
cutting off your hair, by sighs and tears, rejecting the most
honorable and advantageous offers of marriage: obtain for
us, we pray you, the grace to be always pure in mind and
heart, and to detest and abhor everything which could offend
in the smallest degree against a virtue so sublime, which
raises men to the rank of angels, and makes them most be-
loved by God.
Glory be, etc.
3. By that spirit of retirement which made you, O great
sa nt, desire to behold no one but your Jesus, who when you
were distracted by continual employment in your family? taught
you to build a solitude in your heart and keep it at all times
filled with thoughts of heaven: obtain for us, we pray, the
grace so to love solitude and retirement, however the world
may invite us to share its p'easures and its pomps, that oui
hearts may always turn to God amidst the most dissipating
cares which may come upon us in our state of life.
Glory be, etc.
4. By the spirit of penance which taught you to inflict
upon yourself, even in your earliest years, the most painful
mortifications: obtain for us the grace to bear w th patience
whatever afflictions God may be pleased to order for our
good, and to mortify voluntarily all the perverse inclinations
of our hearts, and all the unruly desires of our senses, that we
may become, in some measure, like our crucified model, Jesus.
Glory be, etc.
5. By that heroic charity which led you, O great saint, to
attend and minister with your own hands to the poor sick
* Feast on April 30th.
1036
A Little Book of Novenas.
who had been abandoned by all others in disgust, and for
which you were repaid only by insult, rudeness, and perse-
cution: obtain of the Lord for us the grace to be, at all times,
equally ready to assist our neighbor in his necessities, and
to pardon him generously when he returns only insults for
the benefits we confer on him, that we may merit the blessed-
ness promised in this life and the next to meekness and true
mercy.
Glory be, etc.
6. By that wonderful constancy with which, by redoubling
your prayers, your austerities, and your zeal, O great saint,
you dispersed the powers of hell, which, arrayed against you,
persecuted you for so long a time with frightful images and
violent temptations, and for which you received as a reward
from your divine Spouse the privilege of speaking familiarly
with His saints and His most blessed Mother Man', and also
were favored with ecstasies, visions, and revelations, and
the most intimate communications with His divine Majesty:
obtain for us, we pray you, the grace to be equally powerful
against the assaults of our spiritual enemies, and that we
may, in reward of our fidelity, increase in divine love, and
obtain an inseparable union with our true Good.
Glory be, etc.
7. By that supernatural light with which you, O great
saint, were miraculously enabled to counsel the Roman Pon-
tiff, who came in person to consult you, when you obtained
for him a reconciliation with his adversaries, and his return
to Rome: obtain for us of the Lord the grace to know, in
all our doubts, that which is most conformable to the will of
God, and most conducive to the salvation of souls, that in all
our actions we may promote the honor of God and the wel-
fare of our neighbor.
Glory be, etc.
8. By that especial devotion which you, O great saint,
had to Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, Who some-
times communicated you with His own hands: obtain for us,
we pray you, the grace to feel toward the Blessed Sacrament
the most fervent devotion, that we may rejoice to converse
with Jesus and receive Him into our bosoms, for His honor
and glory, and for the salvatioi? of our own souls,
Glory be, etc.
A Little Book of Novenas.
9. By the extraordinary love which you had for suffering
for which you were accounted worthy to share in the most
bitter pains of your crucified Spouse; and, through which,
though reduced to the extremest weakness, you became 3
spectacle of admiration to all around you by the serenity
and joy with which you endured the most frightful torments;
obtain for us, of the Lord, grace to receive with Christian
resignation and holy joy all the crosses with which God shall
be pleased to visit us, so that, after bearing the mortification
of Christ in our bodies, we may, with you, share in the fulness
of His blessedness for all eternity.
Glory be, etc.
IRovena to St. jf rancls de Sales**
(~\ GREAT prelate, most blessed saint, model of bishops,
the glory of the Church! thou wast and ever shalt be
revered on earth as a man according to God's own heart,
and a most perfect imitator of our adorable model, Jesus
Christ. Thou wast the champion of the faith whose zeal
extirpated heresy; the ardent victim of charity and docile
disciple of that heavenly spirit Who spoke by thy pen, and
rendered thy inspired doctrine the treasure of the Church.
O good and faithful servant! thou hast now entered into the
joy of thy Lord; the divine and holy object of thy love on
earth is now thy reward exceedingly great in heaven. O
amiable saint, whose tender, compassionate charity was
always the refuge of the miserable, despise not our supplica-
tions. Since thy conduct on earth toward all thy fellow-
creatures, particularly the weakest, marked thee out, like
thy beloved Master, as the friend of sinners, show thyself
such to us, thy daughters, by obtaining for us the intentions
of this novena. Receive us, O great Master of solid perfec-
tion! into the number of those whom thou didst form accord-
ing to the true spirit of the religious state. Teach us
those heavenly virtues which thy blessed life, no less than
thy word, so constantly inculcated. Thou wast one of the
most humble of men, though gifted with all that could exalt
thee before God and the world: O plant in our hearts that
* Feast or. January 29th. These prayers to St. Francis de
Sales and to St. Jane Frances are from the " Visitation Manual.''
A Little Book of Novenas,
root of every virtue. Thou wast an angel of peace, whost
presence alone gave consolation to the most afflicted hearts,
and whose heavenly meekness succeeded in gaining the most
obdurate sinners; obtain then for us, also, that peace of God
which surpasseth all understanding; a condescending meek-
ness in our conduct toward our neighbor But principally
teach us thy own favorite lesson of perfect conformity to the
will of God, that we may repose tranquilly in the arms of
His adorable Providence; that we may cast all our solicitude
on God, so as "to ask for nothing and refuse nothing;" at
least to ask for nothing more earnestly than the treasure
of His divine love, and refuse nothing so resolutely as the
misfortune of consenting to sin. Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. FRANCIS.
O GLORIOUS St. Francis, model of the interior life, and
full of zeal for the salvation of souls! obtain for me the
grace to employ all my faculties, not for my own sanctification
alone, but for that of my neighbor also; that continually spread-
ing abroad the sweet odor of Jesus Christ by my words and
works, I may attain with thee the blessedness promised to the
merciful: " Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy; "
and that I may one day have a share in the glory which thou
didst enjoy in paradise with the angels and saints, where those
that edify and instruct to justice shall shine as stars for all
eternity. (Dan. xii. 3.)
PRAYER FOR THE ORDER OF THE VISITATION.
To ask for the True Spirit of St. Francis de Sales for his whole
Order.
XCITA, qusesumus, Do-
^-4, mine, in tota Congre-
gatione tua Spiritum, cui
beatus Franciscus Confessor
tuus atque Pontifex servivit;
ut eodem nos repletae, studea-
mus amare quod amavit, et
opere exercere quod docuit.
Per Christum Dorninum no-
strum. Amen.
BTIR up, we beseech Thee,
O Lord, in all Thy
Congregation, the Spirit which
animated the Blessed Francis,
Thy confessor and pontiff;
that, being filled with the
same, we may endeavor to love
what he loved, and to practice
what he taught. Through
Christ our Lord. Amem
1
A Little Book of Novenas.
PRAYER TO OBTAIN THE PROTECTION OF ST. FRANCIS
DE SALES.
O GREAT St. Francis, glorious apostle of Jesus Christ
seraph of the earth, who didst breathe but for the glory
of God; perfect imitator of thy meek and humble Saviour,
and devoted child of the holy Mother of God! deign to receive
me among the number of thy special clients; be henceforth
my advocate, my counselor, my friend, and my father.
Thy prayers, even on earth, were the instruments of innumer
able miracles of grace; Oh, vouchsafe to offer one for me,
now that their efficacy is so greatly increased in heaven.
May my entire conversion now add another to the already
countless triumphs of thy charity. Teach me, like thee,
to see God in my fellow-creatures; and for His sake, to make
myself all to all, weeping with them that weep, rejoicing
with them that rejoice. May the example of thy wondrous
meekness sink into my soul and excite my earnest, persever-
ing efforts to imitate it. Strengthen me, by thy prayers, to
pursue the difficult practice of interior mortification, without
which I can not hope to possess my soul in peace and
patience. Oh! enkindle in my heart one spark of the heavenly
fire of charity which glowed in thine. Teach me, like thee,
to seek and find my happiness in God, and to feel that it
is good to live, to labor, and rejoice in Him alone. Shield
me against the many perils which beset my path: watch
over my immortal interests, and obtain that my soul may
die the death of the just, and my last end be like unto
thine. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
OGOD, Who wast pleased to give blessed Francis, Thy
confessor and bishop, success in the salvation of
souls, mercifully grant that being plentifully enriched with
the sweetness of Thy charity, by following his directions
and by the help of his merits, we may obtain life everlasting,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1040
A Little Book of Xovenas.
IRovena anfc fl>ra£ers to St Jane jf rancee De Cbantal.*
O GLORIOUS saint, blessed Jane Frances, who, by thy
fervent prayer, attention to the Divine Presence, and
purity of intention in thy actions, didst attain on earth an
intimate union with God, be now our advocate, our mother,
our guide in the path of virtue and perfection. Plead our
cause near Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, to whom thou wast so
tenderly devoted, and whose holy virtues thou didst so
closely imitate. Obtain for us, O amiable and compas-
sionate saint! the virtues thou seest most necessary for us;
an ardent love of Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament, a tender
and filial confidence in His blessed Mother, and, like thee,
a constant remembrance of His sacred Passion and death.
Obtain also, we pray thee, that our particular intention in
this novena may be fulfilled.
V. St. Jane Frances, pray for us,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of
Christ.
Let us pray.
O ALMIGHTY and merciful God, Who didst grant blessed
St. Jane Frances, so inflamed with the love of Thee, a
wonderful degree of fortitude through all the paths of life,
and wast pleased through her to adorn Thy Church with a
new Religious Order; grant, by her merits and prayers, that
we 3 who, sensible of our weakness, confide in Thy strength, may
overcome all adversities with the help of Thy heavenly grace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER TO IMPLORE FIDELITY TO DIVINE GRACE.
OGRE AT St. Jane Frances! who, to follow the inspirations
of the Holy Spirit, when thou wert called to the religious
state, didst despise all the ties of nature and of blood; obtain for
us also the grace to correspond faithfully with all divine impulses,
and to sacrifice to God whatever is most dear and precious to us.
FOR PERFECT CONFORMITY.
O GREAT St. Jane Frances, who didst execute, with the
utmost exactness, thy singular and difficult vow to do
always what thou didst recognize as most perfect; obtain for
* Feast on August 21st.
A Little Book of Novenas.
1041
us the grace always to aspire to the acquisition of the most sub-
lime sanctity, and never to omit any means which we know
may conduce to this end.
IRovena in Sorter of St Wncent De ipauL*
O all the faithful who make, at any time during the year,,
the novena in honor of St. Vincent de Paul, with any
formula of prayer, provided it be approved by competent ecclesi-
astical authority, an indulgence of 300 days, each day; a plenary
indulgence, during the course of the novena, on usual conditions.
— Pius IX., Nov. 23, 1876.
PRAYER TO ST. VINCENT DE PAUL.
O GLORIOUS St. Vincent, heavenly patron of all associa-
tions of charity and father of all the miserable; who
during thy life never didst reject any one who had recourse to thee,
ah! behold by how many evils we are afflicted, and come to our
assistance. Obtain from Our Lord help for the poor; relief
for the sick; consolation for the afflicted; protection for the
abandoned; charity for the rich; conversion for sinners; zeal
for priests; peace for the Church; tranquillity for the people;
salvation for all. Let all experience the effects of thy merciful
intercession, that, succored by thee in the miseries of this life,
they may be united with thee above, where there will be neither
sorrow, nor weeping; nor pain; but eternal joy and happiness.
Amen.
Indulgence of 100 day:-, once a day. — Leo XIIL, June 23, 1885.
AXOTHER PRAYER TO ST. VIXCEXT DE PAUL.
OGOD, Who, for the salification of souls, and for the
salvation of the poor especially, hast raised up, by our
spiritual father, the blessed Vincent, a new family in Thy Church,
grant, we beseech Thee, through his intercession, the favor
that we now request (mention it), and the grace that we may
imitate his virtues, and that, animated by his spirit, we may
love what he loved and practice what he taught, through Our
Lord Jesus Christ, Who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost,
liveth and reigneth, God, world without end. Amen.
Pray for us, St. Vincent; take us under thy fatherly protec-
tion, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.
* Feast on July 19th.
1042
A Little Book of Novenas.
IRovena to St. ITgnaUue Xogola.*
1. GLORIOUS St. Ignatius, who, on reading the
KJ lives of saints, resolved to imitate them, renoun-
cing for ever all worldly honors, and seeking nothing but
the greater glory of God: obtain for us also an efficacious
resolution to practice all divine virtues, and like you, free
from all earthly love, to desire nothing but to see Our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ glorified throughout the whole
world.
Glory be, etc.
2. O glorious St. Ignatius, who, after your conversion
to the Lord, macerated your body with vigils, fasts, disci-
plines, hair-shirts, and other similar austerities; obtain
for us also the grace to look upon our body as our enemy,
and by continual mortification at length to cancel the heavy
debt to the divine Justice which we by our sins have con-
tracted.
Glory be, etc.
3. O glorious St. Ignatius, who, when tempted to moderate
your fervor, and to change your manner of life, instead of
listening to the suggestions of the enemy, redoubled your
austerities, for which you merited to receive a visit from the
most holy Virgin Mary; obtain for us the grace to persevere
until death -in the practice of penance, in the mortification of
our senses, and in the subjugation of our will, so as to make
it perfectly conformable to the will of God and the will of
our Superiors, and thus to attain, through thy intercession
and the merits of obedience? to the beatific vision and
the company of the angels and saints in the kingdom of
heaven.
Glory be, etc.
4. O glorious St. Ignatius, who, resolving to imitate with
perfection the poverty, the humility, and the patience of
Jesus Christ, renounced all the comforts of your home,
lived on alms, and suffered joyfully the most unjust persecu-
tions: obtain for us the grace of living so detached from
all the things of the world, and of enduring so tranquilly
* Feast on July 31st.
1
A Little Boole of Novenas, 1043
aiZ its persecutions, that we may be indeed faithful disciples
and true imitators of Jesus Christ.
Glory be, etc.
5. O glorious St. Ignatius, who through your Spiritual
Exercises, and the instrumentality of your Society, have
converted innumerable souls to God, and in a great measure
repaired the ruin caused by heresy and evil customs: obtain
for us the grace to be always ready to make any sacrifice to
convert souls to God, and to promote the glory of His Church;
that we also may at length share in that blessedness
which is promised to those who hunger and thirst after
justice.
Glory be, etc.
6. O glorious St. Ignatius, chosen in the designs of God
from eternity to be the founder of the Society of Jesus and
the father of innumerable saints, vouchsafe to protect me,
to direct me, to pray for me, and to guide my petitions, that
I may ask and do only what is according to your maxim:
"Ad major em Dei gloriam:" "For the greater honor and
glory of God." Obtain for me, also, and for all poor sinners
light and salvation through the sacred wounds of Jesus
Christ, Our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Glory be, etc. .
PRAYER TO ST. ANGELA MERICI, FOUNDRESS OF THE URSULINE
ORDER.*
OST blessed St. Angela, who art now in possession of
that eternal crown which is promised to those who instruct
others unto' justice, permit me to have recourse to thee, as to
my glorious patroness, and to choose thee for my special advo-
cate before the throne of God. In union with all those happy
souls who, under God, are indebted to thee for the glory they
now enjoy in heaven, I thank God for having raised thee up to
provide for thousands the great blessings of religious instruction.
How grateful should I be for the happiness of being ranked
among the number of those who are thy spiritual daughters,
and who, under thy direction and in imitation of thy zeal and
charity and of all thy other beautiful virtues, sanctify their own
souls and labor unceasingly for the spread of God's kingdom.
O glorious patroness and mother of the weakest portion of
Feast on May 31st.
io44
A Little Book of Novenas.
Christ's flock, do not abandon thy charge, now that thou seest
more clearly than ever the dangers to which we are exposed.
I entreat thee, by that lively zeal for God's glory which caused
thee to devote thy life to the instruction of the ignorant, to adopt
me as thy child, and to obtain for me the grace to profit of the
blessings which the Almighty has bestowed on. me through thee.
Procure for me by thy prayers a docile heart — a lively horror
of sin — sincere love of God and my neighbor — and so great a
share in that tender compassion for the poor which distinguished
thee, that I may never neglect an opportunity of affording them
any spiritual or corporal assistance in my power. Teach me, by
thy example, to practice works of mercy, that like thee I may
find mercy, and join thee for all eternity in praising and blessing
the infinite goodness and mercies of God. Amen.
COLLECT OF ST. ANGELA MERICI.
(From the Missal.)
OGOD, Who didst bring to pass that, through the
Blessed Angela, a new company of sacred virgins
should flourish in Thy Church; grant that through her
intercession we may live after the ways of the angels in our
lives, and that, renouncing all earthly joys, wre may be
found worthy to enjoy those pleasures that are eternal.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ftovena to St. TJlrsula-*
1. *TT> Y that most tender love which you always bore
to Jesus Christ, and which led you, though born
a princess, and educated at your father's court, and sought
in marriage by the most renowned princes of Europe, to
renounce all earthly delight and consecrate your virginity
to God: O ask for us, glorious St. Ursula, that we may
never sully the purity which is suitable to our state of life,
and never deviate^ either through menaces or allurements,
from any good resolutions.
Glory be, etc.
2. By that magnanimous resolution which you infused
into your companions, of preferring their espousals with
Jesus Christ to a union with the most distinguished person-
ages in the world; by the joy which you felt when the ship
* Feast on October 21st
A Little Book of Novenas.
1045
in which you were sailing was forced to take shelter in a
barbarous land, preferring to fall into the hands of bar-
barians than into the hands of those who were waiting for
you and your companions to make you their spouses; inter-
cede for us, O glorious St. Ursula, that we may recognize
the hand of God in all the evils which happen to us on earth,
and use all our powers to assist our neighbors in the way
of salvation.
Glory be, etc.
3. By that admirable courage with which you and your
companions united in sacrificing your blood and your lives
sooner than fail in the fidelity you had vowed to Jesus, your
Spouse; and by the infinite blessings which have flowed
from the various Orders, instituted under your protection
and your name, to instruct youth in the most solid piety:
intercede for us all, O most glorious St. Ursula, that we
may always be ready to suffer any torments rather than
violate the dictates of our consciences, and so to live as
always to merit your particular patronage on earth and a
share of your glories in heaven.
Glory be, etc.
1fto\?ena to SU JBemarD *
1. *TT*DMIRABLE St. Bernard, who, after having been
cJ^n the delight of your parents by the innocence of
your manners, became the model of Religious by the austerity
of your penances and the fervor of your piety; and who had
also the happiness of drawing with you, to a life of holiness,
your whole family and an infinite number of distinguished
persons: obtain for us, of the Lord, the grace that we may
correspond to the divine inspirations, and live up to the
perfection of our state.
Glory be, etc.
2. Admirable St. Bernard, who, advancing in sanctity
as you progressed in learning, practiced the most severe
mortification of your senses, and conceived the deepest
hatred for every kind of sin: obtain for us, of the Lord, the
* Feast on August 20th.
1046
A Little Book of Novenas,
grace, by the practice of penance, always to mortify ovr
unruly passions.
. Glory be, etc.
3. Admirable St. Bernard, who, after founding mapy
monasteries, and filling them with fervent and holy monks
effected the greatest good by your counsel and advice; so
that not only kings and princes, but bishops and popes
applied to you to heal public discords and distresses: obtain
for us, of the Lord, the grace to labor continually for His
glory, and to walk so faithfully in the way of His precepts,
that we may at all times merit His aid.
Glory be, etc.
4. Admirable St. Bernard, who, passing like an apostle
through all the kingdoms of the West, carried to all peace
and joy, deciding the most difficult questions, concluding the
most complicated affairs* assisting at counsels, confuting
errors, converting the most hardened sinners: obtain for us,
of the Lord, the grace, that by our lives we may shed the
odor of Jesus around, and have, like you, a lively faith and
an ardent love for the Most Holy Eucharist, the greatest
and the most precious treasure of Christianity.
Glory be, etc.
5. Admirable St. Bernard, who, notwithstanding your
numberless occupations, your continual journeys, ano
your delicate health, never ceased your meditations, your
prayers, and your penances; who, not content to announce
the word of God by your voice, also composed most valuable
works, for which you have merited the glorious titles of
Doctor and Father of the Church; and who, by your beautiful
writings for her glory, promoted devotion to Mary: obtain
for us, of the Lord, the grace of perseverance till death, ir
all the practices of piety and penance suitable to our state
and always to breathe the most fervent devotion to our Mother
Mary.
Glory be, etc.
PRAYER TO ST. ANSELM.*
OTRUE light of the world and salt of the earth, glorious
St. Anselm, obtain for us of the Lord that our souls
may be always seasoned with the blessed salt of the eternal
* Feast on April 21st.
A Little Book of Novenas.
1047
truth, that, delivered from the corruptions of sin, we may
relish, in future, nothing but the sweetness of divine love;
obtain for us also a great fervor in the pursuit of perfection
according to the spirit of our vows, and furthermore a devo-
tion like yours to our blessed Lady, whose feast of the Im-
maculate Conception you aided to establish in the West-
Enable us to follow the light of your heavenly doctrine,
that we may always walk in the light; and, as you were
made by God a Doctor and Master upon earth, deign to be
our advocate and protector in heaven. Let us be, not your
disciples only, but your imitators also: so that, following
faithfully your instruction, we may one day merit to be your
companions in paradise.
Pater, Ave, Gloria.
PRAYER TO ST. AI^PHONSUS DE LIGUORI.*
Y glorious and most loving protector, St. Alphonsus,
thou who didst toil and suffer so much to secure to
men the fruit of redemption, behold the wretchedness of
my poor soul, and take pity on me. Through the powerful
influence of intercession, which thou en joy est with Jesus
and Mary, obtain for me forgiveness of my past sins with
tnie repentance for them, a great horror of sin, and strength
always to resist temptations. I entreat thee to commu-
nicate to me a spark of that burning charity with which
thy heart was ever inflamed, and help me to imitate thee in
this, that the only standard and rule of my life may be to
please God in all. Obtain for me, also, a fervent and unfail-
ing love of Jesus and a tender and filial devotion to Mary,
with the grace to pray always and to persevere in the ser-
vice of God till the hour of my death, so that I may finally be
united with thee in praising God and Mary most holy for
all eternity. Amen.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII. , June 18, 1887.
PRAYER OF ST. ALPHONSUS DE LIGUORI TO ST. TERESA.
O SERAPHIC Virgin, St. Teresa, beloved spouse of the
Crucified, thou who didst burn with such ardent love whilst
on earth for thy God and mine, and who art now inflamed with
an even purer and greater love in heaven; who didst always
iong to see Him loved by all men, obtain for me also, I beseech
thee, a spark of that holy flame which may make me forget the
* Feast on August 2d.
1048
A Little Book of Novenas.
world and creatures and self; and may all my thoughts, all
my desires and all my affections be occupied always in carrying
out, in all things, whether pleasant or painful, the will of the
Supreme Good, Who deserves to be infinitely obeyed and loved.
Obtain for me this grace, thou who findest so great favor with
God, that I may be wholly inflamed, as thou art, with divine
love. &men.
indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., April 22, 1898.
Wovena to St. Gbarles SSorromeo*
1. GLORIOUS St. Charles, by the joy which you
v_>J found from tender infancy in the practices of
piety, obtain for me, I pray, a constant, and tender affection
for all religious exercises.
Glory be, etc.
2. O glorious St. Charles, model for ecclesiastics, by
your generous detachment from all worldly concerns and
by your zeal for the glory of God, and the relief of the poor,
obtain for me, I pray, the grace to apply myself, like you,
faithfully to all the duties which belong to the holy state
to which it has pleased God to call me.
Glory be, etc.
3. O glorious St. Charles, whose care it was to observe
in the most minute details and most perfectly the discipline
of holy Church, obtain for me, I pray, the grace ever to love
tenderly and observe exactly our holy Rule and Customs.
4. O glorious St. Charles, who always prepared for death
by the sanctity of your life, and accepted it with holy joy
when it overtook you in the midst of your most glorious
career: obtain for me, I pray, the grace always to accept,
with Christian resignation, all that is painful to the senses
which it shall please the Lord to send me; and that my
life may be a continual preparation for death; so that when
I arrive at my great passage, instead of feeling the terror of
the sinner, I may enjoy the peace of the just, a prelude to
eternal blessedness with the elect in heaven.
Glory be, etc.
* Feast on November dth.
A Little Book of Novenas.
1049
PRAYER TO ST. ANN.
ITH a heart full of sincere filial veneration, I prostrate
myself before thee, ' O blessed St. Ann. Thou art that
beloved and privileged creature who, because of thy extraordinary
virtue and sanctity, didst deserve of God that chief of graces
of giving life to the treasury of grace, the blessed among women,
the Mother of the Incarnate Lord, the blessed Virgin Mary.
Ah! in consideration of such exalted favors deign. O most
tender saint, to receive me among the number of thy truly de-
voted servants, for such I protest myself to be and wish to remain
for the rest of my life. Surround me with thy efficacious patronage
and obtain for me, from God, the imitation of those virtues with
which thou wert so profusely adorned. Obtain for me a knowl-
edge of my sins and sorrow for them; an ardent love for Jesus
and Mary; a faithful and constant observance of the duties
of my state of life. Save me from all dangers in life and assist
me at the hour of my death, that I may safely reach paradise,
there to praise, with thee, most happy mother, the Word of
God made man in the womb of thy most pure daughter, the
blessed Virgin Mary; Amen.
Three Our Fathers, Hail Marys, Glory be to the Father.
Indulgence of 300 davs, once a dav. — Leo XIIL, March 20,
1886.
XLbc IRovena of Grace in Ibonor of St jFrancts Javier,
apostle of tbe fn&lee.
HIS novena in honor of St. Francis Xavier is called the
Novena 0} Grace because so many graces and marvelous
blessings have been bestowed by God upon numerous souls
who have made it, in response to the intercession of St. Francis
Xavier, the great Apostle of the Indies. We learn from a leaflet
issued by the press of the Apostleship of Prayer, that the origin
of this novena, which is celebrated in many parishes of the
Jesuit Fathers, annually from the 4th to the 12th of March, is
due to the saint himself, who appeared to Father Mar cello
Mastrilli, S.J., at Naples, in December, 1633, when he lay
mortally wounded in the head by a blow from an iron hammer,
which had fallen one hundred feet out of the hand of a workman.
All hope of his recover}7 had been abandoned. The prayers of
the Church for those who are at the point of death were being
said for the suffering priest, who had already received the last
sacraments, when suddenly St. Francis appeared at his side,
in the garb of a pilgrim, staff in hand, and radiant with heavenly
ioso
A Liitle Book of Novenas.
light. "Will you go to heaven or to India?" the saint asked,
naving in view a promise recently made by the dying man, to
go to India if his life would be prolonged. The good Father
replied: "I have no will save the will of God." "Very well,"
came the saint's answer; "Renew your vow. Be of good cheer.
You shall be made well." He recovered his health.
St. Francis Xavier then promised his aid to all who would
make a novena from the 4th to the 12th of March, and receive
the sacraments. The efficacy of this novena is not restricted
to the days mentioned. It may be made in preparation for the
feast of the saint, which is the 3d of December.
PRAYERS FOR THE NOVENA OF GRACE.
St. Francis Xavier' s Prayer for Unbelievers.
TERNAL God, Creator of all things, remember that
the souls of unbelievers have been created by Thyself
and formed to Thine own image and likeness. Behold, O
Lord, how, to Thy dishonor, hell is being filled with them.
Remember Lord, that Jesus Christ, Thy only Son, shed
His most precious blood, and suffered a most cruel death
for their salvation. I beseech Thee, O my God, do not
permit that Thy beloved Son be any longer despised by-
unbelievers, but rather, being appeased by the prayers and
supplications of the saints, and of the Church, the most
blessed spouse of Thy divine Son, vouchsafe to be mindful
of Thy mercy, and, forgetting their idolatry and infidelity,
bring them to know Him Whom Thou didst send, Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who is our life and resurrection,
through Whom we are redeemed and saved, to Whom be
ail glory for ever. Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.
OMOST lovable and charitable saint, in union with
thee I adore the divine Majesty. My heart is filled
with joy at the remembrance of the marvelous favors with
which God blessed thy life on earth, and of the great glory
that came to thee after death. In union with thee I praise
God, and offer Him my humble tribute of thanksgiving.
A Little Book of Novenas.
I implore thee to obtain for me, through thy powerful inter-
cession, the greatest of all blessings — that of living and
dying in the state of grace. I also beg of thee to secure
for me the special favor I ask in this no vena [mention your
request]. May the will of God be done. If what I am
praying for is not for God's glory or for the good of my
soul, I beseech thee to obtain for me what is most conducive
to both.
V. Pray for us, St. Francis Xavier;
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of
Christ.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who hast vouchsafed, by the preaching and
miracles of St. Francis Xavier, to join unto Thy
Church the nations of the Indies; grant, we beseech Thee,
that we, who celebrate his glorious merits, may also imitate
his example, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ANOTHER PRAYER TO ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.
O FERVENT apostle, indefatigable laborer in the vine-
yard of the Lord, glorious St. Francis Xavier, who,
urged by a burning zeal for the salvation of souls, didst expose
thyself to extreme dangers, and didst welcome the most appalling
labors and sacrifices, vouchsafe also to take charge of my per-
fection.
Obtain that I may imitate thy perfect detachment from crea-
tures, thy confidence in God, thy abandonment to the divine
Will, thy humility, obedience, and charily, thy generosity in the
practice of virtue, and thy zeal for souls. Enkindle in my heart
the sacred fire with which thy great soul was always inflamed,
that I may labor earnestly to make Jesus Christ reign in all
hearts, and that, having had the happiness of walking in thy
footsteps here below, I may one day enjoy with thee the bliss
of heaven. Amen.
St. ffrancls Javier, ©ne of tbe Eminent patrons
of tbe Bpostlesbfp of prayer, anfc of IReligions,
especially in tbeir ^eal for tbe SpreaD of tbe
Iking&om of ©o&.
* ■ TRANCIS XAVIER, a young Spanish gentleman, in the
fM [ dangerous days of the Reformation, was making a name
for himself as a professor of philosophy in the University of
1052
A Little Book of Xovenas.
Paris. He had seemingly no higher aim, when St. Ignatius
of Loyola won him to heavenly thoughts. Then, and for ever
after, Francis gave himself unreservedly to gain souls to God.
After a brief Apostolate amongst his countrymen in Rome,
he was sent by St. Ignatius to the Indies, where, for twelve
years, like another St. Paul, he was to wear himself out bear-
ing the Gospel to Hindustan, to Malacca, and to Japan. Though
vested with the dignity of Nuncio Apostolic, and Superior over
his religious brethren, he only used his authority to take for
himself the largest share of the toils and dangers of the work.
Thwarted by the jealousy, covetousness, and carelessness of
those who should have helped and encouraged him, neither
their opposition nor the difficulties of every sort which he en-
countered could make him slacken his labors for souls. He
was ever preaching, baptizing, hearing confessions, discussing
with the learned, instructing the ignorant; and yet all this was
done with the greatest pains, as the elaborate instructions and
the long letters which he has left behind prove.
The vast kingdom cf China appealed to his charity, and he
was resolved to risk his life to force an entry when God took
him to Himself, and he died, like Moses, in sight' of the land
of promise.
This great saint was born in Navarre, at the castle of Xavier,
eight leagues from Pampelona, in 1506, and he died, under
the circumstances related, in 1552. His feast is celebrated
on the third of December. As Butler tells us, " He was so abso-
lute a master of his passions that he knew not what it was to
have the least motion of anger and impatience, and in all events
was perfectly resigned to the divine will, from whence proceeded
an admirable tranquillity of soul, a perpetual cheerfulness in
the midst of physical pains and other troubles, and equality of
countenance. By humility the saint was always ready to follow
the advice of others, and attributed all blessings to their prayers,
which he most earnestly solicited. The union of his soul with
God by holy prayer raised him above the world. Engulfed in
deep meditations, he was sometimes found suspended in the
air, with beams of glory round his countenance, as many ocular
witnesses deposed."
Some are specially called to work for souls, but there is no
one who can not help much in their salvation. Holy example,
earnest prayer, the offerings of our actions and sufferings in
their behalf — all this needs only the spirit which animated
St. Francis Xavier, the desire to give glory to God, the love of
God, and the love of our neighbor.
A Little Book of Novenas.
io53
A PRAYER TO THE HOLY APOSTLES PETER AND PAUL.
O BLESSED apostles Peter and Paul! I take you this day
for my special protectors and advocates with God. In
all humility I rejoice with thee, blessed Peter, prince of the
apostles, because thou art the rock whereon God hath built
His Church; and I rejoice with thee, too, blessed Paul, because
thou wert chosen of God for a vessel of election and preacher
of the truth throughout the world. Ask for me, I pray you
both, lively faith, firm hope, and perfect charity; entire detach-
ment from myself, contempt of the world, patience in adversity,
humility in prosperity, attention in prayer, purity of heart,
right intention in my works, diligence in the fulfilment of all
the duties cf my state of life, constancy in my good resolutions,
resignation to the holy will of God, perseverance in His grace
even unto death — that, by your joint intercession and your
glorious merits, I may overcome the temptations of the world,
the flesh, and the devil, and be made worthy to stand before
the face of the chief and eternal Pastor of souls, Jesus Christ,
to enjoy Him and to love Him for all eternity, Who, with the
Father and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth world without
end. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius VI., July 28, 1778.
PRAYER TO ST. PATRICK.
O BLESSED apostle of Ireland, glorious St. Patrick, look down
upon thy children who have received through thy zealous
preaching the priceless gift of faith, and hear the prayers with
which we address thee for protection. Watch over us with a
father's care, and help us always by thy powerful intercession,
that we may ever cling to the faith which, under God's in-
spiration and guidance, thou didst preach to our forefathers, and
that we may ever live- according to the teaching of that holy
faith. Watch over our pastors, and bless all their works for
the salvation of their flocks. Defend our dear country from
all the assaults and snares of Satan, and from all irreligion and
vice, and obtain for us the grace to sanctify our lives by the
practice of piety and of all the Christian virtues, that we may
merit to be associated with thee and all glorious saints of our
dear native land in the kingdom of our heavenly Father. Amen.
{From the Missal.)
O God, Who didst vouchsafe to send the blessed Patrick,
Thy confessor and bishop, to declare Thy glory to the nations,
grant, through his merits and intercession, that what Thou
A
ioS4
A Little Book of Novenas.
commandest us to do, we may by Thy mercy be able to ac
complish. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
IRovena for tbe ffeast of Bll Saints,*
1. A^V QUEEN of All Saints, O most powerful mediatrix
V between God and man! O supreme arbitress
of grace, holy Mary, vouchsafe to look upon us with Thine
eyes of mercy: obtain for us that we may follow thee in.
the path of virtue, and merit the favor of thy most powerfu^
intercession, by which wTe may attain to a share of thy glory
in paradise.
Three Hail Marys.
2. O heavenly spirits, who from the beginning of the
world encircled the throne of the Most High, and who are
continually employed in singing His praises, in executing
His commands, and w7ho burn in the fire of His love: obtain
for us the grace to place all our happiness in obeying the
divine lawrs, and in faithfully performing the duties of our
calling, that so we may one day attain to the possession of
those thrones which were made void by the rebellion of
your companions.
Three Glorys.
3. O most faithful patriarchs, most holy prophets, most
zealous apostles, most invincible martyrs, most righteous
confessors, most chaste matrons, most pure virgins, who now
reign with Christ in heaven, from the bright seats of your
blessedness cast your eyes of pity upon us, unhappy exiles
in this vale of tears. O happy spirits, pray for us. Obtain
for us all grace to w^alk faithfully in your footsteps, to follow
courageously your example, and to copy your virtues in
our lives; and that, meditating upon your victories, we
may attain to a participation of your immortal glory.
Three Glorys.
1Flov>ena to St. Bntbong of ftafcua-t
1. ^(LORIOUS St. Anthony, who from thy earliest
\S) years wast consecrated to the service of God,
and didst practice the greatest austerities; who, devoured with
* Feast on November 1st.
t Feast on June 13th.
A Little Book of Novenas.
zeal for justice, didst cause thyself to be conveyed to the coast
of Africa that thou mightest preach the Gospel to the Saracens:
obtain for us the grace to apply ourselves continually to
the service of God, to our personal mortification, and the
salvation of our brethren, that we may thus become true
disciples and faithful imitators of Jesus Christ.
Glory be, etc.
2. Glorious St. Anthony, thou didst hide thy rare talents with
the greatest care and didst suffer patiently the contempt of
men: obtain for us grace to despise the esteem and the
honors of the world, and always increase in merit before God.
Glory be, etc.
3. Glorious St. Anthony, who by thy sanctity and thy elo-
quence didst triumph over the hardest hearts: obtain for us
grace so faithfully to follow the divine call, that we may
attain the blessedness promised to those who faithfully
keep the divine word.
Glory be, etc.
4. Glorious St. Anthony, who wast so frequently glorified
by the most wonderful miracles: obtain for us grace so to
live, as to merit from the Most High His choicest favors.
Glory be, etc.
5. Glorious St. Anthony, who from the tender devotion
which thou didst always show to Jesus, didst merit to receive
the holy Infant in thy arms, and also to be visited and con-
soled by Him in thy agony: obtain for us grace to walk in
holiness and justice all the days of our life, and to enjoy at
our death the consolations of the just, and the glory of the
blessed in eternity.
Glory be, etc.
INDULGENCED PRACTICES AND PRAYERS IN HONOR OF
ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA.
O the faithful who shall say thirteen Paters, Aves, and
Glorias in honor of St. Anthony of Padua, an indulgence
of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., June 9, 1896.
PIOUS PRACTICE OF THE THIRTEEN TUESDAYS, OR OF THE THIR-
TEEN SUNDAYS IN HONOR OF ST. ANTHONY.
O the faithful who, on thirteen successive Tuesdays 01
as many successive Sundays, once only, at any time during
the year, shall spend some time in pious meditation, or vocal
A Little Book of Novenas.
prayers, or any other works of piety, to the glory of God and in
honor of St. Anthony of Padua, on the usual conditions; a plenary
indulgence on each of the said Tuesdays or Sundays. — Leo XIII. ?
March i, 1898.
PRAYER IN ANY NECESSITY TO ST. ANTHONY.
4 i) I ^ samte thee, St Anthony, lily of purity, ornament and
\5lA> glory of Christianity. We salute thee, great saint,
cherub of wisdom and seraph of divine love. We rejoice at
the favors Our Lord has so liberally bestowed on thee. In
humility and confidence we entreat thee to help us, for we know
that God has given thee charity and pity, as well as power.
Oh! then behold our distress, our anxiety, our fears concern-
ing (here name your request). We ask thee by the love thou
didst feel toward the amiable little Jesus, when He covered
thee with His caresses: Oh! tell Him now of our wants. Oh!
remember how complete thy bliss was when thou didst hold Him
to thy breast, didst press thy cheek to His, and didst listen to
His sweet voice.
We salute thee in spirit, O glorious favorite of God, and bow
our guilty heads before thee in humble reverence, while we raise
our sad hearts full of hope toward heaven and thee; — for He
who placed Himself in thy arms will now fill thy hands with
all we ask of thee.
Give us, then, what we desire, angel of love, and we will
make known the wondrous efficacy of thy intercession, for the
honor and glory of God.
ASPIRATIONS TO ST. ANTHONY.
£~S T. Anthony, whom the Infant Jesus so much loved and
Jo> honored, grant us what we ask of thee.
St. Anthony, powerful in word and work, grant us (here men-
tion intention).
St. Anthony, attentive to those who invoke thee, grant us
the aid of thy powerful intercession for the grace of holy purity,
meekness, and obedience.
St. Anthony, pray for our priests, relatives, and benefactors
and for all in authority in Church and State.
PRAYER IN AFFLICTION AND ANXIETY BEFORE A STATUE OF
ST. ANTHONY,
OGOOD and loving Jesus, safe refuge of my needy soul!
here at Thy feet I implore Thee, by the love which
St. Anthony bore Thee, and by we love of Thy Sacred Heart,
which induced Thee to appear to him in the form of a gracious
Miscellaneous rrayers.
little child, in order to caress and comfort him: come to me
in my present need and sore affliction. Come as my loving
Father and God, and relieve me in my necessities. In Thee
alone do I place all my hope and confidence.
O my dear patron, St. Anthony! intercede for me before
the throne of God and help me in my necessities, so that, like
so many others whom thou hast aided, I may be able to exclaim
with a joyful heart: Blessed be God, Who truly lives and reigns
in His servant, St. Anthony! Amen.
/HMscellaneous praters*
PRAYER TO ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, PATRON OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.
O ANGELIC Doctor, St. Thomas, prince of theologians
and guide of philosophers, shining ornament of the
Christian world and light of the Church, heavenly patron of
all Catholic schools, who hast imbibed wisdom without guile,
and dost impart it without envy, implore for us the Son of God,
Who is wisdom itself, that, receiving within us the Spirit of
wisdom, we may understand what thou hast taught and imitate
what thou hast done, and that, being made partakers of the
wisdom and virtue in which thou, whilst on earth, didst ever
shine, as the sun, we may at last enjoy with thee eternally in
heaven their sweetest fruits, extolling the divine wisdom through
endless ages. Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST.
O ANGELIC St. John! Jesus loved thee so much that He
permitted thee to repose on His sacred bosom at the
Last Supper; O favorite disciple of our divine Master, whom
He appointed the son and protector of His most holy Mother,
pray for us: obtain for us a special, a most fervent devotion to
Our Lord in the Most Holy Sacrament and to the Blessed Virgin
Mary: obtain for us, also, the lights and graces we may need,
perfect conformity to the divine will, and perseverance in the
following of Christ and the imitation of Mary. Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. MARY MAGDALEN.
O GLORIOUS St. Magdalen, model of penitents, obtain
for me the grace of perseverance in the practices of self-
denial according to the spirit of my vows; pray to God for me
that I may appear before Jesus, Our Lord and Master, at the
moment of my death, with my lamp filled with the oil of faith
and hope, and burning with the pure flame of charity, and thus
merit to be received with thee into His eternal kingdom. Amen.
1058 Miscellaneous Prayers.
Devout Exercise of tbe Stj Sundays in Ibonor of
St Bl0£6tus <5on3aga*
A plenary indulgence on each of the six Sundays which are
wont to be kept in honor of this saint, either immediately before
his feast, on June 21, or at any other time of the year. In order
to gain this plenary indulgence, it is requisite that the six Sun-
days should be kept consecutively; and that, on each of them,
the faithful, being truly penitent, after confession and communion
should employ themselves in pious meditations or vocal prayers,
or other works of Christian piety, in honor of the saint. — Clement
XII., Dec. 11, 1739; Jan. 7, 1740.
A PRAYER TO ST. ALOYSIUS.
O BLESSED Aloysius, adorned with angelic graces, I, thy
most unworthy suppliant, recommend specially to thee
the chastity of my soul and body, praying thee by thy angelic
purity to plead for me with Jesus Christ, the immaculate Lamb,
and His most holy Mother, the Virgin of virgins, that, they would
vouchsafe to keep me from all grievous sin. O never let me
be defiled with any stain of impurity; but when thou dost see
me in temptation, or in danger of falling, then remove far from
my heart all bad thoughts and unclean desires, and awaken
in me the memory of eternity to come and Jesus crucified; im-
press deeply in my heart a sense of the holy fear of God; and
thus, kindling in me the fire of divine love, enable me so to
follow thy footsteps here on earth, that, in heaven with thee, I
may be made worthy to enjoy the vision of Our God for ever.
Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius VII. , March 6, 1802.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA.
OST. ALOYSIUS, so renowned for thy purity of heart, thy
humility and obedience, thy special devotion to the Most
Holy Sacrament, and thy tender love for the Blessed Virgin
Mary, I consecrate myself to thee, beseeching thee to number
me among thy fervent clients. Obtain that I may perfectly
imitate all thy virtues, especially thy purity and perseverance.
Help me with thy prayers that I may never cease to love my
God and sing His praises. Assist me by a special protection
at the hour of my death, that I may present myself pure and
stainless to the sovereign Judge and enjoy with thee eternal
happiness. Amen.
Miscellaneous Prayers,
1059
A PRAYER TO ST. ALOYSIUS.
O GLORIOUS St. Aloysius! He Who possessed thy whole
heart and Whose perfections engrossed every thought
of thine, is the same God Who dwells upon our altars in the
Most Holy Sacrament.
Happy as thou wert in loving Him on earth, most blessed
as thou art in beholding Him in heaven, I know, nevertheless,
that thou hast nothing brighter to love, nothing higher to adore,
nothing holier to revere, than that which is my own Treasure
on the altar. Oh, obtain for me faith like thine, to comprehend
and value the gift of God; light like thine, to see and know
the mercy of my hidden Saviour; love like thine to love with
all the affection of my nature the infinite tenderness of Him
Who conceals His glory and His Majesty, that He may dwell
at all times among His miserable children. Oh, pray that my
happiness, like thine, may be in union with my divine Redeemer;
that I may seek on the altar my light, my peace, my comfort,
and my joy on earth; and that, imitating thy preparation for
the holy communion, it may be to me, as it was to thee, the
source of all grace and all strength here below, as well as the
pledge of my eternal union with my God and Saviour in the
everlasting kingdom of His glory.
PRAYER TO ST. STANISLAUS KOSTKA.
O AMIABLE St. Stanislaus, how admirable is the union
I behold in thee of perfect contempt of all that the world
esteems, and most ardent love of the things of eternity! Thou
risest with pure affections, as upon the wings of a dove, above
the ordinary plane of mortals, and thou livest among men as
a seraph. Sweet it is simply to contemplate thee! But what
happiness it would be if I could partake of the holy desires and
ardent love of thy pure heart. Deign to obtain for me this
favor through thy intercession. Amen.
PRAYER ASKING FOR GOOD PRIESTS.
HE harvest is great, but the laborers are few. Lord, Who
art Master of the harvest, send laborers into Thy harvest.
Cause to enter through Jesus Christ, Who is the door of the
sheepfold, those whom Thou hast destined to be, under Himr
the pastors of the "flock which He purchased by His blood.
Form and prepare by Thy grace those whom Thou hast
deemed worthy to put in Thy ministry; and having tried
them before confiding to them Thy Gospel, make them to an-
nounce it neither through motives of vanity nor in words of
A
io6o
Miscellaneous Prayers.
flattery to please men, but to please Thee only, Who dost behold
and fathom the depths of hearts. Render them faithful tG
the grace of their ordination. Make them attentive and de-
voted to their duties, and let their advancement in virtue be
known to all, that they may save both themselves and those
who hear them.
PRAYER TO ST. JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE *
OGOD, we beseech Thee, do Thou, Who didst inspire
and encourage St. John Baptist de la Salle to establish
in Thy Church a new family, to labor at imparting a Christian
education to the poor, and to confirm youth in the way of truth
and justice, grant that, through his intercession and by the
power of his example, we may be employed zealously for Thy
glory, and for the salvation of souls, and thus deserve to be
his companions in the glory of heaven. Amen.
COLLECT OF ST. AGNES, f
" V|"LMIGHTY and everlasting God, Who choosest the weak
e*X-*-» things of the world to confound the strong; mercifully
grant that we, who keep the solemn feast of Thy virgin and
martyr, the blessed Agnes, may feel the benefit of her intercession
with Thee.
PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. WALBURGA. J
OGOD, Who, in bestowing Thy innumerable graces upon
mankind, hast vouchsafed to perform many wonderful
works even through the weaker sex; mercifully grant that we
may experience the protection of blessed Walburga, Thy virgin,
who has given us not only an example of a most chaste and
holy life, but has also rejoiced us by many glorious miracles.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. Walburga, pray for us in our present necessities; pray
that we may sanctify our souls through the imitation of thy
virtues.
N.B. — The Collects or Commemorations of Founders of
Religious Orders will be found at the end of the Ofhce of the
Blessed Virgin Mary.
* Feast on May 2 2d.
t Feast on January 21st.
t Feast on May 13th.
Miscellaneous Prayers,
1061
GRAYER IN HONOR OF THE HOLY ARCHANGEL MICHAEL.
OLY archangel Michael, glorious chief and champion of
the heavenly host, conqueror of the rebel angels, valiant
guardian of the souls of men, protector of the Church of God,
our worthy leader; vouchsafe to free us from every ill, aid us,
who have recourse to thee with full confidence, in all our neces-
sities, and by thy incomparable guidance and protection enable
as to make progress every day in the faithful service of our
divine Spouse and blessel Master, Jesus Christ. Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. RAPHAEL, ARCHANGEL, PROTECTOR OF TRAVELERS.
f>fLORIOUS archangel, Raphael, great prince of the heavenly
l£) court, illustrious by thy gifts of wisdom and grace, guide
Df travelers by land and sea, consoler of the unfortunate and
refuge of sinners, I entreat thee to help me in all my needs and
in all the trials of this life, as thou didst once assist the young
Tobias in his journeying. And since thou art the " physician
of God," I humbly pray thee to heal my soul of its many infirm-
ities and my body of the ills that afflict it, if this favor is for
my greater good. I ask, especially, for angelic purity, that I
may be made fit to be the living temple of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., June 21, 1890
PRAYER FOR A DECEASED POPE.
OGOD, Who wert pleased, in Thine ineffable providence*
to number among the chief priests of the Church Thy
servant, Pope N.; grant, we beseech Thee, that, having repre-
sented Thy only-begotcen Son on earth, he may be associated
with Thy holy pontiffs in eternal glory. Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE ELECTION OF A POPE.
ITH humble hearts, we pray to Thee, O Lord, that,
in Thy goodness, Thou wouldst grant to the Holy
Roman Church a Sovereign Pontiff who shall be ever pleasing
in Thy sight, on account of his tender solicitude for us, and
ever reverenced by Thy people, on account of his salutary rule,
unto the glory of Thy name. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen. •■
PRAYER IN TIME OF WAR.
OGOD, Who crushest wars, and tightest for Thy soldiers
who put their trust in Thee, by the power of Thy defence;
help, we beseech Thee, Thy servants, who implore Thy mercy,
that the fierceness of the enemy being brought low, we may
praise Thee with unceasing thanks.
A
1062
Indulgenced Prayers*
PRAYER FOR PEACE.
OGOD, from Whom all holy desires, right counsels, and
just works proceed; give to Thy servants that peace
which the world can not give, so that our hearts being inclined
to obey Thy commandments and the fear of our enemies being
removed, our times, by Thy merciful protection, may be peaceful.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ITnDulgenceb Bspirattons anfc Sbort praters*
*Tp^ OLY, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts ; the earth is full
rI_ \ of Thy glory : glory be to the Father ; glory be to
the Son; glory be to the Holy Ghost.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day; an indulgence of 100 days,
three times every Sunday, as well as on the feast of the most holy
Trinity, and during its octave. — Clement XIV., June 6, 1769.
May the most just, most high, and most amiable. will of
God be done in all things ; may it be praised and magnified
for ever.
Indulgence 100 days, once a day. — Pius VII., May 19, 1818.
My God, my only good, Thou art all for me; grant that I
may be all for Thee!
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., March 13,
1902.
TERNAL Fathei, we offer Thee the blood, the Passion,
and the death of Jesus Christ, the sorrows of Mary
most holy, and of St. Joseph, in satisfaction for our sins
in aid of the holy souls in purgatory, for the needs of holy
Mother Church, and for the conversion of sinners.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., April 30, 1800,
My God and my ail!
■ Indulgence of 50 days, each time. — Leo XIII., May 4, 1888.
My God, grant that I may love Thee, and the only reward
of my love be to love Thee always more and more. •
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., March 15.
1890.
Holy Spirit, Spirit of truth, come into our hearts; give
to all peoples the brightness of Thy light, that they may be
well-pleasing to Thee in unity of faith.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., July 31, 1897
Indulgence'! Prayers,
My Jesus, mercy!
Indulgence of 100 days, for each recital. — Pius IX., Sept. 24,
1846.
My sweetest Jesus, be not my judge, but my Saviour.
Indulgence of 50 days, for each recital. — Pius IX., Aug. 11.
1851.
Jesus, my God, I love Thee above all things.
Indulgence of 50 days, each time. — Pius IX., May 7, 1854.
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! (Luke xviii. 38.}
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., Feb. 27, i886_
OMY Jesus, Thou knowest well that I love Thee; but I
do not love Thee enough ; Oh, grant that I may love
Thee more. O love that burnest ever and never failest, my
God, Thou Who art charity itself, enkindle in my heart
that divine fire which consumes the saints and transforms
them into Thee. Amen.
Indulgence of 50 days, twice a day. — Leo XIII., Feb. 6, 1893.
RANT us, Lord Jesus, always to follow the example of
Thy holy family, that at the hour of our death Thy
glorious Virgin Mother with blessed Joseph may come to
meet us, and so we may deserve to be received by Thee into
Thy everlasting dwelling-place.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIIL, March 25,
1897.
Sweetest Jesus, grant me an increase of faith, hope and
charity, a contrite and humble heart.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIIL, Sept. 13, 1893.
O Sacrament most holy! O Sacrament divine!
All praise and all thanksgiving be every mc tnent Thine.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius VI., May 24, 1776.
SEE where Thy boundless love has reached, my loving
Jesus! Thou, of Thy flesh and precious blood, hast
made ready for me a banquet whereby to give me all Thyself.
Who drove Thee to this excess of love for me? Thy Heart,
Thy loving Heart.' O adorable Heart of Jesus, burning
furnace of divine love! within thy sacred wound take thou
my soul; in order that, in that school of charity, I may
learn to love that God Who has given me such wondrous
proofs of His great love. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius VII. Feb. q, 1818
1064 Tndulgenced Prayers,
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the precious blood of Jesus,
in satisfaction for my sins, and for the wants of holy Church.
Indulgence of 100 davs, for each recital. — Pius VII., Sept. 22,
1S17.
AN OFFERING TO THE SACRED HEART.
Y loving Jesus! I (N.N.) give Thee my heart, and I
consecrate myself wholly to Thee, out of the grateful
love I bear Thee, and as a reparation for all my unfaithful-
ness; and with Thy aid I purpose never to sin again.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day, if recited before a picture
of the Sacred Heart. — Pius VII., June 9, 1807.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., Sept. 23, 1S60.
Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like
unto Thine!
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX., Jan. 25, 1S6S.
May the Heart of Jesus in the most Blessed Sacrament
be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection, at
every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to
the end of time. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, each time. — Pius X, Sept. 15, 1905.
0 sweetest Heart of Jesus, I implore that I may ever
love Thee more and more.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius IX., Xov. 26, 1876.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., May 21, 1892.
Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, inflame our hearts
with love of thee.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo X1TL, June 16, 1S93.
Mary!
Indulgence of 25 days, each time. — Clement XIII., Sept. 5,
1759.
In thv conception, 0 Virgin Mary, thou wast immaculate!
Pray for us to the Father, Whose Son Jesus, conceived in
thy womb by the Holy Ghost, thou didst bring forth.
Indulgence of 100 days, each time. — Pius VI., Nov. 21, 1793.
My queen! my Mother! Remember I am thine own.
Keep me, guard me, as thy property and possession.
Indulgence of 40 days, each time, when tempted. — Pius IX..
Aug. 5, 1 85 1.
Indulgenced Prayers. IC65
Sweet heart of Mary, be my salvation!
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius IX., Sept. 30, 1852.
0 Mary, who didst come into this world free from stain!
obtain of God for me that I may leave it without sin.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., March 27, 1863.
Virgin Mother of God, Mary, pray to Jesus for me.
•Indulgence of 50 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., March 29, 1894.
Holy Virgin Mary Immaculate, Mother of God and our
Mother, speak thou for us to the Heart of Jesus, Who is
thy Son, and our Brother.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., Dec. 20, 1890.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my
soul.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe out my soul
in peace with you!
Indulgence of 300 days, each time, for all three. — Pius VII.,
Aug. 26, 1814.
To thee, 0 Virgin Mother, never touched by stain of sin,
actual or venial, I recommend and confide the purity of
my heart.
0 Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have
recourse to thee.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., March 15,
1884.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., June 25, 1902
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom His love commits me here,
Ever this day be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, each time. — Pius VI., Oct. 2, 1795.
Help us, Joseph, in our earthly strife,
E'er to lead a pure and blameless life.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., March 18,
1882.
Holy Archangel Michael, defend us in battle, that we may
not perish in the tremendous judgment.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day.. — Leo XIII., Aug. 19, 1893.
io66
Prayers for Various Occasions.
St. Joseph, model and patron of those who love the Sacrea
Heart of Jesus, pray for us.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., Dec. 19, 1891.
St. Joseph, reputed father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and
true Spouse of Mary, ever Virgin, pray for us.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., May 15, 1891.
PRAYER WHICH ST. THOMAS AQUINAS WAS ACCUSTOMED TO
RECITE EVERY DAY BEFORE THE IMAGE OF JESUS CHRIST.
aONCEDE mihi, raiseri-
cors Deus, quae tibi
placita sunt ardent er con-
cupiscere, prudenter inves-
tigare, veraciter agnoscere
et perfect e adimplere, ad
laudem et gloriam nominis
tui. Amen.
RANT me grace, O mer-
ciful God, to desire
ardently all that is pleas-
ing to Thee, to examine it
prudently, to acknowledge it
truthfully, and to accom-
plish it perfectly, for the
praise and glory of Thy name.
Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days to all the faithful who, before studying
or reading, shall recite this prayer. — Leo XIII., June 21, 1879.
FOR THE HOUY SOULS IN PURGATORY.
V. *"R> EQUIEM seter- V. ^[TERNAL rest give
r-i-^ nam dona eis, to them, O Lord,
Domine ;
R. Et lux perpetua luceat R. And let perpetual light
eis. shine upon them.
Indulgence, applicable to the poor souls alone, 50 days each
time.— Leo XIII., March 22, 1902.
Bocitionai praters for Various Occasions,
PRAYERS OF A RELIGIOUS IN PRESENCE OF THE BLESSED
SACRAMENT.
Before the Adoration.
OMY divine Saviour, behold me prostrate at Thy feet
to adore Thy Sacred Heart, and repair the outrages
which it incessantly receives. It is Thy voice which calls
me, and may my obedience supply for my unworthiness ;
for who am I, O my God! that I should fulfil on earth the
sublime function of the angels in heaven. It is to them,
and to all Thy saints, that I unite myself, O Lord, at this
Prayers for Various Occasions .
1067
moment, to adore and bless Thee, and to repeat from the
bottom of my heart, praised, adored, and glorified be for
ever the Sacred Heart of Jesus; I adore it as united to
the Divinity; I love it as the principle and source of all
Thy love for me; I honor it as the most amiable, the best,
and the mildest of all hearts; I consecrate myself to adore
it perpetually (by uniting myself to all those upon earth
who are employed in this holy exercise), that I may con-
tinue to adore it for all eternity in heaven. Amen.
After the Adoration.
I RETURN Thee thanks, O my God ! for permitting me
to remain in Thy presence; I beseech Thee to pardon
whatever negligence the want of a lively faith has caused.
Do I not deserve the reproach Thou madest to Thy apostles —
"Could you not watch one hour with Me? " (Matt. xxvi. 40).
A heart consecrated to Thee should have profited better
of these precious moments. I thank Thee, O my God!
for the graces Thou hast granted me, notwithstanding my
unworthiness.
I leave thee with regret, O Heart of my Saviour; where
can I be better than with thee? But I return to where
thy divine will calls me; do not permit any interior or
exterior dissipation to contradict the homages which I
have offered, and which others are about to continue in my
stead. I unite myself, O my God! to all that they shall
say; I offer it to Thee to supply for all that was wanting to
my fervor. I desire to atone, O divine Jesus, for all the
crimes which dishonor Thy temples and altars, and for
the ingratitude with which Thy love is repaid. In the
bitterness of my soul I call to mind the profanations of the
Jews, of heretics who have pierced and trampled the sac-
ramental species under foot, the sacrileges of bad Christians,
who have received them on an impure tongue, and into a
criminal heart. With sorrow I recall my own tepidity and
negligence in the participation of Thy Divine Sacrament.
It is in these sentiments I depart from Thy sanctuary. The
hope of speedily returning to Thy altar consoles me under
the necessity of quitting Thy sacred presence.
Heavenly spirits, who adore with me the God of glory
really present in this sanctuary, present to Him this public
act of my regret and love.
O heart of Mary, which I also honor with my whole soul,
heart most conformable to that of Jesus! O tender heart
of my dear Mother, I conjure thee to present to thy divine
Son our homages, vows, and petitions. Amen.
io68 Prayers for Various Occasions.
ADORO TE DEVOTE.
IDDEN God, devoutly I adore Thee,
Truly present underneath these veils:
All my heart subdues itself before Thee,
Since it all before Thee, faints and fails.
Not to sight, or taste, or touch be credit.
Hearing only do we trust secure;
I believe, for God the Son hath said it —
Word of truth that ever shall endure.
On the cross was veiled Thy Godhead's splendor,
Here Thy manhood lieth hidden too;
Unto both alike my faith I render,
And, as sued the contrite thief, I sue.
Though I look not on Thy wounds, with Thoma%
Thee my Lord, and Thee my God I call;
Make me more and more believe Thy promise,
Hope in Thee and love Thee over all.
O memorial of my Saviour dying,
Living Bread that givest life to man;
May my soul, its life from Thee supplying,
Taste Thy sweetness, as on earth it can.
Deign, O Jesus, pelican of heaven,
Me, a sinner, in Thy blood to lave,
To a single drop of which is given'
All the world from all its sin to save.
Contemplating, Lord, Thy hidden presence,
Grant me what I thirst for and implore,
In the revelation of Thine essence,
To behold Thy glory evermore.
ECCE PANIS ANGEI#ORUM .
*T~|0! upon the altar lies,
,11 Hidden deep from human eyes,
Angels' Bread from paradise,
Made the food of mortal man:
Children's meat to dogs denied;
In old types f oresignified ;
In the manna from the skies,
In Isaac, and the paschal lamb-
Prayers for Various Occasions,
1069
jesu! Shepherd of the sheep!
Thy true flock in safety keep.
Living Bread! Thy life supply;
Strengthen us, or else we die;
Fill us with celestial grace:
Thou, Who feedest us below!
Source of all we have or know!
Grant that with Thy saints above,
Sitting at the feast of love,
We may see Thee face to face.
AVE, VERUM CORPUS NATUM.
1 AIL to thee! true body, sprung
cX-b From the Virgin Mary's womb!
The same that on the cross was hung,
And bore for man the bitter doom!
Thou Whose side was pierced, and flowed
Both with water and with blood:
Suffer us to taste of Thee,
In our life's last agony.
Son of Mary, Jesus blest!
Sweetest, gentlest, holiest.
ADOREMUS.
Adoremus in seternum Prostrate in awe and love,
Saaactissimum Sacramentum i let us adore
This Holy Sacrament for
evermore.
JESU DUIXIS MEMORIA.
ESU! the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills my breast;
But sweeter far Thy face to see,
And in Thy presence rest.
Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find,
A sweeter sound than Thy blest name,
O Saviour of mankind!
O hope of every contrite heart,
O joy of all the meek,
To those who fall, how kind Thou art:
How good to those who seek!
1070 Prayers for Various Occasions,
But what to those who find? ah! this
Nor tongue nor pen can show :
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His lovers know.
Jesu! our only joy be Thou,
As Thou our prize wilt be;
Jesu! be Thou our glory now,
And through eternity.
JESU DECUS ANGELICUMo
OJESU! Thou the beauty art
Of angel worlds above;
Thy name is music to the heart,
Enchanting it with love.
Celestial sweetness unalloy'd!
Who eat Thee hunger still;
Who drink of Thee still feel a void,
Which naught but Thou can fill.
O my sweet Jesu! hear the sighs
Which unto Thee I send;
To Thee mine inmost spirit cries,
My being's hope and end!
Stay with us, Lord, and with Thy light
Illume the soul's abyss;
Scatter the darkness of our night,
And fill the world with bliss.
O Jesu! spotless Virgin flower!
Our life and joy! to Thee
Be praise, beatitude, and power,
Through all eternity.
ST. TERESA'S BOOK-MARK.
* I 'ET nothing disturb thee,
„ I 1 Let nothing affright thee.
All things are passing;
God only is changeless.
Patience gains all things.
Who hath God wanteth nothing—
Alone God sufficed .
Prayers for Various Occasions.
1071
I always find almost all the wisdom I need in St. Teresa's
book-mark. It is a volume in itself. My great comfort in
distressing circumstances is that "all things are passing." —
Father Joseph FarreIvI*, Author of Lectures by a Certain
Professor.
©racers for {Travelers.
HE Breviary contains prayers for travelers that have
received the consecration of the Church and of cen-
turies— the "Itinerary," which priests seldom fail to recite
for themselves and their companions as often as they begin
a journey. As it may seem rather long for general use, we
give an abridgment for the use of those who may wish to
know and learn it:
AY the almighty and merciful Lord direct us on our
journey; may He make it prosper and maintain us
in peace.
May the Archangel Raphael accompany us along the way,
and may we return to our homes in peace, joy, and health.
Lord, have mercy on us! Jesus Christ, have mercy on us!
Lord, have mercy on us!
Prayer.
O God, Who didst cause the children of Israel to traverse
the Red Sea dryshod; Thou Who didst point out by a star
to the Magi the road that led them to Thee; grant us, we
beseech Thee, a prosperous journey and propitious weather;
so that, under the guidance of Thy holy angels> we may
safely reach that journey's end, and later the haven of eternal
salvation.
Hear, O Lord, the prayers of Thy servants. Bless their
journeyings. Thou who art everywhere present, shower
everywhere upon them the effects of Thy mercy; so that,
insured by Thy protection against all dangers, they may
return to offer Thee their thanksgiving. Through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Those who have a special confidence in St. Joseph may make
use of the following prayer which solicits also supernatural
graces, and especially that of traveling always in the way of the
Commandments, so as ultimately to reach the celestial terminus.
O blessed St. Joseph, who didst accompany Jesus and
Mary in all their journeys, and who hast therefore merited
to be called the patron of all travelers, accompany us in
this journey that we are about to undertake. Be our guide
1072
Prayers for Various Occasions,
and our protector ; watch over us ; preserve us from all acci-
dents and dangers to soul and body; support us in our
fatigue, and aid us to sanctify it by offering it to God. Make
us ever mindful that we are strangers, sojourners here below ;
that heaven is our true home; and help us to persevere on
the straight road that leads thereunto. We beseech thee
especially to protect and aid us in the last great voyage
from time to eternity, so that, under Thy guidance, we
may reach the realm of happiness and glory, there to re-
pose eternally with thee in the company of Jesus and Mary.
Amen.
Still another prayer for travelers, asking in a special manner
for the protection of the guardian angels, was composed by the
saintly Mgr. Dupanloup. It reads:
O almighty and merciful God, Who hast commissioned
Thy angels to guide and protect us, command them to be our
assiduous companions from our setting out until our return ; to
clothe us with their invisible protection ; to keep from us all
danger of collision, of fire, of explosion, of falls and bruises;
and finally, having preserved us from all evil, and' especially
from sin, to guide us to our heavenly home. Through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Another not less beautiful prayer runs thus :
My holy angel guardian, ask the Lord to bless the journey
which I undertake, that it may profit the health of my soul
and body; that I may reach its end; and that, returning
safe and sound, I may find all at home in good health. Do
thou guard, guide, and preserve us. Amen.
The following couplet was a favorite ejaculation of Columbus:
Jesus cum Maria Jesus and Mary, we pray,
Sit nobis in via. Be with us ever on our way.
One should not fail at least to make the sign of the cross on
beginning a journey. The neglect or performance of such acts
of piety may make all the difference between having our names
figure on the list of "tilled and wounded" in some railway
catastrophe, am! having them appear as those of passengers
" saved by a miracle." (Ave Maria Press.)
PRAYER BEFORE VISITING THE SICK.
I OFFER to Thee, O my heavenly Spouse! all the ser-
vices which I shall render to the poor until the last
moment of my life. That my actions may be more accept-
able, I unite them to Thy infinite merits; vouchsafe to
Prayers for Various Occasions.
accept of them, and to purify all my motives; I consecrate
all to Thee, and humbly implore Thy assistance to over-
come every obstacle which self-love, predilection, vanity]
disgust, sloth, or tepidity may oppose to the fulfilment of
my duties. I wish to renew my consecration to serve and
assist them for the future with the same faith and ardor as if I
saw Thee realty present. Give me, O Lord, strength and
courage to accomplish my desire. Amen.
PRAYER BEFORE SCHOOL.*
HOU, 0 Lord, art my strength and my patience, my
light and my counsel; Thou confidest unto me the
children whom I am appointed to instruct. 0 leave me not
a single moment to myself, but give me, for their guidance
and my own sanctification, the spirit of wisdom and of
understanding, of counsel and of fortitude, of knowledge and
of piety; and above all, the spirit of Thy holy fear, and an
ardent zeal for Thy greater glory. I unite my labors to
those of my divine Redeemer, and I beseech the immaculate
heart of Mary, the Refuge of sinners, and all the holy angels
and saints, to assist me this day in the performance of all
my duties. Amen.
PRAYERS TO BE SAID ALOUD BEFORE GIVING INSTRUCTION.
REVENT, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord, our actions bv
Thy holy inspirations, and carry them on by Thy
gracious assistance, that every prayer and work of ours
may begin always from Thee, and by Thee be happily
ended, to Thy greater honor and glory. Through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen. (Say one Hail Mary.)
PETITION FOR HELP.
{May be said privately before giving instructions.)
O DIVINE Jesus! I go in Thy name and for Thy love.
Give me Thy Spirit, and teach me how to instruct
these children according to Thy most holy will. Amen.
PRAYER BEFORE GOING TO THE PARLOR.
RANT, O my God! that my whole deportment may
be such as becomes a spouse of Jesus Christ. Close
my heart against the spirit of the world, and against every
* "Religious who instruct children should themselves be
images of the sanctity of God, and mirrors of His perfection.''
-(Mother F. R. Drane).
1074 Prayers for Various Occasions.
sentiment that would be in the least displeasing to Thee.
Teach me Thyself what I ought to say. "Set a watch, O
Lord, before my mouth, and a door round about my lips "
(Ps. cxl. 3), so that I may be prudent and charitable in
conversation, and likewise edifying from the desire of ad-
vancing Thy honor and glory, Amen.
PRAYER.
(Which may be said on returning from School, Mission, In
structions, or any other duty.)
JLI CCEPT, my dear Lord and Master, the duty I have
cJ<-*-t just performed. Pardon the faults I hr.ve com-
mitted in doing it. I hope, with the assistance of Thy grace,
to be more faithful in future. If it be Thy holy will, dear
Lord, give success to my humble efforts to serve Thee, and
grant that they may be always for the greater glory of Thy
holy name. Amen.
Or the following may be said:
*TT*LLOW me not, O Lord, to spoil Thy work, but let
c^Z-L Thy Sacred Heart teach me to do it in the way most
pleasing to Thee.
prater for Stetere in IRetreat*
HLMIGHTY and most merciful God, we earnestly beg
Thy grace and blessing for the Sisters in retreat
Assist them, we humbly beseech Thee, to accomplish Thy
holy will, direct them particularly in what they are about
to undertake, and teach them to act in the manner most
pleasing to Thy divine Majesty. Enlighten them by Thy
wisdom, support them by Thy power, and by Thy infinite
goodness direct all their exertions on this occasion to Thy
greater glory and their own eternal salvation. Amen.
Blessed Mother of God, and all ye happy angels and
saints, intercede for them, that they may obtain the grace
and protection of Jesus Christ, their divine Master.
Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this habitation, and
drive far from it the snares of the enemy : let Thy holy angels
dwell therein to preserve us in peace, and may Thy blessing
be always upon us, through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
OFFERING TO ST. JOSEPH SAID DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH.
O BLESSED St. Joseph! we consecrate ourselves to
thy honor, and give ourselves to thee, that thou
mayest always be our father, our protector, and our guide
Prayers for Various Occasions.
i°75
in the way of salvation. Obtain for us a great purity of
heart, and a fervent love of the interior life. After thy ex-
ample, may we do all our actions for the greater glory of
God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus, and with
the immaculate heart of Mary, and do thou, O blessed St.
Joseph, pray for us, that we may share in the peace and
joy of thy holy death. Amen.
PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART SATO DAILY DURING THE
MONTH OF JUNE.
/ i\ ad°re> praise, and love thee, 0 Sacred Heart of
\3LK> our loving Jesus; and full of grief at the thought
of so many offences which hitherto have been, and still are
committed against thee in the Most Holy Sacrament of
the altar, we offer thee the most amiable heart of Thy most
beloved Mother, with the merits of the saints in satisfaction
thereof.
O sweet Jesus, enclose in Thy Sacred Heart, we implore
Thee, all the members of this Community; and grant that
faithfully observing our holy Rule and our vows, and com-
plying fervently with the duties of our holy state, we may
be daily more and more inflamed with divine love, and
praise Thee with unceasing gratitude in eternity. Amen.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO OUR LADY, SAID AFTER THE LITANY
ON SATURDAYS IN SOME RELIGIOUS HOUSES.
QOST Holy Virgin! Immaculate Queen! Mother of God!
and our own dear Mother, Mary! Refuge of sinners!
Comfortress of the afflicted! Prostrate at thy feet in the
presence of thy heavenly court, we consecrate ourselves to
thy service. We choose thee for our Mistress and our
Queen; accept us for thy servants, and receive the offering
of our bodies and souls, of our hearts and minds, of all that
we are and posesss. We offer thee this House and Com-
munity, our friends and relatives, and all who are entrusted
to us.
Take us all under thy piotection and give us thy blessing,
O most dear Mother. Protect us against temptation,
deliver us from danger, assist us in our infirmities, comfort
us in our afflictions, preserve us from sin, and at the hour
of our death, O come, dear Mother, and take our souls and
bring them to paradise, that, in union with thee, we may
praise God. for ever. Amen.
1076 Prayers for Various Occasion*.
FORM OF CONSECRATING A CHILD TO THE SACRED HEART
OMOST Sacred and Adorable Heart of Jesus, we con
secrate to thee this child (here name the child), hu
soul with all its faculties, his heart with all its affections, his
body with its senses, now and for all the days of his lif e.
O most merciful Heart of Jesus! grant that this child may
never sully by mortal sin the white robe of his baptismal
innocence. O most loving Heart of Jesus, preserve this
child in Thy divine fear and love all the days of his life, pro-
tect him at the hour of his death, and grant him the grace
to vSee his God "face to face" in the joys of paradise. Amen.
SHORT ACT OF CONSECRATION.
O Thee, O Jesus, I consecrate my heart. In Thy Sacred
Heart I wish to live. In Thy Sacred Heart I wish to die.
Inflame my heart with the fire of Thy love, and enlighten
me with Thy wisdom and Thy knowledge.
Oh, let Thy loving Heart be to me my strength in temp-
tation and my consolation in the day of tribulation and
sorrow. Grant me grace, dear Jesus, ever to taste the sweet-
ness of Thy Sacred Heart, not only during my lifetime, but,
above all, at the hour of my death. Amen.
PRAYER TO MARY TO OBTAIN THE SPIRIT OF OBEDIENCE.
O DEAREST Mother, obtain for us, thy children, the
grace ever to bear in mind that by the vow of Obe-
dience we have for ever renounced our own will and re-
signed it to the direction of our Superiors: Pray that we
may be docile to all their directions, whether in matters
of great or little moment, agreeable or disagreeable: that
we may never murmur, but with humility and spiritual joy
carry the sweet yoke of thy divine Son Jesus. Amen.
FORM OF DEDICATING A CHILD TO MARY.
OHOLY Mary, Mother of God, and our dear Mother
also, behold we have come to dedicate this child
(here name the child) to thy maternal care. We choose
thee this day for her Mother, Patroness, and Advocate; and
we beseech thee to take her under thy powerful protection.
O most tender and loving Mother, we most earnestly
entreat thee, through the infinite merits of Thy divine Son
Jesus, that thou wilt watch over this child and obtain for
her the grace of guarding faithfully all her thoughts, desires,
Prayers for fxirious Occasions.
1077
words, and actions, so that she may never displease thy
divine Son> nor thee, His blessed Mother; but that all the
faculties and powers of her soul, all the senses and members
of her body — her whole being — may be offered a holocaust
of praise and honor to the divine Majesty during her whole
life, and at the hour of her death. And in that awful hour,
come, O holy Mother, to assist thy child, protect her from
her infernal enemies, and conduct her soul out of this miser-
able world to see and enjoy God, and to love and bless thee,
in the company of the blessed in heaven. Amen.
Recite three Hail Marys, and "O Mary, conceived without
sin," etc.
DAILY PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO CARRY AN AGNUS DEI.*
ESUS, my Saviour, true Lamb of God, that takest away
the sins of the world, by Thy infinite mercy I beseech
Thee to pardon my iniquities. By Thy sacred Passion, I
beseech Thee, preserve me this day from sin and shield me
from all evil. To Thy honor and glory, I carry about with
me this blessed Agnus Dei, as a protection to my soul and
to my body, and as an incentive to the practice of the virtues
which Thou hast inculcated, especially of meekness, humility,
purity, and charity.
In memory of that sacrifice of love which Thou didst
offer for me and all mankind on Calvary, I consecrate my
whole being to Thee.
Thou didst die on the cross for love of me; let me die to
self for love of Thee! Keep me in Thy love and in Thy
grace to the end of my life, that I may bless Thee forever
with the saints in heaven.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY, MOTHER OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
O IMMACULATE Virgin Mary, Mother of Divine Providence,
take possession of my soul with all the fulness of thy favor
and protection. Govern thou my life, and direct it along the
way of virtue to the fulfilment of the divine will. Do thou
obtain for me the pardon of my sins; be my refuge, my protection,
my defense, my guide in the pilgrimage of this life; console
me in afflictions, sustain me in dangers, and in the storms of
adversity afford me the security of thy guardianship. Obtain
* Agnus Dei : A cake of blessed wax. The figure of a lamb
is dtamped on the wax which remains from the Paschal candles,
and which is, solemnly blessed by the Pope on the Thursday a'ter
Easter, in the first and seventh years of his Pontificate. (Vide
Catholic Dictionary.)
1078 Prayers for Various Occasions.
for me, 0 Mary, the renewal of my heart within me, so that
it may become the holy dwelling place of thy divine Son Jesus;
remove far from me, weak and miserable as I am, every kind
of sin, negligence, sloth, timidity and human respect; entirely
expel from me pride, vain-glory, self-love, and all other earthly
affections which hinder the efficacy of thy patronage. 0 sweetest
Mother of Providence, turn thy maternal regard upon me,
and if through frailty or malice I have provoked the menaces
of the eternal Judge and embittered the most Sacred Heart
of my loving Jesus, do thou throw over me the mantle of thy
protection, and I shall be safe. Thou art the watchful Mother,
the Virgin of forgiveness,^and my hope on earth; oh, grant that I
may have thee for the Mother of Glory in heaven. Ave Maria
thrice. Ind. of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Feb. 27, 1886.
PETITION TO ST. VINCENT DE PAUL.
OMOST blessed and glorious St. Vincent de Paul! the
model of evangelical perfection, permit us to join
our thanksgivings for the favors bestowed on thee, to the
transports which will eternally overflow thy pure soul. We
thank the Almighty for having crowned thy profound.humility
and indefatigable zeal with eternal glory, and we beseech
thee, by that tender charity which on earth would have
made thee sacrifice a thousand lives to save one soul, to
obtain for us that simplicity, mortification, and humility,
that ardent zeal for the salvation of others, and constant
union with God, which wrere thy favorite virtues, and which
are the essence of our holy vocation. Ask for us, O blessed
saint, the helps and cooperations of which we are in need,
for promoting God's glory and for aiding the poor of Christ,
whom thou didst love so exceedingly while on earth.
Obtain for every member of our Community those virtues
which are required for our own perfection, while we labor for
the good of others. Offer up thy prayers also for our par-
ticular intention [N. NJ Accept, O great saint, our united
homage, which is far short or that which thy virtues deserve,
and teach us to become, like thee, all things to all, that we may
gdin all for Christ. Amen.
St. Vincent exhorted the Sisters of Charity often to say:
PESTROY in me, O Lord, all that is displeasing to Thee,
and grant that I may no longer be so full of myself.
Grant that in each of my actions I may have no other desire
than that of pleasing Thee.
Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims, and Prayers. 1079
LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT, OR THE PILLAR OF THE CLOUD.*
"T^EAD, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom
* ■ Lead thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home.
Lead thou me on!
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene, — one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor pray'd that Thou
Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path, but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will : remember not past years.
So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on.
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone;
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.
flIMscellaneous JBjtracts, /Ifcastms, anD ipragers,
PRAYER TO IMPLORE DIVINE LIGHT.
{Before any difficult or important undertaking.)
"Have confidence in the Lord with all thy heart, and
lean not upon thy own prudence."
"In all thy ways think on Him, and He will direct thy
steps "
"Be not wise in thy own conceit; fear God and depart
from evil." (Prov. iii.)
O ADORABLE Jesus! I come to Thee before I com-
mence this undertaking to implore Thy divine assist-
ance, and to consecrate this work to Thee. Thou know-
est, O Lord, that of myself I can do nothing; assist me,
therefore, I beseech Thee, to accomplish the will of
God — that divine will which was so dear to Thee as to be
Thy food whilst Thou wert on earth. Direct me particu-
* By Cardinal Newman.
io8o Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims and Prayers.
larly in this affair I am abou; to undertake, and teach me
to act in a manner pleasing to Thy divine Majesty — or,
rather, do Thou Thyself deign to act in and by me; govern
me by Thy wisdom; support me by Thy power; and by
Thy infinite goodness direct all my exertions on this and
every other occasion, to Thy greater glory and my own
salvation.
"Always act on principle; never on feelings."
"Take no notice of feelings; they usually lead us wrong."
EXTRACT.
For those in charge of Children.
CCUSTOM yourself to suffer in order to obtain grace for
yourselves and the children who are in your charge.
This suffering will come both from them and from yourselves,
and will make you always practice virtue in some way or
another for their sake.
To succeed in training children you must strive to be self-
possessed at all times, to be even in temper, and equitable
in dealing justly with all. Virtue must be rather insinuated
by example than daily enforced by punishment or constant
admonition.
Lead children to love God; let them learn from your ex-
ample to sacrifice pleasure to duty. — {Henriette D' Os Seville.)
/T\AY my life, my sweet Jesus, be spent in the peaceful
endeavor of trying to lead Thy "little ones" to
know and to love Thee, and when I am weary and sick at
heart and I long for rest and repose, may I ever find it in
Thy sacramental presence, in the pure joy of the Holy
Eucharist. Amen.
What will afford you most consolation when you are on
your bed of death? This question if rightly pondered will
influence your whole life!
"O! how sweet it is to die after having had a constant
and ardent devotion to the Sacred Heart of Him Who is to
judge us."
END OF RELIGIOUS LIFE.
" en<^ ^or wn*cn y°u have entered religion is to become
\zJ a new creature, and to become entirely transformed
into Christ crucified. The cross and humiliations of Jesus
must be your only aim. You are elected to be the spouse
of Christ crucified, to follow Him in hunger and thirst and
poverty — nay, even to death, for I hold out no other induce-
Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims 5 and Prayers. 1081
ment to you but the cross of Christ, my beloved Spouse.
If His cross and His love will not content you, I have nothing
more to offer."
"Is any cross too heavy,
Or any task too hard
That Jesus lays upon thee,
And Jesus will reward?"
PRAYER TO JESUS CRUCIFIED.
O SWEET Jesus, mayest Thou be ever crucified in
my heart by nails of love, Who for love of me wast
crucified with nails of iron to the hard wood of the cross.
I will draw near to my suffering Saviour; I will be sorrow-
ful with my sorrowful Jesus, broken-hearted with my broken-
hearted Jesus, and, above all, I will try to console Him,
by promising in future to love Him more ardently, and to imi-
tate Him more closely. Amen.
EXTRACT.
AINTAIN always the sense and posture of heart of
a novice under training; and "this very sense will
be a great protection to your spirit, and will keep you open
to correction and formation.
As novices you considered yourselves as aiming and striv-
ing at being what you were not as yet: a Religious who
maintains this posture of soul with this sentiment is the
only true disciple of religion — the only one who gains new
light and makes new progress. — {Bishop UUathofne.)
MY lesson.
ONLY to rest where He puts me ;
Only to do His will;
Only to be what He made me,
Though I be nothing still.
Never a look beyond me,
Out of a little sphere —
. If I could fill another,
God would not keep me here.
Only to take what He gives me,
Meek as a little child ;
Questioning naught of the reason
Joyful, or reconciled.
1082 Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims, and Prayers.
Only to do what He bids me,
Patiently, gladly to-day,
Taking no thought for the morrow
Leaning on Him all the way.
Only to look to Him ever ;
Only to sit at His feet ;
All that He sayeth, to do it —
Then shall my life be complete,
ENCOURAGEMENT.
" * OOK up continually to our predecessors, who are
,-1 — i now in heaven, reaping the reward of all their vic-
tories.
"Have courage, and act as if every day were to be your
last. Time is short : eternity for ever and ever, in joy or woe.
. . . And this all depends on ourselves, our own free will!"
SACRIFICE OF FREE WELL.
I BESEECH Thee, O eternal Father, in the name of
Thy Son Jesus, to take into Thy hands the free will
which Thou hast bestowed upon me, and of which I now
divest myself. I abandon it entirely and unreservedly to
Thy holy disposal, in order that it may please Thee. And I
beseech Thee, by the precious blood of Thy Son, that it
may never be left at my disposal, to do anything contrary
to Thy most holy will.
"Act like a man, and take courage and 'do.'
Fear not and be not dismayed, for the
Lord thy God will not leave thee."
—{Fr. Buckner, O.P.)
ACT OF CONTRITION FOR RELIGIOUS-
God, I come to Thee to beg contrition for my sins—
for all my sins. Give me, I entreat Thee, true sorrow
for even' one of them, in particular for all the negligences
Thou hast seen in the observance of my holy vows, and the
little effort I have made to live in the spirit of my vocation ,
Filled with shame and sorrow, I come to renew my vows
at Thy sacred feet, and I humbly implore of Thy infinite
goodness and mercy that Thou wilt vouchsafe to admit this
holocaust a3 an odor of sweetness, and that as Thou hast
Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims, and Prayers. 1083
already inspired me with the desire to offer it, so Thou wilt
also bestow plentiful grace on me to fulfil it. Amen.
PEACE IN UNION WITH GOD.
IVE to each thing, no matter what, the perfection it reason-
ably requires, or that in the circumstances you can give
it ; then suppose your part done, dismiss the whole affair from
your mind, and go on to the next. . . . Avoid re-examina-
tions springing from dissatisfaction with self. . . . Once
the duty done, as it presents itself at the time, go on without
worry. This is a kind of exterior hold upon God — keep it
firm.
The interior one is all-important. That consists in receiv-
ing every variety of apparent accident — people's virtues and
vices, and the rough and smooth of events — believe all as
direct agencies intended for your sanctification, ordered and
shaped and sent for the purpose of union. In fact, even your
imperfections, when you think of them, you may well say-
were permitted for the same purpose; and to speak more
strongly, but not incorrectly — you may even be thankful for
them, as the occasion of contrition and new resolve. ...
At once begin the formation of the soul on these principles,
and keep everything else outside — I mean everything that
flings the smallest shadow on peace.
^tracts from /Ifoastere in tbe Spiritual 3Life<*
in entering religion? Know thyself. Overcome thyself.
Thy business is to please God in all things. His love and
His grace are sufficient for thee. He serves not God who
seeks consolation in the Religious state.
2. He who loves poverty possesses all things. Of worldly
things choose the worst and of heavenly things the best.
He is not poor, who does not wish to feel the effects of
poverty. Aim at the spirit of poverty. To have the name
of being poor, and, at the same time, to enjoy the comforts
of wealth, is to deceive men.
3. He is not chaste who does not flee the occasions of
impurity.
Why dost thou wish to see that which has no value in thy
eyes? Modesty of the eyes preserves from many sins and is
* From the writings of Father Schneider, S.J
1084 Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims, and Prayers,
the mother of piety. " Chaste and gentle make us," so the
Church sings to Our Lady. Woe to the Religious who is ill-
tempered among the pious. It is better to bear an injury in
silence and without murmur, than to fast on several days till
evening.
4. That Religious is not obedient, who, whilst exteriorly
submitting graciously to orders, contradicts and murmurs
interiorly, and criticises the Superior.
The devil plays hand-ball with a vain and unmortined
Religious. No one is more happy under the sun than the
Religious who loves God, his Superior, and his cell, or the
silence and solitude of the cloister.
5. The supposition that in another convent, under another
Superior, among other companions, in another employment,
in other circumstances, one would make greater progress
and be better satisfied, has already deceived many. Some
in a few years have tried every kind of change consecutively,
without becoming better, more happy, or more contented.
God has placed us where we are; let us remain where we
now are until it shall please Him to call us away. Where
in the world is there a rose without thorns ?
6. That Religious is not yet dead to the world who is
greatly concerned or anxious about his relatives and friends
in the world.
7. The Religious who strives after perfection should
willingly and fervently embrace all that is painful, burden
some, and disagreeable, all that requires combats, self-restraint
and self-denial. He should, indeed, prefer these to all that
is agreeable to the sensual man. He should never hearken
to the seductive voice of nature, but always follow the inspira-
tions of grace leading to life eternal.
8. I shall be a true child of my Order as long as I am
candid and sincere toward my Superior.
I will never bother myself about offices that may be later
intrusted to me, but will abandon myself to God's designs
and put my trust in Him alone.
9. I will follow the Community and avoid all singularity.
10. I will be as careful of the honor of my Order as any one
can be of his own.
11. Beware of being a burden and a cross to thy Superiors
or to any one else, but strive to give pleasure to all.
12. In my Institute I will consider myself as a beggar
admitted out of charity.
13. What doth it avail me to live long in my Order if I
do not attain its object and end?
14. In the convent I am not the master, but the servant
Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims, and Prayers. 1085
of all, and in this should my honor and glory consist. For
how should I wish to rule, since Jesus Christ came, not to
be served, but to serve us, and the Blessed Virgin called
herself only the handmaid of the Lord.
15. If thou wishest to know whether thou lovest thy
vocation, examine whether thou lovest mortification. Thy
vocation is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and how canst
thou be His disciple, if thou dost not wish to be crucified
with Him'
16. I will spare no effort to maintain a constant peace
and interior joy.
17. The renunciation of self-love is a mortification, by
virtue of which thou actest not as thou likest either inte-
riorly or exteriorly, but only according to the good pleasure
of God and of thy Superiors.
18. Meekness is a sure sign of innocence preserved or
recovered.
19. Precipitateness and restlessness do not contribute to
the success of a good work. To desire its success is good, but
it should be without anxiety.
20. God occupies Himself with me, as if I were alone in the
world. It is also meet that I should occupy myself with
Him, as if besides Him there were nobody and nothing in
the universe.
21. Meditate often on the Passion of Jesus Christ, thy
King. He endured torments only to win thee and thy heart.
22. Be truly humble, and thou wilt never think that any
injustice is done to thee. He has only the appearance of
humility who, though he humbles himself, can not bear to be
humbled by others. If thou wishest to learn and know
something very useful, learn and love to be unknown and to
be considered as nothing.
23. Do not complain of pains, sufferings, and adversity
before casting a glance at thy crucifix and thinking on the
twofold eternity. He makes the greatest progress in Religious
life and virtue who manfully strives to overcome whatever
he finds most difficult and disagreeable.
24. Incense emits no odor nor ascends upward, unless it
burns; and it is in suffering that we prove our love of God
and our fidelity to Him. The road to the Mount of Olives is
steep indeed; but the Mount of Olives is also the Mount of
the Ascension. Those who suffer with Jesus Christ will be
also glorified with Him.
25. When we have once so far progressed as no longer to
seek any human consolation, we then begin to relish spiritual
and heavenly things.
A
io86 Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims, and Prayers.
26. We should not imagine we are able to please every-
body.
27. We should expect a just return, not from men, but
from God alone.
28. We should observe in our neighbor only his virtues and
advantages, and in ourselves only our faults and imper-
fections.
29. He who severely judges his own deeds, finds no reason
to condemn others, but is inclined rather to excuse them.
30. If thou wishest to live in great tranquillity and true
peace, thy most ardent desires should be to see God in the
next life, thy greatest fear to lose Him, thy most bitter pain
not yet to enjoy Him, and thy greatest joy all that can lead
thee to Him.
31. Free thy heart from all that is created and seek God
alone, and thou shalt find Him.
32. Severity toward ourselves should render us more
meek, indulgent, and affable toward others. If our neigh-
bor's act has one hundred sides, we should always look at it
from its most favorable side. When the sinfulness of an act
no longer admits of vindication, we should at least seek to
excuse it and admit that the intention was good. But if this
is impossible, we should at least make allowance for the vio-
lence of the temptation, for the ignorance, impulsiveness, or
human frailty of the one who committed the fault.
33. We should flee nothing more carefully than sloth,
sadness, and dangerous familiarities.
34. To bear cheerfully, gratefully, and lovingly the daily
little inconveniences that are inseparable from our vocation,
is a constant and most profitable exercise of mortification.
35. I will consider and employ each day as if it were my last ;
one day shall surely be my last; but which one?
36. Thy spiritual progress is in proportion to thy self-
denial.
37. Attend to thyself. What others do is no concern of
thine. Follow Jesus Christ.
38. Thou art as great and as good as thou art before God
neither more nor less.
39. Beware lest, on account of thy negligence, God take
away from thee the tenderness of thy conscience, and leave
it insensible in thee.
40. With the utmost fervor I will venerate the Most
Blessed Sacrament, the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph,
and my guardian angel.
41. I will often during the day raise my heart to God by
short and fervent aspirations and the renewal of a pure
intention
Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims, and Prayers, 1087
42'. I will most carefully abstain from judging others and
mingling in their concerns. What I can not excuse I will com-
passionate, considering my own weakness and sinfulness, and
saying a Hail Mary for the amendment of the culprit.
43. I will always speak to every one in a friendly, respect-
ful, and humble manner.
44. My soul, what doth it profit thee to be loved by men,
if, like Pilate, thou losest the friendship of Jesus Christ, on
account of that love or popularity?
45. He who diligently considers Our Lord's life and Pas-
sion will find in abundance therein all that is useful and neces-
sary for his spiritual life.
46. I will carefully consider what I have to do, and not
what others are doing.
47. Accustom thyself to excuse others out of true charity,
and to be thoughtful of their welfare in all things.
48. Be but little in thine own eyes, and desire to be also
thus considered; and when thou art so treated, be not sad,
but rejoice. All for Jesus.
* 49. To plod on perseveringly and faithfully when we
are under a dark cloud, and can not see our way, no, not one
step before us, still to toil on in trust and love, this is to
give glory to God and joy to the Sacred Heart.
50. When you go to your holy communion to-morrow,
think that you see the divine Child looking through and
through you with His clear pellucid gaze and asking you
the question, "Will you be true?" Are you resolved to
combat resolutely the visible faults all can see and be scan-
dalized by, instead of the half-dozen imaginary ones with
which you love so much to torture yourselves? And I
should love, I should dearly love you to return His glance
with one as limpid and as true, saying, "0 Lord, no one
knows better than I how blind and weak I am, but I wish
to know, I wish to see, what Thou desirest of me, and will try
with all my heart, regardless of all obstacles, to accomplish
it." He wishes you to be real. Be real.
51. Jesus is our Lover — and a jealous One. We must
be blind if we dare look at Him with a heart attached to
anything but Himself. He is our King, and as such, claims
undisputed possession of our All. Sacrifice and struggle!
this is the consummation of the life of a good Religious.
52. If you don't reverence Silence, you will lose prayer,
recollection, holy inspirations. Get the habit of talking to
God about everything.
* From the writings of Father Dignam, S.J.
1088 Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims, and Prayers.
53. Remember God loves offerings made in joy, and the
cream of our offerings is to show joy when tried. If contra-
dictions and annoyances come, let us try to offer a fervent,
joyful act of thanksgiving that God has given us an oppor-
tunity of practicing virtue.
54. The praises of men pass. Let us seek only to glorify
God in our work, taking cheerfully success or failure as He
chooses to send it. Work, then, only for the eternal salva-
tion of your charges that by Him they may be saved, while
you remain hidden and unknown.
55. Every time we lift ourselves up, either before others
or only in our own minds, we frighten Jesus away. He has
so keen an eye and so sensitive a heart that He can not
bring Himself to find a home in a soul possessed by self and
pride.
56. Here is a test of your honesty. We know we can not
trust ourselves to crush self. Are we willing that others
should do the business for us, or do we resist? If we take
little slights, neglects, contempts — well, patiently, nay,
even willingly, looking on each as a treasure God gives us to
bring us nearer to Him, to destroy His enemy — our own
self-love — then we are really aiming at His love.
57. The spirit of St. Francis of Sales — the V omnia omnibus
f actus sum" of St. Paul, by which, by cruelty to self, you
become sweet to everybody— is but little understood; but
you must understand it, and put your whole heart into the
work
58. Duty without piety is meat without salt, but piety
without duty is salt without meat. Let pious gluttons
look to it.
59. God speaks still, as He spoke to our fathers in primi-
tive times when there were neither directors nor direction.
Spirituality then consisted in doing the will of God. Each
hour brings a duty to be done with fidelity. Attention to
this made saints, and makes saints still.
60. Life is a series of steps, each one bringing us nearer
to the awful moment when we shall kneel at Our Lord's
feet, and look up inquiringly into His eyes.
61. The life that has been spent in industry and striving,
and which is yet a failure, is the nearest approach to that
of Christ, for what was His life, viewed only with external
eyes, but a great failure?
62. St. Joseph did not suffer martyrdom. What made
him the greatest of saints and promoters? (1) God's will
was enough to make him happy. He had no other desires.
Poverty, monotony, labor, labor without praise, was sweet
Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims, and Prayers. 1089
to him if it was God's will. (2) Hence he was meek and
obedient without asking why. (3) Zeal with little oppor-
tunity came out in prayer. A perfect promoter was St.
Joseph.
63. To have a smile for all is a great means of doing good.
But only those who try know how hard it is. We shall
succeed better if we learn to smile at God; for He, dear
Lord, loves to see us smile at Him, and, like His creatures,
He is pleased with our cheerfulness.
64. The vows are the irrevocable acceptance of all the
blessedness of my creatureship, of all that God desires in
creating me, that I should be to Him and He to me. They
put me out that He may reign. Poverty means that I know
that while He gives, I, and His gift no less, belong to Him
and must. That having received it as a mendicant I am
just the same mendicant when in possession, and that this
is as true of His caresses as of the food I eat.
65. Chastity means that the God-Man loves me all, longs
to possess me all, whom He made; loves the body of which He
took the likeness for me, and delights in the consecration of
it to Himself, and in its immolation by the imitation of His
poverty, labor, and austerity.
66. 'Obedience I do not think will ever be perfect till we
sincere^ think each one better than ourselves, and this
practically and in the individual. We talk about reverencing
God in Superiors. We can not do it until we are, as I say,
sincere about reverencing God in every one else. Obedience
is the presence of God.
67. Always pray at holy communion to overcome your
predominant passion or any weakness which dise dines
others; let it be verified that the idols fall down before Cur
Lord in the Egypt of your heart.
68. After a fall the first thing is to say : "Bonum est mihi " ■
then, "Peccavi" — "Domine, miserere mei": then, "Cor
contritum non despieies": and lastly: "Dixi nunc ecepi."
69. It is not success but courage that is wanted. It is
the looking up to Our Lord after every fall and saying spon-
taneously: "Failed again. I'll try again." This touches
Him. He is conquered at last.
70. "Cultivate sweetness," says that most perfect of pro-
moters, St. Francis of Sales. "I do not say be soft and
easy, but be gentle and sweet." So we may notice that the
saint saw all the difference between the two.
71. Some of us, alas, are less ashamed to be selfish than
to be thought so. Let us be brave and resolute; we shall
obtain the priceless grace to be truly unselfish through
logo Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims, and Prayers.
Mary's Heart. Say to her lovingly: "0 Queen of the
Apostleship of Prayer, make us unselfish; make us worthy
promoters of the Sacred Heart."
72. Mother most pure, Mother most holy and most kind
may the love of Jesus and of thee grow in our hearts to-
gether; may that love make us hate sin and the world,
strengthen us to deny ourselves, confirm our faith, hope,
and charity, and bring Thee, sweet Mother, to our death-
beds to console our last hour.
73. Devotion to the Sacred Heart means to be convinced
of His personal love for me, to return it by personal love,
and so (for this is the nature of personal love) to be glad when
He is honored — to be sorry when He is dishonored — to
make Him wThat reparation I can for the injuries done to
Him by men.
74. To brood over our sufferings is poison to the soul, so
also is pondering over the faults of others. Count as a fault
each time you think of any one's faults without thinking of
their good qualities and praising God for them. We were
created to praise.
75. How peaceful will be the death of one who has never
allowed himself to judge or say an unkind word! He will
find at his judgment the Sacred Heart to be an open taber-
nacle where he will rest for ever.
76. It was as she (Our Lady of Sorrows) watched the last
sufferings of her Beloved, that she learnt that immense
compassion, that boundless pity which made her the Mother
of the Apostles, the Refuge of sinners, the Promoter of the
Sacred Heart's love for souls. If we make her sorrows our
own, compassion will grow in our hearts, and make us like
to her.
77. Make it the fixed purpose of your life to make all
others happy as far as it is in your power, and so (for that
will be necessary) to put self out of view altogether. This
then ought to be the first thought on awaking: "Dear
Mother, for Thy honor I will take care that everybody who
speaks to me to-day shall go away happier." This thought
to be the first thought in your examen at night: "How
many have I failed to make happy to-day?"
78. Simplicity of intention, setting our hearts on accom-
plishing God's will alone, and minding neither reputation,
popularity, comfort nor success — this is the only way to gain
peace.
79. If we look back on our lives we shall find that the
heaviest cross that was ever laid upon us, which seemed at
the time to crush us to the very earth, was in reality the
Miscellaneous Extracts , Maxims , and Prayers. 1091
beginning of God's mercy for us and the turning point in
our lives.
80. If Jesus Christ is to be born in our hearts it can only
be accomplished through death to self. It is not by one
good act that self is destroyed — it is by reiterated efforts, a
long and slow death after many wounds.
* 81. The right and wrong of things turns exactly on
the intention.
82. Perfection means aiming at the highest.
83. The time of adversity is the time to turn to God
quickly; the sooner I turn to Him, the happier I shall be.
Why should I bear pain alone, if God is willing to share it
with me. God will always sympathize with us — if Htf
does not always give consolation, He always gives strength.
84. We must take everything to God — not only big things,
but little ones too — each occurrence, each little disappoint-
ment, whether in the natural or supernatural order — all has
to go to God, and humility takes us there. How happy
adversity is when it is the instrument that takes us to God' \
Whatever happened to our blessed Saviour was an in-
ducement to Kim to turn to His heavenly Father— -He
never wearied in that — it was the passion of His life.
85. God is strong enough and loving enough to take us
entirely into His own hands If God has taken away success,
regard it as a blessed piece of destitution.
86. How are we going to feel when judged favorably, or
unfavorably? some people seem to live by the judgment
of others. Are we living that we may stand well in the
judgment of others? Human respect is the most entangling
thing — will it be an answer to almighty God ? Is the esteem
of others the end we are setting before ourselves? It is a
wrong standard — we must do our actions so that Our Father
who is in heaven may be pleased. The people who are truly
free are those who have no human respect and go straight to
God.
87. There is no love that increases so fast as that which
costs.
88. If we concentrate all our attention on one thing it will
all be well; much better to have all our eneigies concen-
trated than dissipated.
89. When anything goes against the grain it ought to be
done more briskly.
90. Our Lord avails Himself of His power to humble
* From the writings of Father Morris, S.J.
1092 Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims, and Prayers,
Himself to the utmost. No one entered the holy house of
Nazareth without seeing that He was the last. He acted
as one who had no rights, except to be the lowest of the low,
though He was the Highest of the high.
* 91. Believe me, my dear friends, believe an experience
ripened by thirty years in the sacred ministry. I do here
affirm that all deceptions, all spiritual deficiencies, all mis-
eries, all falls, all faults, and even the most serious wander-
ings out of the right path, all proceed from this single source
—a want oj constancy in prayer. Live the life of prayer; learn
to bring everything, to change everything into prayer — pains,
and trials, and temptations of all kinds.
Pray in the calm, pray in the storm ;
Pray on awaking, and pray during the daytime;
Going and coming, pray;
Tired out and distracted, pray;
Whatsoever your repugnance may be, pray;
Pray, that you may learn to pray.
''Teach us, O Lord, how to pray."
"But I can not pray." That is heresy. Yes, you can
always pray. If you feel a disgust, nay, a horror of prayer,
pray on, pray in spite of yourself, against yourself. Beg
for the courage in prayer which our agonizing Saviour merited
for you by His pangs in Gethsemane and upon Calvary.
Pray, for prayer is the strength which saves, the courage
which perseveres, the mystic bridge, cast over the abyss,
which joins the soul to God.
f 92. You must be brave and carry your cross cheerfully,
and leave yourself entirely in the hands of our dear Lord
Often when you go to see Him, say the prayer of our holy
Father: "Sume, Domine, et suscipe"; and the ejaculation:
"In labore requies, in aestu temperies, in fletu solatium."
93. If I feel inclined to be irritable, let me turn to my
foster-father, St. Joseph. With so many cares he wras so
patient, and gentle.
94. Our dear Lord will not ^e outdone in generosity, and
we poor sinners will meet with equal generosity if, like Mag-
dalen, we approach Him in the same humble, sorrowing,
loving, and generous dispositions.
95. Our dear Lord was crowned with thorns to make
amends for our disobedience and independence. Ah! get a
great horror of the spirit of independence. Learn submission,
* From the writings of Father de Ravignan, S.J.
f From the writings of Father James Clare, S.J.
Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims, and Prayers. 1093
and try to comfort our dear Lord by being humble and
obedient.
Jesus appointed as the place of the Ascension the Mount
of Olives, not Thabor, to teach us that the way to heaven is
by suffering and the cross.
His Blessed Heart is a very ocean of mercy. Peter and
Thomas and Magdalen found it so. Then courage, my soul!
I too shall find it so.
96. Let us not forget that everything which Our Lord
permits is intended for our real good, either directly or indi-
rectly, and consequently let us drink the chalice, for it is
mixed and presented to us by Our Father. We must not
think of reward, but we must work for love.
97. Who can tell the sea of sorrow that burst upon that
maiden of fifteen! Now she understands the prophecies.
She sees Calvary before her, and murmurs: "I am in the
hands of God; be it done unto me according to His word.'*
Mary had to make a great sacrifice, and with a great heart
she did it. When Our Lord asks us to make a sacrifice, we
must try to imitate our Mother. "Of myself I can not; but
I will lean upon Thee, O my God, and I will do it, come what
will." Let our constant prayer be "Fiat voluntas tua," not
in a spirit of repugnance or compulsion, but cheerfully, con-
fidingly, and in a spirit of love.
98. There is life and energy in the tabernacle, but there
is no outward show or bustle. Let us try to learn from the
Blessed Sacrament the right way to work with energy and
constancy, and great peace.
Outside the tabernacle, what is there that is worthy of
our love? It is well for us, dear children, to take our stand
by the tabernacle, and wrench our souls from all else.
99. As to being misjudged, no doubt it is hard to suppress
our wounded feelings; but when we put ourselves alone
with our dearest elder Brother, and think how misjudged
He was for our sake, and how cheerfully He bore it, and
picture Him asking us to keep Him company, we soon nerve
ourselves, not only to bear the suffering, but to be glad to do
it for love of Him. . Don't be afraid, dear child, that God
will ask too much of you. He always asks for something
that our nature will rebel against, but the pain of giving it
lasts but a moment, and the pleasure is eternal. St. Igna-
tius says: "Labor to make ourselves indifferent," not "be
indifferent," because Rome was not built in a day, and we
shall not become indifferent in a day. Let us not decline
to accept any trials which God may send us, no matter how
repugnant to our nature, even though they may cause our
1094 Miscellaneous Extracts, Maxims, and Prayers.
hearts to break. Jesus has drunk the chalice for us, let us
drink it for Him. Be thorough in the service of your good
God.
100. How then should we employ our time? (i) We
should keep steadily to our spiritual duties; (2) Fulfil the
duties of our state of life ; (3) Do what we owe to our station ;
(4) Fill up our spare time well ; (5) Do even our least actions
in a spirit of faith and love. You will never feel any sacrifice
if you love. Look at the intensity of love and the loyalty of
the saints; these ought to be a stimulus for us. In all cir-
cumstances let our prayer be: "Non mea voluntas, sed Tua
fiat." It will bring us strength and consolation, and will
render us cheerful and ready to bear every hardship.
Glory is only to be earned by the cross.
OMY sweet Jesus, my Lord, my Redeemer, my ever
devoted Brother, who for me and for my benefit
never ceasest to expend Thyself, into Thy hands I resign
the whole of my liberty, that I may be in future Thy bond-
slave; I consecrate to Thee my mind, my heart, my will,
and every sense of my body. Please to take full possession
of me, body and soul, and do with me whatever Thou wilt.
Only one thing I beg in return: give me grace never to
relax in my love for Thee, and then I shall five happy and
die content. So be it, my Jesus!
Eternal Father, Who through Thy beloved Son dost
teach us ever to pray "Thy kingdom come," grant us, O
Lord, through His most Sacred Heart the grace of final
perseverance in Thy love, that having with entire devotion
promoted the glory of that Sacred Heart on earth, we may
share the more intimate favors of its love for all eternity.
Amen.
EJACULATION.
'ACRED Heart of Jesus, Thy kingdom come.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius X, May 4, 1906.
Hppen&fx,
draper: " iftlo^t Bear ILoxh 3ltm& CJjrtet"'
{TjOST dear Lord Jesus Christ, Who, being made an infant
r1 "» for us, wast willing to be born in a cave, to free us from
the darkness of sin, to draw us to Thyself, and to inflame us
with Thy holy love; we adore Thee as our Creator and Redeemer,
we accept and choose Thee for our King and Lord, and
for tribute we offer Thee all the affections of our. poor hearts.
Dear Jesus, Our Lord and God, deign to accept this offering,
and, that it may be worthy of Thine acceptance, pardon us our
faults, enlighten us, and inflame us with that holy fire which
Thou earnest to bring into the world and enkindle in men's
hearts. May our souls thus become a perpetual sacrifice in
Thy honor. Grant that we may ever seek Thy greater glory
here on earth, so that we may one day come to rejoice in Thy
infinite loveliness in heaven. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Jan. 18, 1894.
draper to Hfesm* 0xxx &ebeemer; &n &tt of Reparation for
^laspljemtea Uttereto ggamst tfje J^olp JJame*
O JESUS, Son of the living God, my Saviour and Redeemer,
behold us prostrate at Thy feet. We beg pardon, and
make this act of reparation for all the blasphemies uttered
against Thy holy Name, for all the outrages committed against
Thee in the most holy Sacrament of the Altar, for all irreverence
shown to Thy most blessed and immaculate Mother, and for
all the calumnies spoken against Thy spouse, our holy Mother,
the Catholic Church. O Jesus, Who didst say: Whatever you
shall ask the Father in My Name, that I will do, we pray and
beseech Thee for our brethren who are living in danger of sin,
that Thou wouldst preserve them from the seductions of apostasy.
Save them who stand over the abyss; give them light and
knowledge of the truth, power and strength in the conflict
against evil, and perseverance in faith and active charity.
io95
1096
Appendix.
And therefore, most merciful Jesus, do we pray to the Father
in Thy name, with Whom Thou livest and reignest in the unity
of the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day.
INVOCATIONS.
Jesus and Mary.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time.
Saviour of the world, have mercy on us.
Indulgence of 50 days, once a day.
draper m pernor of tfje jHost 3£olp, tfje jfflost gfoorable iSame
of testis.
OGOOD Jesus! O most tender Jesus! O most sweet Jesus!
O Jesus, Son of Mary the Virgin, full of mercy and kindness!
O sweet Jesus, according to Thy great mercy, have pity on me!
O most merciful Jesus, I entreat Thee by that precious blood
of Thine which Thou didst will to pour forth for sinners, to
wash away all my iniquities, and to look upon me, poor and
unworthy as I am, asking humbly pardon of Thee, and invoking
this holy name of Jesus. O name of Jesus, sweet name! Name
of Jesus, name of joy! Name of Jesus, name of strength! Nay,
what meaneth the name of Jesus but Saviour? Wherefore.
O Jesus, by Thine own holy name, be to me Jesus, and save
me. Suffer me not to be lost — me, whom Thou didst create
out of nothing. O good Jesus, let not my iniquity destroy what
Thy almighty goodness made. O sweet Jesus, recognize what
is Thine own, and wipe away from me what is not of Thee!
O most kind Jesus, have pity on me while it is the time of pity,
and condemn me not when it is the time of judgment. The dead
shall not praise Thee, Lord Jesus, nor all those who go down
into hell. O most loving Jesus! O Jesus, most longed for by
Thine own! O most gentle Jesus! Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let me
enter into the number of Thine elect. O Jesus, salvation of
those who believe in Thee; Jesus, consolation of those who
fly to Thee. Jesus, Son of Mary the Virgin, pour into'me grace,
wisdom, charity, chastity, and humility, that I may be able
perfectly to love Thee, to praise Thee, to enjoy Thee, to serve
Thee, and to glory in Thee, together with all those who invoke
Thy name, which is Jesus. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Nov. 26, 1876.
Appendix,
draper, " ©tome 3lt&u&.ft
^T^VlYINE Jesus, incarnate Son of God, Who for our salva-
\J tion didst vouchsafe to be born in a stable, to pass
Thy life in poverty, trials, and misery, and to die amid the suffer-
ings of the cross, I entreat Thee, say to Thy divine Father at
the hour of my death: Father, forgive him! say to Thy beloved
Mother: Behold thy son! say to my soul: This day thou shalt
be with Me in Paradise. My God, my God, forsake me not in
that hour. / thirst; yes, my God, my soul thirsts after Thee,
Who art the fountain of living waters. My life passes like a
shadow; yet a little while and all will be consummated. Where-
fore, 0 my adorable Saviour! from this moment, for all eternity,
into Thy hands I commend my spirit. Lord Jesus, receive my
soul. Amen.
His Holiness, Pope Pius IX, by a decree of the Sacred Con-
gregation of Indulgences, June 10, 1856, confirmed an indulgence
of three hundred days, to be gained by all the faithful every time
that they shall say this prayer with contrite heait and devotion.
Hfnbulgetueb gets in pernor of tfje Plestfeb Sacrament.
Reverent Genuflection and Devout Invocation Before the Blessed
Sacrament.
1. " |_JOR reciting in any language the invocation, "Jesus,
I my God, I adore Thee here present in the sacrament
of j Thy love," whilst devoutly genuflecting before the Blessed
Sacrament enclosed in the tabernacle, one hundred days' indul-
gence, each time.
2. For reciting the same invocation whilst adoring with a
double genuflection the Blessed Sacrament solemnly exposed,
three hundred days, each time.
3. For making an exterior act of reverence in passing by a
church or oratory where the Blessed Sacrament is kept, one
hundred days each time.
Pius X (S. Cong. Indul., July 13, 1908).
Set of Reparation to &wx 3Lorb HTeaus; Cfjrtet.
IX THE MOST ADORABLE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR. *
{Official Act for Members of the Tabernacle Society.)
rTHE Name of the Father, etc.
Most adorable Saviour, by the most wonderful prodigy
of Thy love for us, Thou dost remain hidden in the most blessed
* Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIII, by a rescript of the S.
Cong, of Indulgences, Dec. 20, 1879, has vouchsafed to grant
1098
Appendix.
Sacrament of the Altar, in order to be the perpetual sacrifice
of the New Law, the innocent victim for our sins, the celestial
food of our souls, our kind physician, our good master, our power-
ful mediator, and our loving father. But, alas, with what
ingratitude on our part Thine infinite kindness is repaid !
Prostrate before Thine altar, where Thou art as really present
as in the highest heavens, we come to make reparation for all
the injuries and for all the ingratitude inflicted on Thy loving
Heart in this sacrament.
O divine Jesus, grant us to make a fitting reparation for all
blasphemies, all profanations, and all sacrileges ever committed,
for the want of devotion and neglect of reparation for holy
communion, for the little fruit we have drawn from it.
Pardon, O Lord, pardon, for so many Christians, who know
Thee not and who offend Thee; for so many heretics who insult
Thee, for so many impious men and apostates who persecute
Thee. By the fervor of our love we would wish to make amends
to Thee for all their contempt and for all their sacrileges.
How happy should we be, O Jesus, could we but make repa-
ration to Thy glory by our respect, by our zeal, aye even by
the shedding of our blood. At least, most adorable Saviour,
grant us the grace to iove Thee in the most holy Sacrament
of the Altar, with the most tender, the most generous, the most
perfect, the most constant love.
Virgin most holy, by thy holy and immaculate heart, make
us enter into the adorable Heart of thy divine Son, Jesus
Christ.
From " Rules of the Arch- Association of Perpetual Adoration
of the Blessed Sacrament and Work for Poor Churches," estab-
lished at Rome, Via Nomentana, No. 4.
£>acreb J&eart of 3Tegu£, Gftjp 3sUttQbom Come!
H&oremus in Heternum
Saricttssimum Sacramentum!
once a day to associates of the Arch- Association of Perpetual
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Work for Poor Churches,
who recite with contrite heart the act of reparation, an indul-
gence of 100 days, applicable to the souls in purgatory.
Appendix.
1099
ejaculation: " 0 Sacrament Jflost SMp."
f \ SACRAMENT most holy!
O sacrament divine!
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine!
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius VII, Dec. 7, 18 19.
& draper for tije J^olp J^our or for &ttjt> "^Xtett to tjje JMegstefc
Sacrament.
EJACULATION.
JESUS, in the Blessed Sacrament, have mercy on us.
PRAYER.
f \ JESUS, humbly kneeling in Thy presence and united
with all the faithful on earth and all the saints in heaven,
I adore Thee, true God and true man, here present in the Holy
Eucharist. Grateful even to the very depths of my soul, I
love Thee with my whole heart, O Jesus, Who art infinitely
perfect and infinitely amiable. Enrich me with Thy grace,
so that I shall never in any way offend Thee; and, thus strength-
ened here on earth by Thy eucharistic presence, may I merit
to enjoy with Mary Thy eternal and blessed presence in heaven.
Amen.
An indulgence of 100 days each time this ejaculation is said,
and an indulgence of 300 days on any day of the year may be
gained by all the faithful who devoutly recite this prayer in the
presence of the Blessed Sacrament. — Acta Apostolicse Sedis,
April, 1909. Vide " The Ecclesiastical Review Year-Book "
for 1911, p. 134.
Ejaculation IHfjtle Hoofemg on tfje £§>acreb ©ost
*"p\OMINUS meus, et Deus (T)Y LORD and my God.
meus.
These words are to be said with faith, piety, and love, while look-
ing upon the Blessed Sacrament, either during the Elevation in
the Mass, or when exposed on the altar.
Indulgence of seven years and seven quarantines, every time.
IIOO
Appendix,
Batlp &tt of Ablation to tfte £>acreb $$taxt of STesug.
f~\ LORD Jesus Christ, in union with that divine inten-
tion with which Thou didst on earth offer praises to God
through Thy sacred Heart, and now dost continue to offer
them in all places in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and wilt
do so to the end of the world, I most willingly offer Thee, through-
out this entire day, without the smallest exception, all my
intentions and thoughts, all my affections and desires, all my
words and actions, that they may be conformed to the most
sacred heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary ever immaculate.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Dec. 19, 1885.
EJACULATIONS.
AY the Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Sept. 23, i860.
&n get of &eparatton in potior of fye $Hes#eb Sacrament.
3ESUS, my God, my Saviour, true God and true man, in that
lowly homage with which the Faith itself inspires me
with my whole heart I adore and love Thee in the most august
Sacrament of the Altar, in reparation for all the acts of irreverence,
profanation, and sacrilege, which I myself may ever have been
so unhappy as to have committed, as well as for all such like acts
that ever have been done by others, or that may be done in
ages yet to come. I adore Thee, my God, not indeed as Thou
deservest, nor as much as I am bound to adore, but as far as I
am able; and I would that I could adore Thee with all the
perfection of which a reasonable creature is capable. Meantime
I purpose now and ever to adore Thee, not only for those Catholics
who adore and love Thee not, but also for the conversion of all
bad Christians, and of all heretics, schismatics, Mohammedans,
Jews and idolators. Jesus, my God, mayest Thou be ever
known, adored, loved, and praised every moment, in the most
holy and divine sacrament. Amen.
I ADORE Thee every moment, 0 living bread of heaven,
great sacrament!
Jesus, treasure of Mary's heart, I pray Thee send Thy bless-
ing on my soul.
Holiest Jesu! loving Saviour! I give Thee my heart.
Indulgence of 200 days, every time. — Pius VII, Jan. 21, 1815.
Appendix.
IIOI
Note. — His Holiness, Pope Pius IX, granted an indulgence
of 300 days, each time, to all the faithful who shall visit the
Most Blessed Sacrament and recite the Our Father, the Hail
Mary, and the Glory be to the Father, each five times, and
another Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father,
for the intention of the Pope.
gn ^[ct of Consecration anb Reparation to tije iHost g>acreb
3£eart of 3t&u&.
Together with Prayers for the Church and for the Propagation of
the Faith.
OST sacred Heart of Jesus! I adore Thee; I offer to
Thee all that I am and all that I possess; I conseciate
to Thee my soul with all its faculties, my body with all its senses,
my heart with all its affections, desiring in all things to honor,
love, and glorify Thee; in thanksgiving for the numberless
benefits that I have received from Thee, especially in the Holy
Eucharist; in atonement for my own sins as well as in repara-
tion for all the offenses that are committed against Thee in the
sacrament of Thy love, and, finally, in humble supplication,
that I may henceforth be faithful to Thee, that I may please
Thee in thought, word, and deed, that I may suffer in patience
and in perfect resignation to Thy holy will, that I may become
like to Thee in meekness and humility, that I may persevere in
Thy love and Thy grace to the end of my life, and that I may
praise Thee and bless Thee with the saints and angels in eternity.
We beseech Thee, also, O good Jesus, by Thy sacred Heart,
overflowing with sweetness and mercy, to bless our Holy Father,
the Pope, and our Hcly Mother, the Church; to take under
Thy special protection this congregation, our homes, our country,
our rulers, our legislators, our bishops, our, priests, and all
Religious Orders. We recommend to Thee all our concerns,
our friends, relatives, benefactors, and all those who have asked
us to pray for them; those who are sick and those who are
dying, and all who are under any affliction. Cast an eye of
compassion on obstinate sinners and heretics and unbelievers.
Give eternal rest to the faithful departed.
Bless in particular the apostolic labors of those who are
engaged in giving missions and retreats, in propagating the
Faith in heathen lands, in spreading Thy kingdom on earth,
and in fostering devotion to Thy most sacred Heart and to the
Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Amen.
II02
Appendix.
draper for tfje propagation of Jfattf) anb $ietp.
TERNAL Father, by Thy infinite mercy and by the infinite
merits of Thy divine Son Jesus, make Thyself known
and loved by all souls, since it is Thy will that all should be
saved.
Gloria Patri.
Through the sacred mysteries of human redemption send,
O Lord, laborers into Thy harvest, and spare Thy people.
Eternal Word incarnate, Redeemer of the human race, con-
vert all souls to Thyself, since for them Thou wast obedient
even to the death of the Cross.
Gloria Patri.
Through the merits and intercession of Thy most holy Mother,
and of all the angels and saints, send, O Lord, laborers into Thy
harvest, and spare Thy people.
O Holy Spirit of God, by the infinite merits of the Passion
and Death of Jesus Christ, diffuse Thy most ardent and all-
powerful charity in all hearts, that there may be one Fold and
one Shepherd throughout the world, and that all may come
to sing Thy divine mercies in Heaven forever. Amen.
Gloria Patri.
Indulgence of seven years and seven quarantines, once a day. —
Leo XIII, Jan. 23, 1894.
draper: 44 ©ear Jesus;, present in tfje Smestfeb Sacrament."
|~\Ex\R Jesus, present in the Sacrament of the Akar, be for
4-*^ ever thanked and praised. Love, worthy of all celestial
and terrestrial love! Who, out of infinite love for me, ungrateful
sinner, didst assume our human nature, didst shed Thy most
precious blood in the cruel scourging, and didst expire on a
shameful cross for our eternal welfare! Now, illumined with
lively faith, with the outpouring of my whole soul and the
fervor of my heart, I humbly beseech Thee, through the infinite
merits of Thy painful sufferings, give me strength and courage
to destroy every evil passion which sways my heart, to bless
Thee in my greatest afflictions, to glorify Thee by the exact
fulfilment of all my duties, supremely to hate all sin, and thus
to become a saint.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Jan. 1, 1866.
EJACULATIONS.
t
^UCHARISTIC Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time.
Appendix. 1103
II.
j^IVINE Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying,
set free the holy souls in purgatory.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time.
draper to tfje ©tome ano Jfflost Companionate Jfeart.
O DIVINE Heart of Jesus, grant, we beseech Thee, eternal
rest to the souls in purgatory, the final grace to those
who shall die to-day, true repentance to sinners, the light of the
Faith to pagans, and Thy blessing to me and mine. To Thee,
O most compassionate Heart of Jesus, I commend all these
souls, and I offer to Thee on their behalf all Thy merits, together
with the merits of Thy most holy mother and of all the saints
and angels, and all the sacrifices of the holy Mass, communions,
prayers, and good works, which shall be accomplished to-day
throughout the Christian world.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, March 13,
190 1.
draper to tfje Holp Spirit.
OHOLY SPIRIT, divine Spirit of light and love, I consecrate
to Thee my understanding, heart, and will, my whole
being for time and for eternity. May my understanding be
always submissive to Thy heavenly inspirations, and to the
teaching of the Catholic Church, of which Thou art the infallible
guide; may my heart be ever inflamed with love of God and
of my neighbor; may my will be ever conformed to the divine
will, and may my whole life be a faithful imitation of the life
and virtues of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to Whom
with the Father and Thee be honor and glory for ever. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day.
draper to tfje J^olp (^Jjost.
VENI, Sancte Spiritus, re- f>T OME, O Holy Ghost
pie tuorum corda fide- fill the hearts of Th>
lium, et tui amoris in eis ignem faithful, and enkindle in them
accende. the fire of Thy love.
V. Emitte Spiritum tuum V. Send forth Thy Spirit
et creabuntur. and they shall be created.
R. Et renovabis faciem terrae. R. And Thou shalt renew
the face of the earth.
no4
Appendix.
Oremus. Let us pray.
*T^EUS, qui corda fidelium f \ GOD, Who hast taught
A*-* sancti Spiritus illu- V>r the hearts of the faithful
stratione docuisti, da nobis in by the light of the Holy Spirit,
eodem Spiritu recta sapere, et de grant that by the gift of the
ejus semper consolatione gau- same Spirit we may be always
dere. Per Christum Dominum truly wise, and ever rejoice
nostrum. in His consolations, through
Christ our Lord.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
draper of fet. tEfjomag gqumag.
Which He Was Accustomed to Recite Every Day before the Image
of Jesus Christ.
aONCEDE mihi, miseri- /^fRANT me grace, 0 mer-
cors Deus, quae tibi placita ciful God, to desire
sunt ardenter concupiscere, pru- ardently all that is pleasing
denter investigare, veraciter to Thee, to examine it prudently,
agnoscere et perfecte adimplere, to acknowledge it truthfully,
ad laudem et gloriam nominis and to accomplish it perfectly,
tui. Amen. for the praise and glory of
Thy name. Amen,
His Holiness Pope Leo XIII, by a rescript of the Sacred Con-
gregation of Indulgences, June 21, 1879, granted an indulgence
of 300 days to the faithful who, before studying or reading,
shall, with at least contrite heart and devotion, recite this prayer.
draper to Jilesseb Sulta JgtUiart.
Foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame of
Namur.
O BLESSED Julia, admirable example of holiness, with
humble confidence we implore thy powerful protection.
Obtain for us the forgiveness of our sins and the grace hence-
forth to despise the things of earth and to turn all our affections
to the things of heaven. Cast into our hearts a spark of that
divine fire which consumed thine own heart, with love of God
and zeal for the salvation of souls. Teach us the hymn of praise
which was continually on thy lips: "Ah! How good is the
good Godl" Obtain for us also, O blessed Mother, conformity
to the holy will of God and the grace of final perseverance, so
that we may deserve to share with thee the eternal glory of heaven.
Amen.
Appendix,
PRAYER IN HONOR OF BLESSED JULIA.
{From the Missal.)
OGOD, Who didst will that the unconquered love of Thy
holy cross should inspire Blessed Julia to enrich Thy
Church with a new family for the education of the daughters
of the poor: grant, through her intercession, that steadfast
endurance of suffering may obtain for us everlasting joy. Who
livest and reignest one God, world without end. Amen.
draper to Plessefc jftlafceleme ^opjjte Jiarat.
Foundress of the Society of -the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
BLESSED Madeleine Sophie, wonderfully chosen by God
to make the divine Heart of Jesus known and loved,
and ever faithful to that apostolate, accept this day our con-
fidence and prayers in proof of our allegiance. Guide us in
the path of meekness and humility: set our hearts on fire with
that zeal with which thine own heart was devoured: protect
us, that we may deserve to see our names written in that most
sacred Heart, and to make in it alone our home for time and
for eternity. Amen.
PRAYER IN HONOR OF BLESSED MADELEINE SOPHIE.
{From the Missal.)
*T~l0RD JESUS CHRIST, Who didst wonderfully grace
* ■ * Blessed Madeleine Sophie with humility and love aftei
the model of Thy sacred Heart, and didst will that a new com-
pany of virgins should flower forth through her: make us cling
ever to Thy most sacred Heart, and by our imitation of the
same find our joy in becoming Thy companions: Who livest and
reignest one God, forever and evei. Amen.
Snbocatton*
i) SACRED Heart of Jesus, have mercy on me, according
to Thy great mercy, and do with me, and in me, what-
ever Thou wilt. I abandon myself to Thee, with full confidence
that Thou wilt never abandon me. — Blessed M. S. Barat.
draper to ftt Barbara, "^trgm, for a J&appp Seatfj.
/j GOD, Who didst choose St. Barbara to bring consolation
to the living and the dying; grant that through her interces-
sion we may live always in Thy divine love, and place all our
no6
Appendix,
hopes in the merits of the most sorrowful passion of Thy Son:
so that a sinner's death may never overtake us, but that, armed
with the sacraments of Penance, the Holy Eucharist, and Extreme
Unction, we may be able to pass without fear to everlasting
glory. We implore this of Thee through the same Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, March 21 ,
1879-
draper to £l>t. Angela Jflertri, Jfounoress; of tfje Ursultne
<&xbtx.
fTlOST blessed St. Angela, who art now in possession of that
* 1 eternal crown which is promised to those who instruct
others unto justice, permit me to have recourse to thee, as to
my glorious patroness, and to choose thee for my special advo-
cate before the throne of God. In union with all those happy
souls who, under God, are indebted to thee for the glory they
now enjoy in heaven, I thank God for having raised thee up to
provide for thousands the great blessings of religious instruction.
Glorious patroness, I entreat thee, by that lively zeal for
God's glory which caused thee to devote thy life to the in-
struction of the ignorant, to adopt me as thy child, and to
obtain for me the grace to profit by thy example, to sanctify
my own soul by faithfully performing all my duties for the
love of Jesus, and to do what I can by means of prayer and mortifi-
cation for the salvation of other souls. Procure for me; through thy
intercession, a docile heart — a lively horror of sin — sincere love
of God and my neighbor — and so great a share in that tender
compassion for the poor which distinguished thee, that I may
never neglect an opportunity of affording them any spiritual
or corporal assistance in my power. Teach me, by thy example,
to practise works of mercy, that like thee I may find mercy,
and join thee for all eternity in praising and blessing the infinite
goodness and mercy of God. Amen.
COLLECT OF ST. ANGELA MERICI.
(From _ the Missal.)
/~\ GOD, Who didst will that, through blessed Angela, a new
^> company of sacred virgins should flourish in Thy Church;
grant that through her intercession we may live a life guileless
as that of the angels, and by detaching our hearts from the love
of the things of earth be accounted worthy of eternal happiness.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Appendix.
1107
draper in potior of At. g>cf)ola*ttca.
(From the Missal.)
OGOD, Who to show forth the way of the innocent didst
cause the soul of blessed Scholastica, Thy virgin, to soar
upward to heaven in the likeness of a dove: grant that, helped
by her merits and prayers, our lives upon earth may be so guileless
that we, too, may become worthy to enter into the joys of that
life which is everlasting. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
draper* to fi>t. Hfane prance* be Cfjantal.
O GLORIOUS saint, blessed Jane Frances, who by thy fervent
prayer, attention to the divine Presence, and purity of
intention in thy actions, didst attain on earth an intimate union
with God, be now our advocate, our mother, our guide in the path
of virtue and perfection. Plead our cause near Jesus, Mary, and
Joseph, to whom thou wast so tenderly devoted, and whose holy
virtues thou didst so closely imitate. Obtain for us, O amiable
and compassionate saint, the virtues thou seest most necessary
for us; an ardent love of Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament, a
tender and filial confidence in His blessed Mother, and, like
thee, a constant remembrance of His sacred passion and death.
Obtain also, we pray thee, that our particular intention in this
novena may be fulfilled.
V. St. Jane Frances, pray for us.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
LMIGHTY and merciful God, Who didst grant blessed
St. Jane Frances, so inflamed with the love of Thee, a
wonderful degree of fortitude through ail the paths of life, and
wast pleased through her to adorn Thy Church with a new
Religious order; grant, by her merits and prayers, that we, who,
sensible of our weakness, confide in Thy strength, may overcome
all adversities with the help of Thy heavenly grace, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER TO IMPLORE FIDELITY TO DIVINE GRACE.
O GREAT St. Jane Frances! who, to follow the inspirations
of the Holy Spirit, when thou wert called to the religious
state, didst despise all the ties of nature and of blood; obtain
no8
Appendix.
for us also the grace to correspond faithfully with all divine
impulses, and to sacrifice to God whatever is most dear and
precious to us.
$raper for Greater Hotoe of 3tm&.
OMY Jesus, Thou knowest well that I love Thee; but I
do not love Thee enough; O grant that I may love Thee
more. O love that burnest ever and never failest, my God,
Thou Who art charity itself, enkindle in my heart that divine
fire which consumes the saints and transforms them into Thee.
Amen.
An indulgence of 50 days, twice a day. — Leo XIII, Feb. 6
1893.
fet. Teresa'* Pook=jflflarfe.
Let nothing disturb thee,
Nothing affright thee;
All things are passing,
God never changeth;
Patient endurance
Attaineth to all things;
Who God possesseth,
In nothing is wanting;
Alone God sufhceth.
[Longfellow's Translation.
Cjaculattotta.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time.
Mary, our hope, have pity on us.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time.
draper to ^>t. Teresa, ""fcXtrgm.
By St. Alphonsus.
O SERAPHIC virgin, St. Teresa, beloved spouse of the Cruci;
fled, thou who didst burn with such great love of God while
on earth, and now burnest with a still purer and brighter flame
Appendix,
1 109
in heaven; thou who didst so greatly desire to see Him loved
by all men, obtain for me too, I pray thee, a spark of that holy
fire, whereby I may oppose the world, creatures, and myself;
and grant that all my thoughts, desires, and affections may be
ever employed in pursuing, whether in the midst of joys or of
sufferings, the will of the supreme Good, Who deserves our
unbounded love and obedience. Oh, obtain for me this grace,
thou who art so powerful with God, that, like thee, I may be
all on fire with divine love. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, April 22, 1898.
& J?*S&t draper bp £>t. glpfjonsug Htguori.
^ESUS CHRIST, my God, I adore Thee and I thank Thee
J for all the [graces Thou hast bestowed on me this day. I
offer to Thee my sleep and every moment of this night, and I
beseech Thee to keep me free from sin. To secure this I place
myself within Thy sacred side and under the protecting mantle
of Our Lady, my Mother. May Thy holy angels help me and
keep me in peace, and may Thy blessing be upon me.
Indulgence of 60 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, June 30, 18930
Epistles an& Gospels,
For the Sundays and Holy Days.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT.
Collect I. Arise in Thy strength, we beseech Thee, O Lord,
and come : from the dangers which threaten us because of our
sins, be Thy presence cur sure defence, be Thy deliverance our
safety for ever more.
II. O God, Who wast pleased that at the message of an angel
Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin
Mary: grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her verily
to be the Mother of God, may be helped by the prayers she puts
up to Thee on our behalf.
III. O God, the shepherd and governor of all the faithful,
mercifully regard Thy servant N.f whom it has pleased Thee
to set up as chief pastor over Thy Church: give unto him, we
beseech Thee, both by word and by example, to be of profit
to all those under His charge, so that, together with the flock
entrusted to him, he may attain to life everlasting.
Epistle. Rom. xiii. 11-14. Brethren: — Knowing the
season, that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep.
For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.
The night is passed and the day is at hand. Let us there-
fore cast off the worKS of darkness and put on the armor
of light. Let us walk honestly as in the day: not in riot-
ing and drunkenness, not in chamber'Ag and impurities,
not in contention and envy; but put ye on the Lord Jesus
Christ.
Gospel. Luke xxi. 25-33. At that time Jesus said to
His disciples: — There shall be signs in the sun, and in the
moon, and in the stars, and upon the earth distress of
nations, by reason of the confusion of the roaring of the
sea and of the waves: men withering away for fear, and
expectation of what shall come upon the whole world,
for the powers of heaven shall be moved; and then they
shall see the Son of man coming in a cloud with great
power and majesty. But when these things begin to
mi
III2
Epistles and Gospels.
come to pass, look up and lift up your heads, because your
redemption is at hand. And He spoke to them a simili-
tude: See the fig-tree, and all the trees; when they now
shoot forth their fruit, you know that summer is nigh.
So you also when you shall see these things come to pass,
know that the kingdom of God is at hand. Amen I say
to you, this generation shall not pass away till all things
be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but
My words shall not pass away.
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT.
Collect. Stir up, O Lord, our hearts to make ready the ways
of Thine only begotten Son; and with minds undented to pay
to Thee, through His coming, the homage of our service. Other
Collects as on p. 1111.
Epistle. Rom.xv.4-1j. Brethren: — What things soever
were written, were written for our learning: that through
patience and the comfort of the Scriptures we might have
hope. Now the God of patience and of comfort grant you
to be of one mind one towards another, according to Jesus
Christ : that with one mind, and with one mouth, you may
glorify God and the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wherefore receive one another, as Christ also hath received
you unto the honor of God. For I say that Christ Jesus
wag minister of the circumcision for the truth of God,
to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. But that
the Gentiles are to glorify God for His mercy as it is writ-
ten: Therefore will I confess to Thee, O Lord, among the
Gentiles, and will sing to Thy name. And again he saith:
Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with His people. And again: Praise
the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and magnify Him, all ye peoples.
And again Isaias saith: There shall be a root of Jesse; and
He that shall rise up to rule the Gentiles, in Him the Gen-
tiles shall hope. Now the God of hope fill you all with
joy and peace in believing: that you may abound in hope,
and in the power of the Holy Ghost.
Gospel. Matt. xi. 2-10. At that time: — When John
had heard in prison the works of Christ, sending two of
his disciples, he said to Him: Art Thou He that art to
come, or look we for another? And Jesus making answer
said to them: Go and relate to John what you have heard
Epistles and Gospels.
1113
and seen. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are
cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor have
the Gospel preached to them: And blessed is he that
shall not be scandalized in Me. And when they went
their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concern-
ing John: What went you out into the desert to see? a
reed shaken with the wind? But what went you out to
see? a man clothed in soft garments? Behold, they that
are clothed in soft garments are in the houses of kings.
But what went you out to see? a prophet? Yea, I tell
you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it
is written: .Behold: I send My angel before Thy face,
who shall prepare Thy way before Thee.
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT.
Collect. Bow down Thine ear, we beseech Thee, O Lord,
to our prayers: and by the brightness of Thine Advent lighten
the darkness of our minds. Others as on p. 1111.
Epistle. Phil. iv. 4-7. Rejoice in the Lord always:
again I say, rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all
men. The Lord is nigh. Be nothing solicitous: but
in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanks-
giving, let your petitions be made known to God. And
the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Gospel. John i. IQ-28. At that time: — The Jews
sent from Jerusalem priests and Levites to John to ask
him: Who art thou? And he confessed and did not deny:
and he confessed: I am not the Christ. And they asked
him: What then? Art thou Elias? And he said: I am
not. Art thou the prophet? And he answered: No.
They said, therefore, unto him: Who art thou, that we
may give an answer to them that sent us? What sayest
thou of thyself? He said: I am the voice of one crying
in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord,
as said the prophet Isaias. And they that were sent were
of the Pharisees. And they asked him and said to him:
Why then dost thou baptize, if thou be not Christ, nor
Elias, nor the prophet? John answered them, saying:
I baptize with water; but there hath stood One in the
iii4
Epistles and Gospels.
midst of you, Whom you know not. The same is He
that shall come after me, Who is preferred before me;
the latchet of Whose shoe I am not worthy to loose. These
things were done in Bethania, beyond the Jordan, where
John Was baptizing.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT.
Collect. Arise, we beseech Thee, O Lord, in Thy strength,
and come in might to our aid; that, by the work of Thy grace,
that good to which our sins are a sore hindrance, may, in the
fulness of Thy forgiveness, speedily be vouchsafed Jo us. Others
as on p. 1111.
Epistle, i Cor. iv. 1-5. Brethren: — Let a man so
account of us as of the ministers of Christ, and the dis-
pensers of the mysteries of God. Here now it is required
among the dispensers, that a man be found faithful. But
to me it is a very small thing to be judged by you, or by
man's day, but neither do I judge my own self. For I
am not conscious to myself of anything: yet am I not
hereby justified: but He that judgeth me is the Lord.
Therefore judge not before the time, until the Lord come:
Who both will bring to light the hidden things of dark-
ness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts:
and then shall every man have praise from God.
Gospel. Luke Hi. 1-6. Now in the fifteenth year of
the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor
of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip
his brother tetrarch of Iturea and the country of Trach-
onitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina, under the high-
priests Annas and Caiphas: the Word of the Lord was
made unto John the son of Zachary, in the desert. And
he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching
the baptism of penance for the remission of sins, as it was
written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet:
A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the
way of the Lord, make straight His paths. Every valley
shall be filled: and every mountain and hill shall be brought
low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough
plain. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Epistles and Gospels,
CHRISTMAS DAY.
MIDNIGHT MASS.
Collect. O God, Who didst make this most sacred night
shine forth with the glory of Him Who is the true light of the
world; grant that He Who, thus revealed to us, has made re-
splendent our path on earth, may be for ever our joy and our
light in heaven.
Epistle. Titus ii. 11-15. Dearly Beloved: — The grace
of God our Saviour hath appeared to all men, instructing
us that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should
live soberly, and justly, and godly in this world, looking
for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself
for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and
might cleanse to Himself a people acceptable, a pursuer
of good works. These things speak, and exhort, in Christ
Jesus our Lord,
Gospel. Luke ii. 1-14. At that time: — There went
out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world
should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by
Cyrinus, the governor of Syria: And all went to be
enrolled, every one into his own city. And Joseph also
went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into
Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem:
because he was of the house and family of David, to be
enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.
And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days
were accomplished, that she should be delivered. And
she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapped Him
up in swaddling-clothes, and laid Him in a manger : because
there was no room for them in the inn. And there were
in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping
the night-watches over their flock. And behold an angel
of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God
shone round about them, and they feared with a great
fear. And the angel said to them: Fear not; for behold
I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all
the people; for this day is born to you a Saviour, Who
is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall
be a sign unto you. You shall find the Infant wrapped in
swaddling-clothes, and laid in a manger. And suddenly
iii6 Epistles and Gospels.
there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
army, praising God, and saying: Glory to God in the
highest: and on earth peace to men of good will.
THE MASS AT DAYBREAK.
Collect. Bathed in the new light brought upon earth by
Thine incarnate Word, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, to
vouchsafe that the holy faith, which ever illumines our minds,
may in all our actions shine forth to Thy glory before the
world.
Epistle. Titus Hi. 4-7. Dearly Beloved: — The good-
ness and kindness of God our Saviour appeared: not by
the works of justice, which we have done, but according
to His mercy He saved us, by the laver of regeneration,
and renovation of the Holy Ghost, Whom He hath poured
forth upon us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our
Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we may be
heirs, according to hope, of life everlasting.
Gospel. Luke ii. 15-20. At that time: — After the
angels departed from them into heaven the shepherds
said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let
us see this Word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath
showed to us. And they came with haste: and they found
Mary and Joseph, and the Infant lying in the manger.
And seeing, they understood of the Word that had been
spoken to them concerning this Child. And all that heard
wondered: and at those things that were told them by
the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, ponder-
ing them in her heart. And the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had
heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
THE THIRD MASS.
Collect. Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the
new birth in the flesh of Thine only-begotten Son may set us
free, who, because of the sometime slavery of our race, are
still borne down under the yoke of sin.
Epistle. Heb. i. 1-12. God, Who at sundry times
and in divers manners spoke in times past to the fathers
by the prophets, last of all in these days, hath spoken to
us by His Son, Whom He hath appointed heir of all things,
by Whom also He made the world: Who being the bright-
ness of His glory, and the figure of His substance, and
Epistles and Gospels.
1117
upholding all things by the Word of His power, making
purgation of sins, sitteth on the right hand of the Majesty
on high: being made so much better than the angels,
as He had inherited a more excellent name than they.
For to which of the angels hath He said at any time:
Thou art My Son, to-day have I begotten Thee? And
again: I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me
a Son? And again, when He bringeth in the first-begotten
into the world He saith: And let all the angels of God
adore Him. And to the angels indeed He saith: He that
maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of
fire. But to the Son: Thy throne, O God, is for ever
and ever: a sceptre of justice is the sceptre of Thy kingdom.
Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore
God, Thy God hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness
above Thy fellows. And : Thou in the beginning, O
Lord, didst found the earth: and the works of Thy hands
are the heavens. They shall perish, but Thou shalt con-
tinue, and they shall all grow old as a garment. And as
a vesture 'shalt Thou change them and they shall be
changed: but Thou art the self-same, and Thy years
shall not fail.
Gospel. John i. 1-14. In the beginning was the
Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. The same was in the beginning with God. All
things were made by Him, and without Him was made
nothing that was made. In Him was life, and the life
was the light of men; and the light shineth in darkness,
and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a
man sent from God whose name was John. This man
came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that
all men might believe through him. He was not the
light, but was to give testimony of the light, that was the
true light which enlighteneth every man that cometh
into this world. He was in the world, and the world was
made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came
unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as
many as received Him, He gave them power to be made
the sons of God; to them that believe in His name. Who
are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor
of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made
iii8 Epistles and Gospels.
flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, the
glory as it were of the only-begotten of the Father, full
of grace and truth.
SUNDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS.
Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, guide all our
actions according to Thy good pleasure; so that we may abound
in good works done in the name of Thy beloved Son, Our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Epistle. Gal. iv. 1-7. Brethren: — As long as the
heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a servant, though
he be lord of all: but is under tutors and governors until
the time appointed by the father: so we also, when we
were children, were serving under the elements of the world.
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent His
Son, made of a woman, made under the law, that He
might redeem them who were under the law, that we might
receive the adoption of sons. And because you are sons
God hath sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, cry-
ing, Abba, Father. Therefore now he is not a servant,
but a son. And if a son, an heir also, through God.
Gospel. Luke ii. 33-40. At that time Joseph, and
Mary, the " Mother of Jesus, were wondering at those
things, which were spoken concerning Him. And Simeon
blessed them, and said to Mary, His mother: Behold this
Child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many
in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted. And
thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts
thoughts may be revealed. And there was one Anna,
a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of
Aser: she was far advanced in years, and had lived with
her husband seven years from her virginity. And she
was a widow until four-score and four years; who departed
not from the Temple, by fastings and prayer serving night
and day. Now she at the same hour coming in, con-
fessed to the Lord; and spoke of Him to all that looked
for the redemption of Israel. And after they had performed
all things according to the law of the Lord they returned
into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. And the Child grew,
and waxed strong, full of wisdom: and the grace of God
was in Him.
Epistles and Gospels. 1119
THE CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD.
Collect. O God, Who, through the fruitful virginity of
blessed Mary, hast assured to mankind the blessings of life
eternal; grant, we beseech Thee, that she, in whom our race
was found worthy to receive the Author of Life, may plead
unceasingly for us to the same Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Epistle. Titus ii. 11-15. Dearly Beloved: — The grace
of God our Saviour hath appeared to all men, instructing
us that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should
live soberly, and justly, and godly in this world, looking
for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself
for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and might
cleanse to Himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good
works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with
all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Gospel. Luke ii. 21. At that time: — After eight days
were accomplished that the Child should be circumcised:
His name was called Jesus, which was called by the angel,
before He was conceived in the womb.
VIGIL OF EPIPHANY.
Collect and Epistle. Same as on Sunday within Octave of
Christmas.
Gospel. Matt, ii 19-23. At that time: — When Herod
was dead, behold an Angel of the Lord appeared in a
dream to Joseph, in Egypt, saying: Arise, and take the
Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel: for
they who sought the life of the Child are dead. And he
arose and took the Child and His mother, and came into the
land of Israel. But hearing that Archelaus reigned in Judea,
in the room of Herod his father, he was afraid to go thither :
and being warned in a dream, retired into the country of
Galilee. And coming he dwelt in a city ..ailed Nazareth,
that what was said by the prophets might be fulfilled: He
shall be called a Nazarene.
THE EPIPHANY.
Collect. O God, Who, by means of a star, didst this day-
manifest to the Gentiles Thine only-begotten Son; grant that
we, to whom Thou hast already made Thyself known by faith,
may come at last to the vision of the beauty of Thy majesty.
1120
Epistles and Gospels.
Epistle. Isaias Ix. 1-6. Arise, be enlightened, 0
Jerusalem; for thy light is come, and the glory of the
Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness shall cover
the earth, and a mist the people; but the Lord shall arise
upon thee; and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And
the Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and kings in the bright-
ness of thy rising. Lift up thy eyes round about and see;
all these are gathered together, they are come to thee;
thy sons shall come from afar and thy daughters shall
rise up at thy side. Then shalt thou see and abound,
and thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the
multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the
strength of the Gentiles shall come to thee. The multi-
tude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian
and Epha; all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold
and frankincense, and showing forth praise to the Lord.
Gospel. Matt, ii, 1-12. When Jesus, therefore, was
born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of King Herod,
behold there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem,
saying* Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For
we have seen His star in the East, and are come to adore
Him. And King Herod hearing this was troubled, and all
Jerusalem with him; and assembling together all the
chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them
where Christ should be born. But they said to him:
In Bethlehem of Juda; for so it is written by the prophet:
And thou Bethlehem, the land of Juda, are not the least
among the princes of Juda, for out of thee shall come
forth the captain that shall rule My people Israel. Then
Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently
of them the time of the star which appeared to them;
and sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently
inquire after the Child; and when you have found Him,
bring me word again, that I also may come and adore Him.
Who having heard the king went their way; and behold,
the star which they had seen in the East, went before
them, until it came and stood over where the Child was.
And seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great
joy. And entering into the house, they found the Child
with Mary, His Mother, and falling down, they adored
Him; and opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts,
Epistles and Gospels.
TI2I
gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received
an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod,
they went back another way into their country.
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY.
Collect. In Thy loving kindness, O Lord, graciously hear
the prayer of Thy suppliant people; give unto them at all times
surely to discern Thy holy will, and strenuously to labor in the
fulfilling thereof.
Epistle. Rom. xii. 1-5. I beseech you, therefore,
brethren, by the mercy of God, that you present your
bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing unto God, your
reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world,
but be reformed in the newness of your ,mind that you
may prove what is the good, and the acceptable, and the
perfect will of God. For I say, by the grace that is given
me, to all that are among you, not to be more wise than
it behoveth to be wise, but to be wise unto sobriety, and
according as God hath divided to every one the measure of
faith. For as in one body we have many members, but all
the members have not the same office: so we being many are
one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Gospel. Luke ii. 42-52. When Jesus was twelve
years old they going up to Jerusalem according to the
custom of the feast, and having fulfilled the days, when
they returned, the Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem,
and His parents knew it not. And thinking that He was
in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought
Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And not
finding Him, they returned into Jerusalem seeking Him.
And it came to pass that after three days they found Him
in the Temple sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing
them and asking them questions. And all that heard
Him were astonished at His wisdom and His answers.
And seeing Him, they wondered. And His Mother said
to Him: Son, why hast Thou done so to us? Behold Thy
father and I have sought Thee sorrowing. And He said
to them: How is it that you sought Me? Did you not
know that I must be about My Father's business? And
they understood not the word that He spoke unto them.
And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth,
1 1 22 Epistles and Gospels,
and was subject to them. And His Mother kept all these
words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and
age, and grace with God and men.
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY.
FEAST OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS.
Collect. O God, Who didst appoint Thine only-begotten
Son to be the Saviour of the world, and didst ordain that He
should be called Jesus; mercifully grant that we may, in heaven,
enjoy the blessed vision of Him, to Whose most holy name we
do reverence upon earth.
Epistle. Acts iv. 8-12. In those days Peter, filled
with the Holy Ghost, said to them: Ye princes of the
people and ancients, hear: If we this day are examined
concerning the gocd deed done to the infirm man, by what
means he hath been made whole, be it known to you all,
and to all the people of Israel: that by the name of Our
Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom you crucified,
Whom God hath raised from the dead, even by Him this
man standeth here before you whole. This is the stone
which was rejected by you the builders; which is become
the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any
other. For there is no other name under heaven given
to men, whereby we must be saved.
Gospel of the Feast. Luke ii. 21. At that time: —
After eight days were accomplished that the Child should
be circumcised: His name was called Jesus, which was
called by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
Said at the End of Mass.
Collect of the Sunday. Almighty and eternal God, who
governest all things in heaven and upon earth; mercifully hear
the supplications of Thy people, and grant us to pass in Thy
peace all the days of our life.
Gospel of the Sunday. John ii. 1-11. At that time: —
There was a marriage in Cana of Gaililee, and the Mother
of Jesus was there. And Jesus was also invited, and His
disciples, to the marriage. And the wine failing, the Mother
of Jesus saith to Him: They have no wine. And Jesus
saith to her: Woman, what is to Me and to thee? My
hour is not yet come. His Mother saith to the waiters:
Epistles and Gospels.
1123
Whatsoever He shall say to you, do ye. Now there were
set there six water-pots of stone, according to the manner
of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three
measures apiece. Jesus saith to them: Fill the water-
pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now and carry to the
chief steward of the feast. And they carried it. And
when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine,
and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who
had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bride-
groom, and saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth
good wine, and when men have well drank, then that which
is worse; but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and
manifested His glory, and His desciples believed in Him.
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY.
Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, have compassion
on our weakness, and stretch forth in our defence the right-
hand of Thy majesty.
Epistle. Rom. xii. 16-21. Brethren: — Be not wise in
your own conceits: to no man rendering evil for evil:
providing good things not only in the sight of God, but
also in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much
as in you, having peace with all men. Not revenging
yourselves, my dearly beloved; but giving place unto
wrath, for it is written: Revenge to me: I will repay, saith
the Lord. But if thine enemy be hungry, give him to eat;
if he thirst, give him' drink; for*doing this thou shalt heap
coals of fire upon his head. Be not overcome by evil,
but overcome evil by good.
Gospel. Matt. viii. 1-13. At that time: — When He
- was come down from the mountains, great multitudes
followed Him: and behold a leper came and adored Him,
saying: Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.
And Jesus, stretching forth His hand, touched him saying:
I will. Be thou made clean. And forthwith his leprosy
was cleansed. And Jesus saith to him: See thou tell no
man : but go show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift which
Moses commanded for a testimony unto them. And when
He had entered into Capharnaum, there came to Him a
IJ2A
Epistles and Gospels.
centurion, beseeching Him, and saying: Lord, my servant
lieth at home sick of the palsy, and is grievously tormented.
And Jesus saith to him: I will come and heal him. And
the centurion, making answer, said: Lord, I am not worthy
that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; but only say the
word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a
man subject to authority, having under me soldiers; and
I say to this: Go, and he goeth: and to another: Come,
and he cometh: and to my servant: Do this, and he doth
it. And Jesus hearing this, marvelled: and said to them
that followed Him: Amen I say to you, I have not found
so great faith in Israel. And I say to you that many shall
come from the East and the West, and shall sit down with
Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven:
but the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into the
exterior darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of
teeth. And Jesus said to the centurion: Go, and as thou
hast believed, so be it done to thee. And the servant was
healed at the same hour.
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY.
Collect. O God, who knowest that the weakness of man's
nature availeth not to shield us from the many and great evils
besetting us; make us whole in body and mind, and be to us
an ever-present help in the trials our sins have brought upon us.
Epistle. Rom. xiii. 8-10. Brethren: — Owe no man
anything, but to love one another; for he that loveth his
neighbor hath fulfilled the law. For thou shalt not
commit adultery: Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt not
steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not
covet: and if there be any other commandment, it is
comprised in this word: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as
thyself. The love of our neighbor worketh no evil. Love,
therefore, is the fulfuling of the law.
Gospel. Matt. viii. 23-27. At that time: — When He
entered into the boat, His disciples followed Him: and
behold a great tempest arose in the sea, so that the boat
was covered with waves, but He was asleep. And His
disciples came to Him, and awaked Him, saying: Lord,
save us, we perish. And Jesus saith to them, Why are you
fearful, O ye of little faith? Then rising up He commanded
Epistles and Gospels.
1125
the winds, and the sea; and there came a great calm.
But the men wondered, saying, what manner of Man is
this, for the winds and the sea obey Him?
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY.
Collect. Do Thou, O Lord, in Thy goodness, unceasingly
watch over Thine household; so that Thy servants, putting
all their trust in the hope of Thy heavenly favor, may live assured
of Thy protection. Others for Church or Pope as on p. 1111.
Epistle. Col. in. 12-17. Brethren: — Put ye on there-
fore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, the bowels of
mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, patience: bearing
with one another, and forgiving one another, if any have
a complaint against another: even as the Lord hath for-
given you, so you also. But above all these things have
charity, which is the bond of perfection: and let the peace
of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called
in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ
dwell in you abundantly, in all wisdom, teaching and admon-
ishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles,
singing in grace in your hearts to God. All whatsoever
you do in word or in work, all things do ye in the name of
the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father
by Him.
Gospel. Matt. xiii. 24-30. At that time Jesus spoke ,
this parable to the multitude, saying: — The kingdom of
heaven is likened to a man that sowed good seed in his
field: but while men were asleep, his enemy came and
oversowed cockle among the wheat, and went his way.
And when the blade was sprung up, and had brought
forth fruit, then appeared also the cockle. And the ser-
vants of the good man of the house coming said to him:
Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? whence
then hath it cockle? and he said to them: An enemy hath
done this. And the servants said to him: Wilt thou that
we go and gather it up? And he said: No; lest perhaps
gathering up the cockle, you root up the wheat also together
with it. Suffer both to grow until the harvest, and in the
time of the harvest, I will say to the reapers: Gather up
first the cockle, and bind it in bundles to burn; but the
wheat gather ye into my barn.
1 1 26 Epistles and Gospels.
SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY.
Collect. Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that,
striving always to act according to right reason, we may come,
in every word and in every deed, to fulfil Thy holy will.
Epistle, i Thess. i. 2-10. Brethren: — We give thanks
to God always for you all: making a remembrance of
you in our prayers without ceasing, being mindful of the
work of your faith, and labor, and charity, and of the
enduring of the hope of Our Lord Jesus Christ before God
and our Father. Knowing, brethren beloved of God,
your election: for our gospel hath not been unto you in
wTord only, but in power also, and in the Holy Ghost, and
in much fulness, as you know what manner of men we have
been among you for your sakes. And you became fol-
lowers of us, and of the Lord, receiving the word in much
tribulation, with joy of the Holy Ghost: so that you were
made a pattern to all that believe in Macedonia and in
Achaia. For from you was spread abroad the word of
the Lord, not only in Macedonia and in Achaia, but also
in every place, your faith which is towards God, is gone
forth, so that we need not to speak anything. For they
themselves relate of us, what manner of entering in we had
unto you; and how you turned to God from idols, to serve
the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from
heaven (Whom He raised up from the dead), Jesus Who
hath delivered us from the wrath to come.
Gospel. Matt. xiii. 31-35. At that time Jesus spoke
to the multitude this parable: — The kingdom of heaven
is like to a grain of mustard-seed, which a man took and
sowed in his field: which is the least indeed of all seeds:
but when it is grown up, it is greater than all herbs, and
becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and dwell
in the branches thereof. Another parable He spoke to
them: The kingdom of heaven is like to leaven, which a
woman took and hid in three measures of meal, until the
whole was leavened. All these things Jesus spoke in
parables to the multitudes: and without parables He
did not speak to them. That it might be fulfilled which
was spoken by the prophet, saying: I will open My mouth
in parables, I will utter things hidden from the founda-
tion of the world.
Epistles and Gospels. 1127
SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY.
Collect. Graciously hear, O Lord, the prayers of Thy faith-
ful people, who, chastened by Thy justice on^ account of their
sins, to the glory of Thy name trust in Thy mercy for deliver-
ance.
Epistle, i Cor. ix. 24-2/; x. 1-5. Brethren: — Know
you not that they that run in the race, all run indeed,
but one receiveth the prize? So run that you may obtain.
And every one that striveth for the mastery refraineth
himself from all things, and they indeed that they may
receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one.
I therefore so run, not as an uncertainty: I so fight, not
as one beating the air: but I chastise my body, and bring
it into subjection: lest perhaps, when I have preached to
others, I myself should become a cast-away. For I would
not have you ignorant, brethren, that our fathers were
all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and
all in Moses were baptized, in the cloud, and in the sea:
and did all eat the same spiritual food, and all drank the
same spiritual drink (and they drank of the spiritual rock
that followed them: and the rock was Christ) but with the
most of them God was not well pleased.
Gospel. Matt. xx. 1-16. At this time Jesus said to
His disciples this parable: —-The kingdom of heaven is like
to an householder, who went out early in the morning to
hire laborers into his vineyard. And having agreed with
the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vine-
yard. And going out about the third hour, he saw others
standing in the market-place idle, and he said to them:
Go you also into my vineyard, and I will give you what
shall be just. And they went their way. And again he
went out about the sixth and ninth hour: and did in like
manner. But about the eleventh hour he went out and
found others standing, and he saith to them: Why stand
you here all the day idle? They say unto him: Because no
man hath hired us. He saith to them: Go you also into
my vineyard. And when evening was come, the lord of
the vineyard saith to his steward: Call the laborers and
pay them their hire, beginning from the last even to the
first. When therefore they were come that came about the
1 1 28 Epistles and Gospels.
eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But
when the first also came, they thought that they should
receive more; and they also received every man a penny.
And receiving it they murmured against the master of the
house, saying: These last have worked but one hour, and
thou hast made them equal to us, that have borne the
burden of the day and the heats. But he answering said to
one of them: Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not
agree with me for a penny? Take what is thine, and go
thy way: I will also give to this last even as to thee. Or,
is it not lawful for me to do what I will? is thy eye evil
because I am good? So shall the last be first, and the first
last; for many are called, but few chosen.
SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY.
Collect. O God. Who seest that we put no trust in ourselves,
vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, that the patronage of the Doctor
of the Gentiles may be our safeguard from all evil.
Epistle. 2 Cor. xi. 19-33; xii. i-g. Brethren: — You
gladly suffer the foolish: whereas yourselves are wise.
For you suffer if a man bring you into bondage, if a man
devour you, if a man take from you, if a man be lifted up,
if a man strike you on the face. I speak according to
dishonor, as if we had been weak in this part. Wherein
if any man dare (I speak foolishly) I dare also: they are
Hebrews, so am I: they are Israelites, so am I: they are
the seed of Abraham, so am I: they are the ministers of
Christ (I speak as one less wise) , I am more : in many more
labors, in prisons more frequently, in stripes above measure,
in deaths often. Of the Jews five times did I receive forty
stripes, save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once I
was stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day
I was in the depth of the sea. In journeying often, in
perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils from my own
nation, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in
perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils from
false brethren: in labor and painfulness, in much watch-
ings, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and
nakedness. Besides those things which are without:
my daily instance, the solicitude for all the churches.
Epistles and Gospels.
1129
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is scandalized, and
I am not on fire? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the
things that concern my infirmity. The God and Father
of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is blessed forever, knoweth
that I He not. At Damascus, the governor of the nation
under Aretas the king, guarded the city of the Damascenes
to apprehend me: and through a window in a basket
was I let down by the wall, and so escaped his hands. If I
must glory (it is not expedient indeed) but I will come to
the visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in
Christ above fourteen years ago (whether in the body,
I know not, or out of the body, I know not, God knoweth)
such an one rapt even to the third heaven. And I know
such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, 1
cannot tell: God knoweth) that he was caught up into
paradise: and heard secret words which it is not granted
to man to utter. For such an one I will glory: but foi
myself I will glory nothing, in my infirmities. For though
I should have a mind to glory, I shall not be foolish: foi
I will say the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should
think of me above that which he seeth in me, or anything
he heareth from me. And lest the greatness of the revela-
tions should exalt me, there was given me a sting of my
flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me. For which thing
thrice I besought the Lord, that it might depart from me:
and He said to me: My grace is sufficient for thee: for
power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly therefore will
I glory in my infirrnities, that the power of Christ may
dwell in me.
Gospel. Luke viii. 4-15. At that time: — When a very
great multitude was gathered together and hastened out
of the cities unto Him, He spoke by a similitude: The
sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed some
fell by the wayside and it was trodden down, and the fowls
of the air devoured it. And other some fell upon a rock:
and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because
it had no moisture. And other some fell among thorns,
and the thorns growing up with it, choked it. And other
some fell upon good ground: and being sprung up,
yielded fruit a hundred fold. Saying these things, He
cried out: He that hath ears to hear let him hear. And
n3o
Epistles and Gospels,
His disciples asked Him what this parable might be. To
whom He said: To you it is given to know the mystery
of the kingdom of God, but to the rest in parables, that
seeing they may not see, and hearing may not understand.
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
And they by the wayside are they that hear: then the
devil cometh, and taketh the word out of their heart, lest
believing they should be saved. Now they upon the rock,
are they who when they hear, receive the word with joy:
and these have no roots: for they believe for a while, and
in time of temptation, they fall away. And that which
fell among thorns, are they who have heard, and going
their way, are choked with the cares and riches and pleasures
of this life, and yield no fruit. But that on the good
ground, are they who in a good and very good heart,
hearing the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit in patience.
QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY.
Collect. Mercifully hear our prayers, we beseech Thee,
O Lord; free us from the chains of sin, and deliver us from all
evil. Others as on p. 1111.
Epistle, i Cor. xiii. 1-13. Brethren: — If I speak
with the tongues of men, and of angels, and have not
charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal;
and if I should have prophecy, and should know all mys-
teries, and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so
that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I
am nothing. And if I should distribute all my goods to
feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned,
and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity is
patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not per-
versely, is not puffed up, is not ambitious, seeketh not her
own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth
not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth: beareth
all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth
all things. Charity never falleth away: whether prophecies
shall be made void or tongues shall cease, or knowledge
shall be destroyed. For we know in part, and we prophesy
in part. But when that which is perfect is come, that
which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child
Epistles and Gospels,
1131
I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a
child. But when I became a man I put away the things
of a child. We see now through a glass in a dark manner:
but then face to face. Now I know in part: but then I
shall know even as I am known. And now there remain,
Faith, Hope, Charity: these three; but the greater of
these is charity.
Gospel. Luke xviii. 31-43. At that time: — Jesus
took unto Him the twelve, and said to them: Behold we
go up to Jerusalem, and all things shall be accomplished
which were written by the prophets concerning the Son
of man; for He shall be delivered to the Gentiles, and shall
be mocked, and scourged, and spit upon : and after they have
scourged Him they will put Him to death, and the third
day He shall rise again. And they understood none of
these things, and this word was hid from them, and they
understood not the things that were said. Now it came to
pass when He drew nigh to Jericho, that a certain blind
man sat by the wayside, begging. And when he heard
the multitude passing by, he asked what this meant. And
they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.
And he cried out, saying: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy
on me. And thay that went before, rebuked him, that he
should hold his peace. But he cried out much more:
Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus standing
commanded him to be brought unto Him. And when he
was come near, He asked him, saying: What wilt thou
that I do to thee? But he said: Lord, that I may see.
And Jesus said to him: Receive thy sight: thy faith hath
made thee whole. And immediately he saw, and followed
Him, glorifying God. And all the people when they saw
it, gave praise to God.
ASH WEDNESDAY.
Collect. I. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that Thy faith-
ful people may, with seemly devotion, enter upon this solemn
season of fasting, and in austere discipline piously persevere
to the end thereof.
II. Save us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, from all dangers to
soul^ or body: and, moved by the prayers of the blessed and
glorious Mary, ever a virgin, mother of God, of Saint Joseph,
of Thy holy apostles Peter and Paul, of blessed N., there is named
1132
Epistles and Gospels.
the patron saint) and of all Thy saints, in Thy goodness ensure
to us safety and peace. Do Thou bring to naught all the assaults
of the enemies of Thy Church, make to cease all false teaching,
and enable her to serve Thee in freedom and in safety.
III. Almighty and everlasting God, Who rulest alike over
the living and the dead, and Who showest mercy to every one,
whom Thou foreknowest will, by faith and good works, one day
be Thine: most humbly, we beseech Thee, that every one, on
whose behalf we have purposed to put up our prayers to Thee,
whether this world still detain him in the flesh, or already his
soul have passed out of the body into that which is to come,
may, all Thy saints interceding for him, out of the abundance
of Thy mercies, obtain the remission for all his sins.
Epistle. Joel it. 12-ig. Therefore saith the Lord: —
Be converted to Me with all your heart, in fasting, and in
weeping, and in mourning. And rend your hearts and not
your garments, and turn to the Lord your God: for He is
gracious and merciful, patient and rich in mercy, and ready
to repent of the evil. Who knoweth but He will return,
and forgive, and leave a blessing behind Him, sacrifice
and libation to the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet
in Sion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather
together the people, sanctify the Church, assemble the
ancients, gather together the little ones, and them that suck
at the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth from his bed,
and the bride out of her bride-chamber. Between the
porch and the altar the priests, the Lord's ministers, shall
weep, and shall say: Spare, O Lord, spare Thy people;
and give not Thy inheritance to reproach, that the heathens
should rule over them; why should they say among the
nations: Where is their God? The Lord hath been zealous
for His land, and hath spared His people: and the Lord
answered and said to His people: Behold I will send you
corn, and wine, and oil, and you shall be filled with them:
and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations.
Gospel. Matt. vi. 16-21. At that time Jesus said to
His disciples: — When you fast, be not as the hypocrites,
sad: for they disfigure their faces that they may appear
unto men to fast. Amen I say to you, they have received
their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy
head, and wash thy face, that thou appear not to men to
fast, but to thy Father Who is in secret: and thy Father,
Who seeth in secret, will repay thee. Lay not up to your-
Epistles and Gospels.
"33
selves treasures on earth: where the rust and moth con-
sume, and where thieves break through and steal. But
lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven: where neither
the rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do
not break through, nor steal. For where thy treasure
is, there is thy heart also.
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT.
Collect. O God, Who year by year dost purify Thy Church
with Lenten discipline; grant that Thy faithful people, while
striving by self-denial to deserve Thy favor, may further assure
themselves thereof by abounding in good works.
Epistle. 2 Cor. vi. 1-10. Brethren: — We helping
do exhort you, that you receive not the grace of God in
vain: For He saith: In an accepted time have I heard
thee, and in the day of salvation have I helped thee. Be-
hold now is the acceptable time: behold now is the day of
salvation; giving no offence to any man, that our ministry
be not blamed; but in all things let us exhibit ourselves
as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation,
in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in prisons, in seditions,
in labors, in watchings, in fastings, in chastity, in knowledge,
in long-suffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity
unfeigned, in the word of truth, in the power of God, by
the armor of justice on the right hand and on the left, by
honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as
deceivers, and yet true: as unknown, and yet known: as
dying, and behold we live: as chastised, and not killed;
as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing: as needy, yet enriching
many: as having nothing, and possessing all things.
Gospel. Matt. iv. 1-11. At that time: — Jesus was led
by the Spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil.
And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, after-
wards He was hungry. And the tempter coming, said to
Him: If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones
be made bread. Who answered and said : It is written : Not in
bread alone doth man live, but in every word that proceedeth
from the mouth of God. Then the devil took Him up into
the holy city, and set Him upon a pinnacle of the Temple,
and said to Him: If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself
H34
Epistles and Gospels.
down: for it is written: that He hath given His angels
charge over Thee, and in their hands shall they bear Thee
up, lest perhaps Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.
Jesus said to him: It is written again: Thou shalt not
tempt the Lord thy God. Again the devil took Him up
into a very high mountain: and showed Him all the king-
doms of the world, and the glory of them, and said to Him;
All these will I give Thee, if falling down Thou wilt adore
me. Then Jesus saith to him: Begone, Satan: for it is
written: The Lord thy God shalt thou adore: and Him
only shalt thou serve. Then the devil left Him, and behold
angels came and ministered to Him.
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT.
Collect. O God, Who seest that we of ourselves avail not
at all; inwardly and outwardly hold us in Thy holy keeping,
that we may neither be overcome in body by adversity, nor in
mind be a prey to evil thoughts.
Others as on Ash Wednesday, p. 1131.
Epistle, i Thess. k. i-j. Brethren: — We pray and
beseech you in the Lord Jesus, that as you have received
of us. how you ought to walk, and to please God, so also
you would walk that you may abound the more. For
you know what precepts I have given to you by the Lord
Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctirication:
that you should abstain from fornication, that every one
of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctirica-
tion and honor: not in the passion of lust, like the Gentiles
that know not God: and that no man overreach, nor
circumvent his brother in business: because the Lord is
the avenger of all these things, as we have told you before,
and have testified: for God hath not called us unto un-
cleanness, but unto sanctirication.
Gospel. Matt. at//, i-g. At that time: — Jesus takech
unto Him Peter, and James and John his brother, and
bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: and He was
transfigured before them. And His face did -shine as the
sun : and His garments became white as snow. And behold
there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with Him.
And Peter, answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for
Epistles and Gospels. 1x35
us to be here: if Thou wilt, let us make here three taber-
nacles, one for Thee and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud over-
shaded them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying:
This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased : hear
ye Him. And the disciples hearing, fell upon their face:
and were very much afraid. And Jesus came and touched
them: and said to them: Arise, and fear not. And they
lifting up their eyes saw no one, but only Jesus. And as
they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them
saying: Tell the vision to no man, till the Son of man be
risen from the dead.
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT.
Collect. Humbling ourselves before Thee, we beseech Thee,
almighty God, favorably to regard the desires of our heart:
and in our defence to stretch forth the right hand of Thy
majesty. Others as on Ash Wednesday, p. 1131.
Epistle. Eph. ' v. i-g. Brethren: — Be ye therefore,
followers of God, as most dear children: and walk in love
as Christ also hath loved us, and hath delivered Himself
for us, an oblation and a sacrifice to God for an odor of
sweetness. But fornication and all uncleanness, or covet-
ousness, let it not so much as be named among you, as
becometh saints: or obscenity, or foolish talking, or scur-
rility, which is to no purpose: but rather giving of thanks.
For know ye this, and understand that no fornification,
or unclean, or covetous person (which is a serving of idols),
hath inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no man deceive you with vain words, for because of
these things cometh the anger of God upon the children
of unbelief. Be ye not therefore partakers with them.
For you were heretofore darkness: but now light in the
Lord. Walk then as children of the light: for the fruit
of the light is in all goodness, and justice, and truth.
Gospel. Luke xi. 14-28. At that time:— He was
casting out a devil, and the same was dumb. And when
He had cast out the devil, the dumb spoke; and the
multitudes were in admiration at it: but some of them
said: He casteth out devils by Beelzebub, the prince of
/
1 136 Epistles and Gospels.
devils. And others, tempting, asked of Him a sign from
heaven. But He, seeing their thoughts, said to them:
Every kingdom divided against itself shall be brought to
desolation, and house upon house shall fall. And if Satan
also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom
stand? because you say, that through Beelzebub I cast
out devils. Now if I cast out devils through Beelzebub:
by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore
they shall be your judges. But if I, by the finger of God,
cast out devils: doubtless the kingdom of God is come
upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his court:
those things are in peace which he possesseth. But if a
stronger than he come upon him and overcome him: he
will take away all his armor wherein he trusted, and will
distribute his spoils. He that is not with Me is against
Me: and he that gathereth not with Me, scattereth. When
the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through
places without water, seeking rest, and not finding, he
saith: I will return into my house whence I came out.
And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished.
Then he goeth and taketh with him seven other spirits more
wicked, than himself, and entering in they dwell there.
And the last state of that man becomes worse than the
first. And it came to pass as He spoke these things a cer-
tain woman from the crowd lifting up her voice said to
Him: Blessed is the womb that bore Thee and the paps
that gave Thee suck. But He said: Yea, rather blessed
are they who hear the word of God and keep it.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT.
Collect. Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that chas-
tened by suffering, as because of our transgressions was mete,
we may inwardly be gladdened by Thy comforting grace. Others
as on Ash Wednesday, p. 1131.
Epistle. Gal. iv. 22-ji. Brethren: — It is written
that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman,
and the other by a freewoman: but he who was of the
bondwoman was born according to the flesh: but he of
the freewoman was by promise: which things are said
by an allegory: for these are the two testaments. The
Epistles and Gospels.
one from Mount Sina engendering unto bondage: which
is Agar: for Sina is a mountain in Arabia, which hath
affinity to that Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage
with her children. But that Jerusalem which is above, is
free, which is our mother. For it is written: Rejoice thou
barren that beareth not: break forth and cry, thou that
travailest not; for many are the children of the desolate,
more than of her that hath a husband, Now we, brethren,
as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he?
that was born according to the flesh, persecuted him that
was after the spirit: so also it is now. But what saith
the Scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son; for
the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son
of the free woman. So, then, brethren, we are not the
children of the bondwoman, but of the free : by the freedom
wherewith Christ hath made us free.
Gospel. John vi. 1-15. At that time: — Jesus went ever
the sea of Galilee, which is that of Tiberias: and a great
multitude followed Him, 'because they saw the miracles
which He did on them that were diseased. Jesus therefore
went up into a mountain: and there He sat with His
disciples. Now the Pasch, the festival day of the Jews,
was near at hand. When Jesus therefore had lifted up
His eyes, and seen that a very great multitude cometh to
Him, He said to Philip: Whence shall we buy bread, that
these may eat? And this He said to try him, for He Himself
knew what He would do. Philip answered Him: Two
hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them,
that every one may take a little. One -of His disciples,
Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, saith to Him: There
is a boy here that hath five barley loaves, and two fishes:
but what are these among so many? Then Jesus said:
make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in
the place. The men therefore sat down, in number about
five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves: and when He
had given thanks, He distributed to them that were sat
down: in like manner also of the fishes as much as they
would. And when they were filled, He said to His disciples :
Gather up the fragments that remain, lest they be lost.
They gathered up therefore, and filled twelve baskets
with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which re-
Epistles and Gospels.
mained over and above to them that had eaten. Now
those men, when they had seen what a miracle Jesus had
done, said: This is of a truth the prophet that is to come
into the world. Jesus therefore, when He knew that they
would come to take Him by force and make Him king,
fled again into the mountain Himself alone.
PASSION SUNDAY.
Collect. I. Look down in mercy, we beseech Thee, O Lord,
upon Thy family; by Thy governance may we be outwardly
protected in body; by Thy favor may we be inwardly strength-
ened in heart and mind.
II. O God, the shepherd (as on p. 1111).
Epistle. Heb. ix. 11-13. Brethren: — Christ being
come an highpriest of the good things to come, by a greater
and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is,
not of this creation: neither by the blood of goats, nor of
calves, but by His own blood, entered once into the holies,
having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of
goats and of oxen, and the ashes of an heifer being sprinkled,
sanctify such as are denied, to the cleansing of the flesh:
how much more shall the blood of Christ, Who by the Holy
Ghost offered Himself unspotted unto God, cleanse our
conscience from dead works, to serve the living God?
And therefore He is the mediator of the New Testament:
that by means of His death, for the redemption of those
transgressions, which were under the former testament,
they that are called may receive the promise of eternal
inheritance.
Gospel. John viii. 46- 59. At that time Jesus said
to the multitude of the Jews: Which of you shall convince
Me of sin? If I say the truth to you, why do you not
believe Me? He that is of God, heareth the words of God.
Therefore you hear them not, because you are not of God.
The Jews therefore answered and said to Him: Do not
we say well that Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
Jesus answered: I have not a devil, but I honor My Father,
and you have dishonored Me. But I seek not My own
glory: there is One that seeketh and judgeth. Amen,
amen I say to you: If any man keep My word, he shall
Epistles and Gospels. 1139
not see death for ever. The Jews therefore said: Now we
know that Thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the
prophets: and Thou sayest: If any man keep My word
he shall not taste death for ever. Art Thou greater than
our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are
dead. Whom dost Thou make Thyself? Jesus answered:
If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing. It is My Father
that glorifieth Me, of Whom you say that He is your God,
and you have not known Him: but I know Him: and if I
shall say that I know Him not, I shall be like to you, a
liar. But I do know Him, and do keep His word. Abra-
ham your father rejoiced that he might see My day: he
saw it, and was glad. The Jews therefore said to Him:
Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast Thou seen Abra-
ham? Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say to you,
before Abraham was made, I am. They took up stones
therefore to cast at Him : but Jesus hid Himself and went
out of the Temple.
tools mcck.
PALM SUNDAY.
Collect. O almighty and everlasting God, Who, setting up
an example of humility for all mankind to follow, didst will
that our Saviour should take upon Him our nature, and should
suffer the death of the cross: enable us, we beseech Thee, ever
to bear in mind the teachings of His patience, and in fine to
deserve to have part in His resurrection.
Epistle. Phil. ii. 5-1 1. Brethren:— Let this mind
be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who being in
the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with
God: but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant,
being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a
man. He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto
death, even to the death of the cross. For which cause
God also hath exalted Him, and hath given Him a name
which is above all names: that in the name of Jesus every
knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth,
and under the earth. And that every tongue should con- *
fess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the
Father.
1 140 Epistles and Gospels.
Gospel. The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according
to Matt. xxvi. and xxi)ii. At that time: — Jesus said to
to His disciples: You know that after two days shall be
the Pasch, and the Son of man shall be delivered up to be
crucified. Then were gathered together the chief priests
and ancients of the people into the court of the high-priest,
who was called Caiphas: and they consulted together,
that by subtilty they might apprehend Jesus and put
Him to death. But they said: Not on the festival-day,
lest perhaps there should be a tumult among the people.
And when Jesus was in Bethania, in the house of Simon
the leper, there came to Him a woman having an alabaster
box of precious ointment, and poured it on His head as
He was at table. And the disciples seeing it, had indigna-
tion, saying: To what purpose is this waste? for this
might have been sold for much and given to the poor. And
Jesus knowing it, said to them: Why do you trouble this
woman? For she hath wrought a good work upon Me.
For the poor you have always with you: but Me you have
not always. For she, in pouring this ointment upon My
body, hath done it for My burial. Amen I say to you,
wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world,
that also which she hath done, shall be told for a memory
of her. Then went one of the twelve, who was called
Judas Iscariot, to the chief priests. And said to them:
What will you give me, and I will deliver Him unto you?
But they appointed him thirty pieces of silver. And
from thenceforth he sought opportunity to betray Him.
And on the first day of the Azymes the disciples came to
Jesus, saying: Where wilt Thou that we prepare for Thee
to eat the Pasch? But Jesus said: Go ye into the city
to a certain man, and say to him: The Master saith: My
time is near at hand, with thee I make the Pasch with
My disciples. And the disciples did as Jesus appointed
to them, and they prepared the Pasch. But when it was
evening, He sat down with His twelve disciples. And
whilst they were eating, He said: Amen I say to you,
that one of you is about to betray Me. And they being
very much troubled, began every one to say: Is it I, Lord?
But He answering, said: He that dippeth his hand with
Me in the dish, he shall betray Me. The Son, of man
Epistles and Gospels. 1141
indeed goeth, as it is written of Him: but wo to that man
by whom the Son of man shall be betrayed: it were better
for him if that man had not been born And Judas that
betrayed Him, answering, said: Is it I, Rabbi? He saith
to him: Thou has said it. And whilst they were at supper,
Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke: and gave to
His disciples, and said: Take ye, and eat: this is My body.
And taking the chalice He gave thanks: and gave to them,
saying: Drink ye all of this. For this is My blood of the
New Testament, which shall be shed for many unto remis-
sion of sins. And I say to you I will not drink from hence-
forth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I shall
drink it with you new in the kingdom of My Father. And
a hymn being said, they went out unta Mount Olivet.
Then Jesus saith to them: All you shall be scandalized
in Me this night. For it is written: I will strike the
shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be dispersed. But
after I shall be risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
And Peter answering, said to Him: Although all shall be
scandalized in Thee, I will never be scandalized. Jesus
said to him: Amen I say to thee, that in this night before
the cock crow, thou wilt deny Me thrice. Peter saith to
Him: Yea, though I should die with Thee, I will not deny
Thee. And in like manner said all the disciples. Then
Jesus came with them into a country place which is called
Gethsemani, and He said to His disciples: Sit you here,
till I go yonder and pray. And taking with Him Peter and
the two sons of Zebedee, He began to grow sorrowful and
to be sad. Then He saith to them: My soul is sorrowful
even unto death: stay you here and watch with Me. And
going a little further, He fell upon His face, praying and
saying: My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass
from Me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt.
And He cometh to His disciples and findeth them asleep,
and He saith to Peter: What! could you not watch one
hour with Me? Watch ye, and pray that ye enter not into
temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh
weak. Again the second time He went and prayed, say-
ing: My Father, if this chalice may not pass away, but
I must drink it, Thy will be done. And He cometh again,
and findeth them sleeping: for their eyes were heavy.
Epistles and Gospels,
And leaving them, He went again: and He prayed the
third time, saying the self-same word. Then He cometh
to His disciples and saith to them: Sleep ye now and take
your rest: behold the hour is at hand, and the Son of man
shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us
go: behold he is at hand that will betray Me. As He yet
spoke, behold Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with
him a great multitude with swords and clubs, sent from the
chief priests and the ancients of the people. And he that
betrayed Him, gave them a sign, saying: Whomsoever
I shall kiss, that is He, hold Him fast. And forthwith
coming to Jesus, he said: Hail, Rabbi! And he kissed
Him. And Jesus said to him: Friend, whereto art thou
come? Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus, and
held Him. And behold one of them that Were with Jesus,
stretching forth his hand, drew out his sword, and striking
the servant of the high-priest, cut off his ear. Then Jesus
saith to him: Put up again thy sword into its place: For
all that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Think -
est thou that I cannot ask My Father, and He will give
Ale presently more than twelve legions of angels? How
then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that so it must be done?
In that same hour Jesus said to the multitudes: You are
come out as it were to a robber with swords and chibs to
apprehend Me. I sat daily with you teaching in the Temple,
and you laid not hands on Me. Now all this was done,
that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.
Then the disciples all leaving Him, fled. But they holding
Jesus led Him to Caiphas, the high-priest, where the scribes
and the ancients were assembled. And Peter followed
Him afar off, even to the court of the high-priest. And
going in he sat with the servants, that he might see the
end. And the chief priests and the whole council sought
false witness against Jesus that they might put Him to
death: and they found not, whereas many false witnesses
had come in. And last of all there came two false witnesses,
and they said: This man said, I am able to destroy the
Temple of God, and after three days to rebuild iL And
the high-priest rising up, said to Him: Answereth Thou
nothing to the things which these witness against Thee?
But Jesus held His peace. And the high-priest said to
J
Epistles and Gospels, 1143
Him: I adjure Thee by the living God, that Thou tell
us if Thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith to
him: Thou hast said it; nevertheless I say to you, here-
after you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand
of the power of God, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Then the high-priest rent his garments, saying: He hath
blasphemed: what further need have we of witnesses?
Behold, now you have heard the blasphemy; what think
you? But they answering, said, He is guilty of death.
Then did they spit in His face, and buffeted Him, and others
struck His face with the palms of their hands, saying: Proph-
esy unto us, O Christ; who is he that struck Thee? But
Peter sat without in the court: and there came to him
a servant maid, saying: Thou also wast with Jesus the
Galilean.
But he denied before them all, saying: I know not what
thou say est. And as he went out of the gate another
maid saw him, and she saith to them that were there:
This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth. And again
he denied with an oath: That I know not the man. And
after a little while they came that stood by, and said to
Peter: Surely thou also art one of them: for even thy speech
doth discover thee. Then he began to curse and to swear
that he knew not the man. And immediately the cock
crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus which
He had said: Before the cock crow thou wilt deny Me
thrice. And going forth he wept bitterly. And when
morning was come, all the chief priests and ancients of the
people took counsel against Jesus, that they might put
Him to death. And they brought Him bound and delivered
Him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas who
betrayed Him, seeing that He was condemned, repenting
himself, brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the
chief priests and ancients, saying: I have sinned in betray-
ing innocent blood. But they said: What is that to us?
Look thou to it. And casting down the pieces of silver
in the Temple he departed: and went and hanged himself
with an halter. But the chief priests having taken the
pieces of silver, said: It is not lawful to put them into the
corbona, because it is the price of blood. And after they
had consulted together, they bought with them the potter's
1 144 Epistles and Gospels.
field to be a burying-place for strangers. For this cause
that field was called Haceldama, that is, the field of blood,
even to this day. Then was fulfilled that which was
spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying: And they took
the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him that was prized.
Whom they prized of the children of Israel: and they _ gave
them unto the potter's field, as the Lord appointed to me.
And Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor
asked Him. saying: Art Thou the King of the Jews? Jesus
saith to him: Thou sayest it. And when He was accused
by the chief priests and ancients, He answered nothing.
Then Pilate saith to Him: Dost not Thou hear how great
testimonies they allege against Thee? And He answered
him to never a word: so that the governor wondered
exceedingly. Now upon the solemn day the governor
was accustomed to release to the people one prisoner,
whom they would; and he had then a notorious prisoner
that was called Barabbas. They therefore being gathered
together, Pilate said: Whom will you that I release to you,
Barabbas, or Jesus that is called Christ? For he knew that
for envy they had delivered Him. And as he was sitting
in the place of judgment his wife sent to him saying: Have
thou nothing to do with that just man; for I have suffered
many things this day in a dream because of Him. But the
chief priests and ancients persuaded the people that they
should ask Barabbas, and make Jesus away. And the
governor answering said to them: Whether will you of
the two to be released unto you? But they said, Barabbas.
Pilate saith to them : WThat shall I do then with Jesus that
is called Christ? They say all: Let Him be crucified.
The governor said to them: Why, what evil hath He
done? But they cried out the more, saying: Let Him be
crucified. And Pilate seeing that he prevailed nothing,
but that rather a tumult was made: taking water, washed
his hands before the people saying: I am innocent of the
blood of this just man; look you to it. And the whole
people answering, said: His blood be upon us and upon
our children. Then he released to them Barabbas: and
having scourged Jesus, delivered Him unto them to be
crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor taking Jesus
into the hall, gathered together unto Him the whole band;
Epistles and Gospels,
and stripping Him, they put a scarlet cloak about Him.
And platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head,
and a reed in His right hand. And bowing the knee
before Him, they mocked Him, saying: Hail, King of the
Jews! And spitting upon Him, they took the reed, and
struck His head. And after they had mocked Him, they
took off the cloak from Him and put on Him His own
garments, and led Him away to crucify Him. And going
out they found a man of Cyrene, named Simon: him they
forced to take up His cross. And they came to the place
that is called Golgotha, which is the place of Calvary.
And they gave Him wine to drink mingled with gall. And
when He had tasted, He would not drink. And after they
had crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting
lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the
prophet, saying: They divided My garments among them,
and upon My vesture they cast lots. And they sat. and
watched Him. And they put over His head His cause,
written: This is Jesus the King of the Jews. Then
were crucified with Him two thieves: one on the right
hand, and one on the left. And they that passed by blas-
phemed Him, wagging their heads, and saying: Yah,
Thou that destroyest the Temple of God, and in three days
dost rebuild it: save Thy own self: if Thou be the Son of
God, come down from the cross. In like manner also the
chief priests with the scribes and ancients mocking, said:
He saved others, Himself He cannot save: if He be the
King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross,
and we will believe Him. He trusted in God: let Him
now deliver Him if He will have Him: for He said: I am
the Son of God. And the self-same thing the thieves
also, that were crucified with Him, reproached Him with.
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over the
whole earth, until the ninth hour. And about the ninth
hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying: Eli, Eli, lamma
sabacthani? that is, My God, My God, why hast Thou
forsaken Me? And some that stood there and heard, said:
This man calleth Elias. And immediately one of them
running took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and
put it on a reed, and gave Him to drink. And the others
said: Let be, let. us see whether Elias will come to deliver
1 146
Epistles and Gospels.
Him. And Jesus again crying with a loud voice, yielded
up the ghost. And behold the veil of the Temple was
rent in two from the top even to the bottom; and the
earth quaked, and the rocks were rent. And the graves
were opened: and many bodies of the saints that had slept,
arose, and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection,
came into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now
the centurion, and they that were writh him watching
Jesus, having seen the earthquake and the things that
were done, were sore afraid, saying: Indeed this was the
Son of God. And there were many women afar off, who
had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto Him:
among whom w7as Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother
of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
And when it was evening, there came a certain rich man
of Arimathea, named Joseph; wTho also himself was a
disciple of Jesus; he went to Pilate and asked the body
of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded that the body should be
delivered. And Joseph taking the body, wrapped it up
in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his\Dwn new monu-
ment, which he had hewed out in a rock. And he rolled
a great stone to the door of the monument and went his
way. And there was there Mary Magdalen, and the
other Mary sitting over against the sepulchre. And the
next day, which followed the day of preparation, the
chief priests and the Pharisees came together to Pilate,
saying: Sir, wTe have remembered that that seducer said
while he was yet alive: After three days I will rise again.
Command therefore the sepulchre to be guarded until the
third day: lest perhaps His disciples come and steal
Him away, and say to the people: He is risen from the
dead: and the last error shall be worse than the first.
Pilate said to them: You have a guard: go guard it as
you know. And they departing, made the sepulchre sure,
sealing the stone, and setting guards.
MAUNDY THURSDAY.
Epistle, i Cor. xi. 20-32. Brethren: — When you
come together into one place, it is not now to eat the
Lord's Supper. For every one taketh before his own
Epistles and Gospels.
1147
supper to eat. • And one indeed is hungry: and another is
drunk. What, have you not houses to eat and to drink
in? Or despise ye the Church of God, and put them to
shame that have not? What shall I say to you? Do I
praise you? In this I praise you not. For I have received
of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that
the Lord Jesus, the same night in which He was betrayed,
took bread, and giving thanks, broke and said: Take ye
and eat : This is My body, which shall be delivered for you :
this do for the commemoration of Me. In like manner
also the chalice, after He had supped, saying: This chalice
is the new testament in My blood, this do ye as often as
you shall drink, for the commemoration of Me. For as
often as you shall eat this bread, and drink the chalice,
you shall show the death of the Lord until He come.
Therefore whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink the
chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body
and blood of the Lord. But let a man prove himself: and
so let him eat of that bread and drink of the chalice. For
he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and
drinketh judgment to himself: not discerning the body
of the Lord. Therefore are there many infirm and weak
among you, and many sleep. But if we would judge
ourselves, we should not be judged. But whilst we are
judged, we are chastised by the Lord, that we be not
condemned with this world.
Gospel. John xiii. 1-15. Before the festival day el
the Pasch, Jesus knowing that His hour was come, that
He should pass out of this world to the Father: having
loved His own who were in the world, He loved them unto
the end. And when supper was done, the devil having
now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon,
to. betray Him: knowing that the Father had given Him
all' things into His hands, and that He came from God,
and goeth to God: He riseth from supper, and layeth
aside His garments: and having taken a towel, girded Him-
self. After that He putteth water into a basin, and began
to wash the feet of the disciples, and to wipe them with
the towel wherewith He was girded. He cometh therefore
to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him: Lord, dost
Thou wash my feet? Jesus answereth, and said to him:
1 148 Epistles and Gospels.
What I do thou knowest not now, but shalt know hereafter.
Peter said to Him. Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus
answered him: If I wash thee not, thou shalt have no
part with Me. Simon Peter said to Him: Lord, not only
my feet, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith
to him. He that is washed, needeth not but to wash his
feet, but is clean wholly. And you are clean, but not all.
For He knew who he was that would betray Him: therefore
He said: You are not all clean. Then after He had washed
their feet, and taken His garments, being sat down again,
He said to them: Know you what I have done to you?
You call Me Master and Lord: and you say well, for so I
am. If then I, being your Lord and Master, have washed
your feet: you also ought to wash one another's feet.
For I have given you an example, that as I have done to
you, so you do also.
GOOD FRIDAY.
The First Lesson. Osee vi. 1-6. Thus saith the Lord:
—In their affliction they will rise early to Me. Come
and let us return to the Lord: for He hath taken us, and
He will heal us: He will strike, and He will cure us. He
will revive us after two days: on the third day He will
raise us up, and we shall live in His sight. We shall know,
and we shall follow on, that we may know the Lord. His
going forth is prepared as the morning light, and He will
come to us as the early and the latter rain to the earth.
What shall I do to thee, O Ephraim? What shall I do to
thee, O Juda? Your mercy is as a morning cloud, and as
the dew that goeth away in the morning. For this reason
have I hewed them by the prophets, I have slain them by
the words of My mouth: and thy judgments shall go forth
as the light. For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice: and
the knowledge of God more than holocausts.
The Second Lesson. Exod. xii. 1-11. In those days
the Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt:
This month shall be to you the beginning of months:
it shall be the first in the months of the year. Speak ye
to the whole assembly of the children of Israel, and say to
them: On the tenth day of this month let every man take
Epistles and Gospels. 1149
a lamb by their families and houses. But if the number
be less than may suffice to eat the lamb, he shall take unto
him his neighbor that joineth to his house, according to
the number of souls which may be enough to eat the lamb.
And it shall be a lamb without blemish, a male of one year;
according to which rite also you shall take a kid. And
you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month;
and the whole multitude of the children of Israel shall
sacrifice it in the evening; and they shall take of the blood
thereof, and put it upon both the side-posts and on the
upper doorposts of the houses wherein they shall eat it.
And they shall eat the flesh that night roasted at the fire,
and unleavened bread with wild lettuce. You shall not
eat thereof anything raw, nor boiled in water, but only
roasted at the fire: you shall eat the head with the feet and
entrails thereof. Neither shall there remain anything
of it till morning. If there be anything left, you shall
burn it with fire. And thus you shall eat it; you shall
gird your reins, and you shall have shoes on your feet:
holding staves in your hands; and you shall eat in haste.
For it is the Phase (that is, the passage) of the Lord.
Gospel. John xviii. and xix. At that time: — Jesus-
went forth with His disciples over the brook Cedron,
where there was a garden, into which He entered with
His disciples. And Judas also, who betrayed Him, knew
the place, because Jesus had often resorted thither together
with His disciples. Judas therefore having received a
band of soldiers, and servants from the chief priests and
the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and
weapons. Jesus therefore knowing all things that should
come upon Him, went forth, and said to them: Whom
seek ye? They answered Him: Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus
saith to them: I am He. And Judas also who betrayed
Him, stood with them. As soon therefore as He had said
to them: I am He: they went backward, and fell to the
ground. Again therefore He asked them: Whom seek ye?
And they said: Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I
have told you that I am He. If therefore you seek Me,
let these go their way. That the word might be fulfilled,
which He said: Of them whom Thou hast given Me, I
have not lost any one. Then Simon Peter having a sword,
1
1150
Epistles and Gospels.
drew it, and struck the servant of the high-priest, and
cut off his right ear. And the name of the servant was
Malchus. Jesus therefore said to Peter: Put up thy
sword into the scabbard. The chalice which My Father
hath given Me, shall I not drink it? Then the band and the
tribune, and the servants of the Jews took Jesus and bound
Him: and they led Him away to Annas first, for he was
father-in-law to Caiphas, who was the high-priest of that
year. Now Caiphas was he who had given the counsel
to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die
for the people. And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so
did another disciple. And that disciple was known to the
high-priest, and went in with Jesus into the court of the
high-priest. But Peter stood at the door without. The
other disciple, therefore, who was known to the high-
priest, went out, and spoke to the portress, and brought
in Peter. The maid therefore that was portress, saith to
Peter: Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He
saith: I am not. Now the servants and ministers stood
at a fire of coals, because it was cold, and warmed them-
selves. And with them was Peter also standing, and warm-
ing himself. The high-priest therefore asked Jesus of
His disciples, and of His doctrine. Jesus answered him:
I have spoken openly to the world : I have always taught in
the synagogue and in the Temple, whither all the Jews
resort; and in secret I have spoken nothing. Why asketh
thou Me? ask them who have heard what I have spoken
unto them: behold they know what things I have said.
And when He had said these things, one of the servants
standing by, gave Jesus a blow, saying: Answerest Thou
the high-priest so? Jesus answered him: If I have spoken
evil, give testimony of the evil; but if well, why strikest
thou Me? And Armas sent Him bound to Caiphas the
high-priest. And Simon Peter was standing and warming
himself. They said therefore to him: Art not thou also
one of His disciples? He denied it, and said: I am not.
One of the servants of the high-priest (a kinsman to him
whose ear Peter cut off) saith to him: Did not I see thee
in ihe garden with Him? Again therefore Peter denied:
and immediately the cock crew. Then they led Jesus
from Caiphas to the governor's hall. And it was morn-
Epistles and Gospels. 1151
ing: and they went not into the hall, that they might not
be defiled, but that they might eat the Pasch. Pilate
therefore went out to them, and said: What accusation
bring you against this man? They answered and said to
him: If He were not a malefactor, we would not have
delivered Him up to thee. Pilate therefore said to them:
Take Him you, and judge Him according to your law.
The Jews therefore said to him: It is not lawful for us to
put any man to death. That the word of Jesus might be
fulfilled which He said, signifying what death He should
die. Pilate therefore went into the hall again, and called
Jesus, and said to Him: Art Thou the King of the Jews?
Jesus answered: Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or have
others told it thee of Me? Pilate answered: Am I a Jew?
Thy own nation, and the chief priests have delivered Thee
up to me; what hast Thou done? Jesus answered: My
kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of
this world, My servants wrould certainly strive that I should
not be delivered to the Jews : but now My kingdom is not
from hence. Pilate therefore said to Him: Art Thou a
king v then? Jesus answered: Thou sayest that I am a
king. For this was I born, and for this came I into the
world: that I should give testimony to the truth. Every
one that is of the truth, heareth My voice. Pilate saith
to Him: What is truth? And when he said this he went
out again to the Jews, and saith to them: I find no cause
in Him. But you have a custom that I should release
one unto you at the Pasch : Will you therefore that I release
unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again,
saying: Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was
a robber. Then therefore Pilate took Jesus, and scourged
Him. And the soldiers platting a crown of thorns, put
it upon His head: and they put on Him a purple garment.
And they came to Him and said: Hail, King of the Jews,
and they gave Him blows. Pilate therefore went forth
again, and saith to them: Behold I bring Him forth unto
you, that you may know that I find no cause in Him.
(Jesus therefore came forth bearing the crown of thorns,
and the purple garment.) And he saith to them: Behold
the man. When the chief priests therefore and the officers
had seen Him, they cried out, saying: Crucify Him,
Epistles and Gospels.
crucify Him! Pilate saith to them: Take Him you, and
crucify Him, for I find no cause in Him. The Jews answered
him: We have a law, and according to the law He ought
to die, because He made Himself the Son of God. When
Pilate therefore had heard this saying, he feared the more.
And he entered into the hall again: and he said to Jesus:
Whence art Thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate
therefore saith to Him : Speakest Thou not to me? knowest
Thou not that I have power to crucify Thee, and I have
power to release Thee? Jesus answered: Thou shouldest
not have any power against Me, unless it were given thee
from above. Therefore, he that hath delivered Me to thee,
hath the greater sin. And from thenceforth Pilate sought
to release Him. But the Jews cried out, saying: If
thou release this man, thou art not Caesar's friend; for
whosoever maketh himself a king, speaketh against Caesar.
Now when Pilate had heard these words, he brought Jesus
forth: and sat down in the judgment seat, in the place that
is called Lithostrotos, and in Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it
was the Parasceve of the Pasch, about the sixth hour,
and he saith to the Jews: Behold your king. But they
cried out: Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him.
Pilate saith to them: Shall I crucify your king? The
chief priests answered: We have no king but Caesar.
Then, therefore, he delivered Him to them to be crucified.
And they took Jesus, and led Him forth. And bearing
His own cross, He went, forth to that place which is called
Calvary, but in Hebrew, Golgotha; where they crucified
Him, and with Him two others, one on each side: and Jesus
in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title also, and he put
it upon the cross. And the writing was, Jesus of Nazareth,
the King of the Jews. This title therefore, many of the
Jews did read, because the place where Jesus was crucified
was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, in
Greek, and iu Latin. Then the chief priests of the Jews
said to Pilate: Write not, The King of the Jews: but that
He said, I am the King of the Jews. Pilate answered:
What I have written, I have written. The soldiers, there-
fore, when they had crucified Him, took His garments
(and they made four parts: to every soldier a part), and
also His coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven
Epistles and Gospels. 1153
from the top throughout. They said then one to another1
Let us not cut it, but let us cast lots for it, whose it shar
be. That the Scripture might be fulfilled saying: They
have parted My garments among them, and upon My
vesture they have cast lots. And the soldiers indeed
did these things. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus,
His mother, and His mother's sister, Alary of Cleophas,
and Alary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore had seen
His mother, and the disciple, standing, whom He loved,
He saith to His mother: Woman, behold thy son. After
that, He saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And
from that hour the disciple took her to his own. After-
wards Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished,
that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, I thirst. Now
there was a vessel set there full of vinegar. And they put-
ting a sponge full of vinegar about hyssop, put it to His
mouth. Jesus therefore when He had taken the vinegar,
said: It is consummated. And bowing His head, He
gave up the ghost.
[Here all kneel, and pause a little, to meditate on the redemp-
tion of mankind.]
Then the Jews (because it was the Parasceve) that the
bodies might not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath-
day (for that was a great Sabbath-day), besought Pilate
that their legs might be broken, and that they might be
taken away. The soldiers, therefore, came: and they
broke the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified
with him. But after they were come to Jesus, when they
saw that He was already dead, they did not break His
legs. But one of *he soldiers with a spear opened His
side, and immediately there came out blood and water.
And he that saw it hath given testimony: and his testi-
mony is true. And he knoweth that he saith true: that
you also may believe. For these things were done that the
Scripture might be fulfilled. You shall not break a bone
of Him: And again another Scripture saith: They shall
look on Him Whom they pierced.
[Here the prayer " Munda cor meum " from the Ordinary
of the Mass is said.]
And after these things, Joseph of*Arimathea (because he
was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews)
H54
Epistles and Gospels,
besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus.
And Pilate gave leave. He came therefore and took away
the body of Jesus. And Nicodemus also came, he who at
the first came to Jesus by night, bringing a mixture of
myrrh and aloes, about an hundred-pound weight. They
took therefore the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen
cloths with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
Now there was in the place where He was crucified a garden
and in the garden a new sepulchre wherein no man yet
had been laid. There, therefore, because of the Parasceve
of the Jews, they laid Jesus, because the sepulchre was
nigh at hand.
HOLY SATURDAY.
Epistle. Col. Hi. 1-4. Brethren: — If you be risen with
Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is
sitting at the right hand of God: mind the things that are
above, not the things that are upon the earth. For you
are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When
Christ shall appear, Who is your life, then you also shall
appear with Him in glory.
Gospel. Matt, xxviii. 1-7. In the end of the Sabbath,
when it began to dawn towards the first day of the week,
came Mary Magdalen, and the other Mary, to see the
sepulchre. And behold there was a great earthquake.
For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven; and
coming rolled back the stone and sat upon it. And his
countenance was as lightning, and his raiment as snow.
And for fear of him, the guards were struck with terror,
and became as dead men. And the angel answering,
said to the women: Fear not you: for I know that you
seek Jesus Who was crucified: He is not here: for He is
risen, as He said. Come and see the place where the Lord
wTas laid. And going, quickly tell ye His disciples that He
is risen: and behold He will go before you into Galilee:
there you shall see Him: lo, I have foretold it to you.
EASTER SUNDAY.
Collect. O God, Who this day, by Thine only-begotten
Son didst conquer death, opening unto us the gates of everlast-
ing life: to the desires of our hearts, which Thou inspirest, do
Thou, by Thy gracious help, enable us to attain.
Epistles and Gospels. 1155
Epistle, i Cor. v. 7 f 8. Brethren: — Purge out the
old leaven, that you may be a new paste, as you are un-
leavened. For Christ, our Pasch, is sacrificed. There-
fore let us feast, not with the old leaven, nor with the
leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened
bread of sincerity and truth.
Gospel. Mark xvi. 1-7. At that time: — Mary Mag-
dalen and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought
sweet spices, that coming they might anoint Jesus. And
very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they
came to the sepulchre, the sun being now risen. And
they said one to another: Who shall roll us back the stone
from the door of the sepulchre? And looking, they saw the
stone rolled back; for it was very great. And entering
into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the
right side, clothed with a white robe: and they were aston-
ished. Who saith to them: Be not affrighted: you seek
Jesus of Nazareth, Who was crucified: He is risen, He
is not here: behold the place where they laid Him. But
go, tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you
into Galilee: there you shall see Him, as He told you.
LOW SUNDAY.
Collect. Grant us, we beseech Thee, almighty God, in our
hearts and in our manner of life, at all times to keep to Thee
an Easter festival such as we have celebrated.
Epistle. 1 John v. 4-10. Dearly Beloved: — Whatso-
ever is born of God, overcometh the world; and this is
the victory which overcometh the world, our faith. Who
is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth
that Jesus is the Son of God? This is He that came by
water and blood, Jesus Christ: not by water only, but
by water and blood. And it is the Spirit which testineth
that Christ is the truth. And there are three who give
testimony in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy
Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that
give testimony on earth: the Spirit, and the water, and the
blood, and these three are one. If we receive the testimony
of men, the testimony of God is greater: for this is the
testimony of God, which is greater, because He hath
1 1 56 Epistles and Gospels.
testified of His Son. He that believeth in the Son of God,
hath the testimony of God in himself.
Gospel. John xx. 19-31. At that time: — When it
was late that same day, the first of the week, and the doors
were shut, where the disciples were gathered together for
fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and
said to them: Peace be to you. And when He had said
this, He showed them His hands and His side. The
disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord.
He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As
the Father hath sent Me, I also send you. When He
had said this He breathed on them; and He said to them:
Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive,
they are forgiven them: and whose sins you shall retain,
they are retained. Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who
is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
The other disciples therefore said to him: We have seen
the Lord. But he said to them: Except I shall see in His
hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place
of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not
believe. And after eight days again His disciples were
within: and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors
being shut, and stood in the midst, and said: Peace be
to you. Then He saith to Thomas: Put in thy finger
hither, and see My hands; and bring hither thy hand
and put it into My side: and be not faithless but believing.
Thomas answered and said to Him: My Lord, and my
God. Jesus saith to him: Because thou hast seen Me,
Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have
not seen, and have believed. Many other signs also did
Jesus in the sight of His disciples which are not written
in this book. But these are written that you may believe
that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God: and that believ-
ing you may have life in His name.
SECOXD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER.
Collect. O God, Whose only-begotten Son, by humbling
Himself, has raised up a fallen world: to Thy faithful people
vouchsafe abiding joys. Thou hast snatched them from the
certainty of eternal death; do Thou likewise ensure to each
of them a part in that happiness which is everlasting. Others as
on First Sunday of Advent, p. 1111.
Epistles and Gospels. 1157
Epistle: i Peter ii. 21-25. Dearly Beloved: — Christ
suffered for us? leaving you an example that you should
follow His steps; Who did not sin, neither was guile found
in His mouth. Who, when He was reviled, did not revile:
when He suffered He threatened not: but delivered Him-
self to him that judged Him unjustly: Who His own self
bore our sins in His body upon the tree: that we being
dead to sins, should live to justice: by Whose stripes you
were healed. For you were as sheep going astray, but
you are now converted to the shepherd and bishop of your
souls.
Gospel. John x. 11-16. At that time Jesus said to
the Pharisees: — I am the good shepherd. The good
shepherd giveth his life for his sheep. But the hireling
and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are
not, seeth the wolf coming and leaveth the sheep, and
flieth : and .the wolf catcheth and scattereth the sheep, and
the hireling flieth, because he is a hireling, and he hath
no care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd: and I
know Mine, and Mine know Me. As the Father knoweth
Me, and I know the Father: and I lay down My life for
My sheep. And other sheep I have, that are not of this
fold: them also I must bring, and they shall' hear My
voice, and there shall be one folji and one shepherd.
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER.
Feast of the Patronage of St. Joseph.
Collect. O God, Who in the ineffable order of Thy prov-
idence wast pleased to choose blessed Joseph to be the Spouse
of Thy most holy Mother: grant us, we beseech Thee, to deserve
to have for our advocate in heaven him whom we venerate as
our protector on earth.
Epistle. Gen. xlix. 22-26. Joseph is a growing son,
a growing son and comely to behold: the daughters run to
and fro upon the wall. But they that held darts provoked
him, and quarrelled with him, and envied him. His bow
rested upon the strong, and the bands of his arms and
his hands were loosed, by the hands of the mighty one
of Jacob: thence he came forth a pastor, the stone of Israel.
1 1 58 Epistles and Gospels,
The God of thy father shall be thy helper, and the Almighty
shall bless thee with the blessings of heaven above, with
the blessings of the deep that lieth beneath, with the
blessings of the breasts and of the womb. The blessings
of thy father are strengthened with the blessings of his
fathers: until the desire of the everlasting hills should
come; may they be upon the head of Joseph, and upon the
crown of the Nazarite among his brethren.
Gospel of the Feast. Luke Hi. 21-23. At that time : —
It came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that
Jesus also being baptized and praying, heaven was opened:
and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape as a dove
upon Him : and a voice came from heaven : Thou art My
beloved Son: in Thee I am well pleased. And Jesus
Himself was beginning about the age of thirty years,
being, as it was supposed, the son of Joseph.
Said at the end of the Mass.
Collect for the Sunday. O God, ,Who upon them that go
astray dost shed the light of Thy truth, leading them back into
the paths of righteousness: upon all who profess to be Chris-
tians, bestow grace to put from them whatever befits not the
name they bear, and to order their lives worthily thereof.
Gospel of the Sunday. John xvi. 16-22. At that time
Jesus said to His disciples: — A little while, and now you
shall not see Me: and agiin a little while, and you shall
see Me: because I go to the Father. Then some of His
disciples said one to another: What is this that He saith
to us: A little while, and you shall not see Me: and again
a little while, and you shall see Me, and because I go to
the Father? They said therefore: What is this that He
saith, a little while? we know not what He speaketh.
And Jesus knew that they had a mind to ask Him, and He
said to them: Of this do you inquire among yourselves,
because I said: A little while, and you shall not see Me:
and again a little while, and you shall see Me. Amen,
Amen, I say to you, that you shall lament and weep, but
the world shall rejoice: and you shall be made sorrowful,
but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman, when
she is in labor, hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but
when she hath brought forth the child, she remembereth
Epistles and Gospels.
"59
no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the
world. So also you now indeed have sorrow, but I will
see you again, and your heart shall rejoice: and your joy
no man shall take from you.
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER.
Collect. O God, Who makest Thy faithful servants to be
of one mind and of one heart: teach us, Thy people, that only
to love which Thou wiliest, that only to hope for, which Thou
promisest; so that, amidst the manifold changes of this life,
there only may our hearts abide, where alone true joys are found.
Others as on p. 1111.
Epistle. James i. 17-21. Dearly Beloved:— Every
best gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, coming down
from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no change,
nor shadow of alteration. For of His own will hath He
begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some
beginning of His creatures. You know, my dearest
brethren, and let every man be swift to hear: but slow to
speak, and slow to anger. For the anger of man worketh
not the justice of God. Wherefore casting away all un-
ci eanness, and abundance of naughtiness, with meekness
receive the engrafted word, which is able to save your
souls.
Gospel. John xvi. 5-14. At that time Jesus said to
His disciples : I go to Him that sent Me ; and none of you
asketh Me: Whither goest Thou? But because I have
spoken these things to you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
But I tell you the truth: it is expedient to you that I go:
for if I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you: but if
I go, I will send Him to you. And when He is come, He
will convince the world of sin, and of justice, and of judgment ;
of sin: because they believed not in Me. And of justice:
because I go to the Father; and you shall see Me no longer.
And of judgment: because the prince of this world is
already judged. I have yet many things to say to you : but
you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of
truth is come, He will teach you all truth : for He shall not
speak of Himself: but what things soever He shall hear,
He shall speak, and the things that are to come He shall
show you. He shall glorify Me: because He shall receive
of Mine, and shall show it to you.
n6o Epistles and Gospels.
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER.
. Collect. O God, from Whom flow all good things, give
ear to our supplication: and inspire us with determination to
do what is right, and with steadfastness to carry out, guided
by Thee, our good resolves. Others as on p. 1111.
Epistle. James i. 22-27. Dearly Beloved: — Be ye
doers of the word, and not hearers only: deceiving your
own selves. But if a man be a hearer of the word, and not
a doer, he shall be compared to a man beholding his own
countenance in a glass: For he beheld himself, and went
his way, and presently forgot what manner of man he was.
But he that hath looked into the perfect law of liberty,
and hath continued therein, not becoming a forgetful
hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed
in his deed. And if any man think himself to be religious,
not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his own heart, this
man's religion is vain. Religion clean and undefiled before
God and the Father, is this: To visit the fatherless and
widows in their tribulation; and to keep one's self unspotted
from this world.
Gospel. John xvi. 23-30. At that time Jesus said to
His disciples: — Amen, amen I say to you: if you ask the
Father anything in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto
you have not asked anything in My name: Ask, and you
shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things I have
spoken to you in proverbs. The hour cometh when I will
no more speak to you in proverbs, but will show you plainly
of the Father: In that day you shall ask in My name: and
I say not to you, that I will ask the Father for you : For
the Father Himself loyeth you, because you have loved
Me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came
forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again
I leave the world, and I go to the Father. His disciples
say to Him: Behold now Thou speakest plainly, and speakest
no proverb; now we know that Thou knowest all things,
and Thou needest not that any man should ask Thee. By
this we believe that Thou comest forth from God.
Epistles and Gospels. 1161
THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD.
Collect. Grant, O almighty God, we beseech Thee, that
believing Thine only-begotten Son, our Redeemer, on this day
to have ascended into heaven, we may also there, in heart, make
our dwelling-place.
Epistle. Acts i. i-ii. The former treatise I made, O
Theophilus, of all things which Jesus began to do and to
teach until the day on which, giving commandments by
the Holy Ghost to the apostles whom He had chosen,
He was taken up: To whom also He showed Himself alive
after His passion, by many proofs, for forty days appear-
ing to them, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And
eating together with them, He commanded them that they
should not depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for the
promise of the Father, which you have heard, saith He, by
My mouth: For John, indeed, baptized with water, but
you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days
hence. They therefore who were come together asked
Him, saying: Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the
kingdom to Israel? But He said to them: It is not for you
to know the times or moments which the Father hath put
in His own power. But you shall receive the power of the
Holy Ghost coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses
unto Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and
•even to the uttermost part of the earth. And when He
had said these things, while they looked on, He was raised
up: and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And
while they were beholding Him going up to heaven, behold
two men stood by them in white garments, who also said:
Ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking up to heaven?
This Jesus Who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so
come as you have seen Him going into heaven.
Gospel. Mark xvi. 14-20. At that time: — Jesus ap-
peared to the eleven as they were at table, and upbraided
them with their incredulity and hardness of heart: because
they did not believe them who had seen Him after He was
risen again. And He said to them: Go ye into the whole
world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that
believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that be-
lieveth not shall be condemned. And these signs shall
Il62
Epistles and Gospels.
follow them that believe: In My name they shall cast out
devils: they shall speak with new tongues: they shall take
up serpents: and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it
shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the
sick, and they shall recover. And the Lord Jesus, after
He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and
sitteth on the right hand of God. But they going forth
preached everywhere, the Lord working withal, and con-
arming the word with signs that followed.
SUNDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE
ASCENSION.
Collect. Almighty and merciful God, grant that our service
of Thy divine majesty may ever be that of a devoted will and
of a pure heart. Also Collect of Ascension Day, p. 1161.
Epistle, i Peter iv. 7-1 1. Dearly Beloved: — Be pru-
dent, and watch in prayers. But before all things have a
constant mutual charity among yourselves: for charity
covereth a multitude of sins. Using hospitality one to-
wards another without murmuring. As every man hath
received grace, ministering the same to one another, as
good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man
speak let him speak as the words of God. If any man
minister, let him do it as of the power which God adminis-
tereth: that in all things God may be honored through
Jesus Christ.
Gospel. John xv. 26, 27; xvi. 1-4. At that time Jesus
said to His disciples: — When the Paraclete cometh Whom
I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, Who
proceedeth from the Father, He shall give testimony
of Me: And you shall give testimony, because you are
with Me from the beginning. These things have I spoken
to you, that you may not be scandalized. They will put
you out of the synagogues: yea, the hour cometh that
whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth a service to
God. And these things will they do to you, because they
have not known the Father nor Me. But these things I
have told you, that when the hour shall come, you may
remember that I told you of them.
Epistles and Gospels.
FEAST OF PENTECOST, OR WHITSUNDAY.
Collect. O God, Who hast this day taught the hearts of
the faithful by the light of the Holy Ghost: grant that, by the
gift of the same Spirit, we may always be truly wise and ever
rejoice in His holy consolations.
Epistle. Acts ii. i-ii. When the days of the Pentecost
were accomplished, they were all together in one place:
.And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a
mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where1
they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted
tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of
them: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and
they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the
Holy Ghost gave them to speak. Now there were dwelling
at Jerusalem Jews, devout men out of every nation under
heaven. And when this was noised abroad, the multitude
came together, and were confounded in mind, because that
every man heard them speak in his own tongue. And they
were all amazed, and wondered, saying: Behold, are not all
these that speak Galileans? And how have we heari
every man our own tongue wherein we were born? Par-
thians, and Medes, and Elamites, and inhabitants of
Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia,
Phrygia, and Paraphilia, Egypt, and the parts of Lybia
about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews also, and prose-
lytes, Cretes, and Arabians: we have heard them speak
in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.
Gospel. John xiv. 23-31. At that time Jesus said to
His disciples: — If any one love Me, he will keep My word,
and My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and
will make our abode with him. He that loveth Me not,
keepeth not My words. And the word which you have
heard k not Mine : but the Father's Who sent Me. These
things have I spoken to you, abiding with you. But the
Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in
My name, He will teach you all things, and bring all things
to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you. Peace
I leave with you; My peace I give unto you: not as the
world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be
troubled, nor let it be afraid. You have heard that I said
to you: I go away and I come unto you. If you loved
Epistles and Gospels.
Me, you would indeed be glad, because I go to the Father;
v for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told
you before it came to pass: that when it shall come to pass,
you may believe. I will not now speak many things with
you: for the prince of this world cometh, and in Me he hath
not anything. But that the world may know that I love
the Father: and as the Father hath given Me command-
ment, so do I.
TRINITY SUNDAY.
Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast given to
Thy servants, in their confessing of the true faith, to bear wit-
ness to the glory of the eternal Trinity, and to adore the Unity
in might of its majesty: vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, that
our steadfast holding to that same faith may be our defence in
all adversity.
Epistle. Rom. xi. 33-36. O the depth of the riches
of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! How incom-
prehensible are His judgments, and how unsearchable
His ways! For who hath known the mind of the Lord?
Or who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given
to Him, and recompense shall be made him? For of Him,
and by Him, and in Him, are all things; to Him be glory
for ever. Amen.
Gospel. Matt, xxviii. 18-20. At that time Jesus said
to his disciples : — All power is given to Me in heaven and in
earth: going therefore teach ye all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things what-
soever I have commanded you, and behold I am with you
all days, even to the consummation of the world.
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect of the Sunday. O God, the strength of all who
hope in Thee, listen in Thy mercy to our supplications: and
since, unless Thou help, the weakness of our human nature
availeth not at all, replenish us with Thy grace, that in the
keeping of Thy commandments, both by our will to serve Thee,
and by our actions, we may be well-pleasing in Thy sight.
Epistle, i John iv. 8-21. Dearly Beloved: — God is
charity. By this hath the charity of God appeared towards
us, because God hath sent His only-begotten Son into the
Epistles and Gospels. 1165
world, that we may live by Him. In this is charity; not
as though We had loved God, but because He hath first loved
us, and sent His Son to be a propitiation for our sins. My
dearest, if God hath so loved us, we also ought to love one
another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love
one another God abideth in us, and His charity is per-
fected in us. In this we know that we abide in Him, and
He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit. And
we have seen and do testify, that the Father hath sent
His Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall
confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him,
and he in God. And we have known and have believed
the charity which God hath to us. God is charity; and
he that abideth in charity abideth in God, and God in him.
In this is the charity of God perfected with us, that we may
have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is,
we also are in this world. Fear is not in charity; but
perfect charity casteth out fear because fear hath pain;
and he that feareth is not perfected in charity. Let us
therefore love God because God first hath loved us. If any
man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar.
For he that loveth not his brother whom he seeth, how can
he love God Whom he seeth not? And this commandment
we have from God, that he, who loveth God, love also his
brother.
Gospel. Luke vi. 36-42. At that time Jesus said to His
disciples: — Be ye merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Judge not, and you shall not be judged: condemn not, and
you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you shall be
forgiven. Give, and it shall be given to you : good measure
and pressed down and shaken together and running over
shall they give into your bosom. For with the same measure
that you shall mete withal, it shall be measured to you
again. And He spoke also to them a similitude: Can the
blind lead the blind? do they not both fall into the ditch?
The disciple is not above his master: but every one shall
be perfect, if he be as his master. And why seest thou the
mote in thy brother's eye : but the beam that is in thy own
eye thou considerest not? Or how canst thou say to thy
brother: Brother, let me pull the mote out of thy eye:
when thou thyself seest not the beam in thy own eye?
1 1 66 Epistles and Gospels.
Hypocrite, cast first the beam out of thy own eye: ana
then shalt thou see clearly to take out the mote from thy
brother's eye.
CORPUS CHRISTI.
Collect . O God, Who in this wonderful sacrament hast
left us a memorial of Thy passion: grant us, we beseech Thee,
so to reverence the sacred mysteries of Thy body and blood,
that we may ever feel within us the fruit of Thy redemption.
Epistle, i Cor. xi. 23-29. Brethren: — For I have
received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you,
that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which He was be-
trayed, took bread, and giving thanks, broke and said:
Take ye and eat : This is My body, which shall be delivered
for you: this do for the commemoration of Me. In like
manner also the chalice, after He had supped, saying:
This chalice is the New Testament in My blood : this do ye
as often as you shall drink, for the commemoration of Me.
For as often as you shall eat this bread and drink the chalice,
you shall show the death of the Lord until He come: There-
fore whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink the chalice of
the Lord unworthily : shall be guilty of the body and of the
blood of the Lord. But let a man prove himself: and so
let him eat of that bread and drink of the chalice. For he
that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh
judgment to himself: not discerning the body of the Lord.
Gospel. John vi. 56-59. At that time Jesus said to
the multitude of the Jews: — My flesh is meat indeed: and
My blood is drink indeed; he that eateth My flesh, and
drinketh My blood, abideth in Me, and I in him. As
the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father:
so he that eateth Me, the same also shall live by Me. This
is the bread that came down from heaven. Not as your
fathers did eat manna and are dead. He that eateth this
bread shall live for ever.
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. Do Thou, O Lord, bestow upon us, both an abiding
fear and an abiding love of Thy holy name: for those to whom
Thou teachest the depths of Thy love, at no time dost Thou fail
to govern by Thy grace. Also Collect aslon Corpus Christi.
Epistle, i John Hi. 13-18. Dearly Beloved: — Wonder
not, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed
-Epistles and Gospels.
from death to life, because we love the brethren. He that
loveth not abideth in death : Whosoever hateth his brother,
is a murderer. And you know that no murderer hath
eternal life abiding in himself. In this we have known
the charity of God, because He hath laid down His life for
us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
He that hath the substance of this world, and shall see his
brother in need, and shall shut up his bowels from him, how
doth the charity of God abide in him? My little children,
let us not love in word, nor in tongue, but in deed and in
truth.
Gospel. Luke xiv. 16-24. At that time Jesus spoke
to the Pharisees this parable: — A certain man made a
great supper, and invited many. And he sent his servant
at the hour of supper to say to them that were invited that
they should come, for now all things are ready. And they
began all at once to make excuse. The first said to him:
I have bought a farm and I must needs go out and see it;
I pray thee, hold me excused. And another said: I have
bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to try them; I pray thee,
hold me excused. And another said: I have married a
wife, and therefore I cannot come. And the servant
returning told these things to his lord. Then the master
of the house, being angry, said to his servant: go out
quickly into the streets and lanes of the city: and bring in
hither the poor and the feeble, and the blind and the lame.
And the servant said: -Lord, it is done as thou has com-
manded, and yet there is room. And the lord said to the
servant: Go out into the highways and hedges; and compel
them to come in, that my house may be filled. But I say
unto you that none of those men that were invited, shall
taste of my supper.
FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
Collect. O almighty God, we entreat Thee, give unto us
who, calling to mind the inestimable blessings we owe to its
love of us, glory in the most sacred Heart of Thy beloved Son,
to make it our delight to dwell in thought, both on those same
blessings and on the fruit we gather therefrom.
Epistle, Isaias xii. 1-6. I will give thanks to Thee,
0 Lord, for Thou wast angry with me : Thy wrath is turned
n68
Epistles and Gospels.
away and Thou hast comforted me. Behold God is my
Saviour. I will deal confidently, and will not fear; because
the Lord is my strength, and my praise, and He is become
my salvation. You shall draw waters with joy out of the
Saviour's fountains. And you shall say in that day:
Praise ye the Lord, and call upon His name: make His
inventions known among the people: remember that His
name is high. Sing ye to the Lord, for He hath done
great things: show this forth in all the earth. Rejoice,
and praise, O thou habitation of Sion: for great is He that
is in the midst of thee, the Holy One of Israel.
Gospel. John xix. 31-35. At that time: — The Jews
(because it was the Parasceve), that the bodies might not
remain upon the cross on the Sabbath-day (for that was
a great Sabbath-day) , besought Pilate that their legs might
be broken, and that they might be taken away. The
soldiers, therefore, came; and they broke the legs of the
first, and of the other that was crucified with him. But
after they were come to Jesus, when they saw that He was
already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the
soldiers, with a spear, opened His side, and immediately
there came out blood and water. And he that saw it
hath given testimony: and his testimony is true.
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. O God, the protector of all who_hope~in Thee,
without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: multiply Thy
mercies upon us, that having Thee for our ruler, and Thee for
our guide, we may in such manner make use of temporal goods,
that we lose not those which are everlasting.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle, i Peter v. 6-1 1. Dearly Beloved: — Be you
humbled under the mighty hand of Cod, that He may exalt
you in the time of visitation: Casting all your care upon
Him, for He hath care of you. Be sober and watch: be-
cause your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth
about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist ye,
strong in faith: knowing that the same affliction befalleth
your brethren who are in the w7orld. But the God of ail
grace, Who hath called us unto His eternal glory in Christ
Epistles and Gospels. 1169
Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will Himself perfect
you. and confirm you, and establish you. To Him be glory
and empire for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel. Luke xv. 1-10. At that time: — The publicans
and sinners drew near unto Him to hear Him. And the
Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying: This man re-
ceiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And He spoke to
them this parable, saying: What man of you that hath an
hundred sheep, and if he shall lose one of them, doth he
not leave the ninety-nine in the desert, and go after that
which was lost until he find it? And when he hath found
it, lay it upon his shoulders rejoicing; and coming home
call together his friends and neighbors, saying to them:
Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was
lost? I say to you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven
upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon ninety-
nine just who need not penance. Or what woman having
ten groats, if she lose one groat, doth not light a candle
and sweep the house and seek diligently until she find it?
And when she hath found it, call together her friends and
neighbors, saying: Rejoice with me, because I have found
the groat which I had lost. So I say to you, there shall be
joy before the angels of God upon one sinner doing penance.
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that the govern-
ance of the world may be ordered in peace by Thee: and that
Thy Church in all quietness may render her glad service to Thee.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle. Rom. viii. 18-23. Brethren: I reckon that
the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared
with the glory to come, that shall be revealed to us. For
the expectation of the creature waiteth for the revelation of
the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to
vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him that made it
subject, in hope: Because the creature also itself shall be
delivered from the servitude of corruption, into the liberty
of the glory of the children of God. For we know that
every creature groaneth, and travaileth in pain even till
now. And not only it, but ourselves also, who have the
1 170
Epistles and Gospels.
first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within
ourselves, waiting for the adoption of the sons of God,
the redemption of our body.
Gospel. Luke v. 1-11. At that time: — When the
multitudes pressed upon Him to hear the word of God,
He stood by the lake of Genesareth. And saw two ships
standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out
of them, and were washing their nets. And going into one
of the ships that was Simon's, He desired him to draw back a
little from the land. And sitting, He taught the multitudes
out of the ship. Now when He had ceased to speak, He
said to Simon: Launch out into the deep, and let down
your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said to
Him: Master, we have labored all the night, and have
taken nothing: but at Thy word I will let down the net.
And when they had done this, they enclosed a very great
multitude of fishes, and their net broke. And they beckoned
to their partners that were in the other ship, that they
should come and help them. And they came and filled
both the ships, so that they were almost sinking: which,
when Simon Peter saw, he fell down at Jesus' knees, say-
ing: Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
For he was wTholly astonished, and all that were with him,
at the draught of the fishes which they had taken. And
so were also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who
were Simon's partners. Ajid Jesus saith to Simon: Fear
not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And having
brought their ships to land, leaving all things, they followed
Him.
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. O God, Who for them that love Thee hast prepared
good things, which eye hath not seen: pour into our hearts a
fervent love of Thee; so that in all things, and above all things
loving Thee, we may attain to Thy promises exceeding all desire
of the heart of man.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle, i Peter Hi. 8-13. Dearly Beloved: — Be ye
all of . one mind, having compassion one of another, being
lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, modest, humble:
Epistles and Gospels.
1171
Not rendering" evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but
contrariwise, blessing: for unto this are you called, that
you may inherit a blessing. Fop he that will love life, and
see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and
his lips that they speak no guile. Let him decline from
evil, and do good: let him seek after peace, and pursue it,
because the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and His
ears unto their prayers; but the countenance of the Lord
upon them that do evil things. And who is he that can
hurt you, if you be zealous of good? But if also you suffer
anything for justice' sake, blessed are ye. And be not
afraid of their fear, and be not troubled; but sanctify the
Lord Christ in your hearts.
Gospel. Matt. v. 20-24. At that time Jesus said to
His disciples: — I t^ll you, unless your justice abound more
than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter
into the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was
said to them of old: Thou shalt not kill: and whosoever
shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say
to you: that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be
in danger of the judgment. And whosoever shall say to
his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council. And
whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell
fire. If therefore thou offer thy gift at the altar, and there
thou remember that thy brother hath anything against
thee: Leave there thy offering before the altar, and go
first to be reconciled to thy brother, and then coming thou
shalt offer thy gift.
SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. Q God of hosts, the giver of all good things:
implant in our hearts the love of Thy name; make us to grow
in fervor; foster in us that which is good, and, in Thy loving
kindness, of that which Thou fosterest, be Thyself the safeguard.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle. Rom. vi. 3-1 1. Brethren; — All we, who are
baptized in Christ Jesus, are baptized in His death. For
we are buried together with Him by baptism into death:
that as Christ is risen from the dead by the glory of the
Father, so we also may walk in newness of life. For if we
1 1 72 Epistles and Gospels.
have been planted together in the likeness of His death,
we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection. Know-
ing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the
body of sin may be destroyed, to the end that we may
serve sin no longer. For he that is dead is justified from sin.
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall
live also together with Christ: knowing that Christ rising
again from the dead, dieth now no more, death shall no
more have dominion over Him. For in that He died to
sin, He died once; but in that He liveth, He liveth unto
God. So do you also reckon that you are dead to sin, but
alive unto God, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Gospel. Mark viii. i-g. At that time: — When there
was a great multitude, and had nothing to eat, calling His
disciples together, He saith to them: I have compassion
on the multitude; for behold they ha^e now been with
Me three days, and have nothing to eat. And if I shall
send them away fasting to their home, they will faint
in the way; for some of them came from afar off. And
His disciples answered Him: From whence can any one
fill them here with bread in the wilderness? And He asked
them: How many loaves have ye? who said: Seven.
And He commanded the multitude to sit down upon the
ground. And taking the seven loaves, giving thanks,
He broke, and gave to His disciples for to set before them,
and they set them before the people. And they had a
few little fishes, and He blessed them, and commanded
them to be set before them. And they did eat and wTere
filled, and they took up that which wras left of the frag-
ments, seven baskets. And they that had eaten were
about four thousand: and He sent them away.
SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. O God, Whose providence in the ordering of all
things faile+h not; we very humbly beseech Thee, from us to
put away all that is hurtful, and upon us to bestow all that is
to our good.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle. Rom. vi. 19-23. Brethren: — I speak an human
thing, because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as you
Epistles and Gospels. 1173
have yielded your members to serve uncleanness and in-
iquity, unto iniquity, so now yield your members to serve
justice, unto sanctification. . For when you were the ser-
vants of sin, you were free men to justice. What fruit
therefore had you then in those things of .which you are
now ashamed? For the end of them is death. But now
being made free from sin, and become servants of God,
you have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end life
everlasting. For the wages of sin is death. But the
grace of God, life everlasting in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Gospel. Matt. mi. 15-21. At that time Jesus said to
His disciples: — Beware of false prophets, who come to you
in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly they are ravening
wolves. By their fruits you shall know them. Do men
gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every
good tree bringeth forth good fruit, and the evil tree
bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth
evil fruit: neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit:
every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be cut
down, and shall be cast into the fire. Wherefore by their
fruits you shall know them. Not every one that saith
to Me: Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven:
but he that doth the will of My Father Who is in heaven,
he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.
EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. Impart to us, in Thy mercy, we beseech Thee, O
Lord, the grace, at all times, both to think and to do what is
right in Thy sight: that we, who but for Thee could not even
have our being, may live only to fulfil Thy holy will.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle. Rom. viii. 12-ij. Brethren: — We are debtors
not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you
live according to the flesh, you shall die, but if by the
Spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live.
For whosoever are led by the Spirit of God, they are the
sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of
bondage again in fear, but you have received the spirit
of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba (Father).
For the Spirit Himself giveth testimony to our spirit, that
1 1 74 Epistles and Gospels.
we are the sons of God. And if sons, heirs also; heirs
indeed of God, and joint heirs with Christ.
Gospel. Luke xvi. i-g. At that time: — He said also
to His disciples: There was a certain rich man who had a
steward: and the same was accused unto him, that he had
wasted his goods. And he called him, and said to him:
How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy
stewardship; for now thou canst be steward no longer.
And the steward said within himself: What shall I do,
because my lord taketh away from me the stewardship?
To dig I am not able, to beg I am ashamed. I know what
I will do, that when I shall be removed from the steward-
ship, they may receive me into their houses. Therefore
calling together every one of his lord's debtors, he said
to the first: How much dost thou owe my lord? But
he said: An hundred barrels of oil. And he said to him:
Take thy bill and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then
he said to another: And how much dost thou owe? Who
said: An hundred quarters of wheat. He said to him:
Take thy bill and write eighty. And the lord commended
the unjust steward, forasmuch as he had done wisely: for
the children of this world are wiser in their generation
than the children of light. And I say to you: Make unto
you friends of the mammon of iniquity, that when you
shall fail they may receive you into everlasting dwellings.
XIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. Let Thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the
prayers of Thy suppliants; and in order that to those who seek,
Thou mayest surely give that for which they ask, make -them
to ask only for those things which are well-pleasing to Thee.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle, i Cor. x. 6-ij. Brethren: — We should not
covet evil things, as they also coveted. Neither become
ye idolaters, as some of them: as it is written: The people
sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither
let us commit fornication, as some of them committed
fornication, and there fell in one day three-and-twenty
thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ: as some of them
tempted, and perished by the serpents. Neither do you
Epistles and Gospels.
"75
murmur: as some of them murmured, and were destroyed
by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them
in figure: and they are written for our correction, upon
whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore he
that thinketh himself to stand, let him take heed lest he
fall. Let no" temptation take hold on you, but such as
is human: and God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to
be tempted above that which you are able, but will make
also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it.
Gospel. Luke xix. 41-47. At that time: — When He
drew near Jerusalem, seeing the city, He wept over it,
saying: If thou also hadst known, and that in this thy
day, the things that are to thy peace, but now they are
hidden from thy eyes. For the days shall come upon
thee; and thy enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and
compass thee round: and straiten thee on every side:
and beat thee flat to the ground, and thy children who are
in thee, and they shall not leave in thee a stone upon a
stone: because thou hast not known the time of thy visita-
tion. And entering into the Temple, He began to cast
out them that sold therein, and them that bought, saying
to them: It is written: My house is the house of prayer;
but you have made it a den of thieves. And He was teach-
ing daily in the Temple.
. TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. O God, "Who, more than in all things else, showest
forth Thine almighty power by sparing and by having mercy;
multiply upon us Thy mercy; and make us, who run forward
with trust in Thy promises, to be sharers in the good things of
heaven.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle, i Cor. xii. 2- 11. Brethren: — You know that
when you were heathens, you went to dumb idols, accord-
ing as you were led. Wherefore I give you to understand,
that no man, speaking by the Spirit of God, saith Anathema
to Jesus. And no man can say, the Lord Jesus, but by
the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of graces, but
the same Spirit: and there are diversities of ministries,
but the same Lord : and there are diversities of operations,
/
1 1 76 Epistles and Gospels.
but the same God, Who worketh all in all. And the
manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man unto
profit. To one, indeed, by the Spirit, is given the word
of wisdom: and to another, the word of knowledge, accord-
ing to the same Spirit: to another, faith in the same Spirit:
to another, the grace of healing, in one Spirit: to another
the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another
the discerning of spirits, to another divers kinds of tongues,
to another interpretation of speeches. But all these things
one and the same Spirit worketh, dividing to every one
according as He will.
Gospel. Luke xviii. 9-14. At that time: — To some
who trusted in themselves as just, and despised others,
He spoke also this parable: Two men went up into the
Temple to pray: the one a Pharisee, and the other a publi-
can. The Pharisee, standing, prayed thus with himself:
0 God! I give Thee thanks that I am not as the rest of
men; extortioners, unjust, adulterers: as also is this publi-
can; I fast twice in a week; I give tithes of all that I
possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not
so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven: but struck
his breast, saying: O God! be merciful to me a sinner!
1 say to you, this man went down to his house justified
rather than the other, because every one that exalteth
himself shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself
shall be exalted.
ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. Almighty and everlasting God, Who out of the
abundance of Thy loving kindness, in answering the prayer of
him who calleth upon Thee, art wont to go beyond the deserts
and the" hopes of the suppliant: do Thou pour forth upon us
Thy mercy; forgive us those sins on account of which our con-
science is afraid; and endow us with those good things for which
our prayer ventures not to ask.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle, i Cor. xv. 1-10. I make known unto you,
brethren, the Gospel which I preached to you, which also
you have received, and wherein you stand, by which
also you are saved: if you hold fast after what manner I
preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain.
Epistles and Gospels.
1177
For I delivered unto you, first of all, that which I also
received: how that Christ died for our sins, according to
the Scriptures : And that He was buried, and that He rose
again the third day according to the Scriptures: And that
He was seen by Cephas, and after that by the eleven.
Then was He seen by more than five hundred brethren at
once, of whom many remain until this present, and some
are fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then
by all the apostles: and last of all, He was seen also by
me as by one born out of due time. For I am the least
of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle,
because I persecuted the Church of God. But by the
grace of God I am what I am: and His grace in me hath
not been void.
Gospel. Mark vii. 31-37* At that time: — Going out
of the coasts of Tyre, He came by Sidon to the Sea of
Galilee, through the midst of the coast of Decapolis. And
they bring to Him one deaf and dumb : and they besought
Him that He would lay His hand upon him. And taking
him from the multitude apart, He put His fingers into
his ears, and spitting, He touched his tongue: and looking
up to heaven, He groaned, and said to him: Ephpheta,
which is, be thou opened. And immediately his ears were
opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he
spoke right. And He charged them that they should tell
no man. But the more He charged them, so much the
more a great deal did they publish it: And so much the
more did they wonder, saying : He hath done all things well :
He hath made both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. Almighty and merciful God, Whose gift it is that
Thy faithful render a true and worthy service to Thee: grant
us, we beseech Thee, to run without stumbling to the fulfil-
ment of Thy promises.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle. 2 Cor. Hi. 4-g. Brethren: — Such confidence
we have, through Christ towards God: Not that we are
sufficient to think anything of ourselves as of ourselves:
but our sufficiency is from God: Who also hath made
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Epistles and Gospels.
us fit ministers of the New Testament, not in the letter,
but in the Spirit, for the letter killeth: but the Spirit
quickeneth. Now if the ministration of death, engraven
with letters upon stones, was glorious, so that the children
of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses,
for the glory of his countenance, which is made void :
how shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather in
glory? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory:
much more the ministration of justice aboundeth in glory.
Gospel. Luke x. 23-37. At that time Jesus said to
His disciples: — Blessed are the eyes that see the things
which you see. For I say to you that many prophets and
kings have desired to see the things that you see, and have
not seen them: and to hear the things that you hear,
and have not heard them. And behold a certain lawyer
stood up, tempting Him, and saying: Master, what must I
do to possess eternal life? But He said to him: What is
written in the law? how readest thou? He answering,
said: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole
heart, and with thy whole soul, and with all thy strength,
arid with all thy mind: and thy neighbor as thyself. And
He said to him: Thou hast answered right: this do, and
thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said
to Jesus: And who is my neighbor? And Jesus answering
said: A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho,
and fell among robbers, who also stripped him: and, hav-
ing wounded him, went away leaving him half dead. And
it chanced that a certain priest went down the same way:
and seeing him, passed by. In like manner also a Levite,
when he was near the place and saw him, passed by. But
a certain Samaritan being on his journey came near him:
and seeing him, was moved with compassion. And going,
up to him, bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine:
and setting him upon his own beast, brought him to an
inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out
two pence, and gave to the host, and said: Take care of
him: and whatsoever thou shalt spend over and above,
I at my return will repay thee. Which of these three in
thy opinion was neighbor to him that fell among the robbers?
But he said: He that showed mercy to him. And Jesus
said to him : Go and do thou in like manner.
Epistles and Gospels, 1179
THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. Almighty and everlasting God, grant unto us an
increase of faith, hope, and charity, and that we may deserve
to obtain what Thou dost promise, make us to love what Thou
commandest.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle. Gal. Hi. 16-22. Brethren: — To Abraham were
the promises made and to his seed. He saith not: And
to his seeds, as of many: but as of one: And to thy seed,
which is Christ. Now this I say, that the testament
which was confirmed by God: the law which was made
after four hundred and thirty years, doth not annul, to
make the promise of no effect. For if the inheritance be
of the law, it is no more of promise. But God gave it to
Abraham by promise. Why then was the law? It was
set because of transgressions, until the seed should come,
to whom He made the promise, being ordained by angels
in the hands of a mediator. Now a mediator is not of one :
but God is one. Was the law then against the promises
of God. God forbid. For if there had been a law given
which could give life, verily justice should have been by
the law. But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin,
that the promise by the faith of Jesus Christ might be given
to them that believe.
Gospel. Luke xvii. 11-ig. At that time: — As He was
going to Jerusalem, He passed through the midst of Samaria
and Galilee. And as He entered into a certain town,
there met Him ten men that were lepers, who stood afar off :
And lifted up their voice, saying: Jesus, Master, have
mercy on us. Whom when He saw, He said: Go show
yourselves to the priests. And it came to pass, as they
went they were made clean. And one of them, when he
saw that he was made clean, went back, with a loud voice
glorifying God, and he fell on his face, before His feet,
giving thanks; and this was a Samaritan. And Jesus
answering, said: Were not ten made clean? and where
are the nine? There is no one found to return and give
glory to God but this stranger. And He said to him;
Arise, go thy way: for thy faith hath made thee whole.
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Epistles and Gospels.
FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. Reconciled for evermore to Thy Church, do Thou
watch over her, O Lord: and since, save Thou uphold him,
mortal man most surely falls; keep us by thy help from all
hurtful things, and lead us to those that profit us to salvation.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle. Gal. v. 16-24. Brethren: — I say then, walk
in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh.
For the flesh lusteth against the spirit: and the spirit
against the flesh; for these are contrary one to another:
so that you do not the things that you would. But if
you are led by the spirit, you are not under the law. Now
the works of the flesh are manifest, which are, fornication,
uncleanness, immodesty, luxury, idolatry, witchcrafts,
enmities, contentions, emulations, wraths, quarrels, dis-
sensions, sects, envies, murders, drunkenness, reveUings,
and such like, of which I foretell you, as I have foretold
to you, that they who do such things shall not obtain the
kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is, charity,
joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, longanimity,
mildness, faith, modesty, continency, chastity. Against
such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have
crucified their flesh with the vices and concupiscences.
Gospel. Matt. vi. 24-33. At that time Jesus said to
His disciples: No man can serve two masters: for either
he will hate the one, and love the other: or he will sustain
the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God
and mammon. Therefore I say to you, be not solicitous
for your life, what you shall eat, nor for your body, what
you shall put on. Is not the life more than the meat,
and the body more than the raiment? Behold the birds
of the air, for they neither sow, nor do they reap, nor gather
into barns: and your heavenly Fatner feedeth them.
Are not you of much more value than they? And which of
you by taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
And for raiment why are you solicitous? Consider the
lilies of the field how they grow: they labor not, neither
do they spin. But I say to you, that not even Solomon in
all his glory was arrayed as one of these. And if the grass
of the field, which is to-day, and to-morrow is cast into the
Epistles and Gospels.
1181
oven, God doth so clothe: how much more you, O ye of
little faith? Be not solicitous, therefore, saying: What
shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewith shall we
be clothed? For after all these things do the heathens seek.
For your Father knoweth that you have need of all these
things. Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God and
His justice: and all these things shall be added unto you.
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. May Thine abiding loving-kindness, O Lord,
cleanse and fortify Thy Church: and, forasmuch as without
Thee it can never be well with her, may it be at all times Thy
grace that governs her.
ft. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
HI. At choice.
Epistle. Gal. v. 25, 26; vi. 1-10. Brethren: — If we
live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not
be made desirous of vain-glory, provoking, one another,
envying one another. And if a man be overtaken in any
fault, you, who are spiritual, instruct such a one in the
spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be
tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so you shall
fulfil the law of Christ. For if any man think himself to be
something, whereas he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
But let every one prove his own work, and so he shall have
glory in himself only, and not in another. For every one
shall bear his own burden. And let him that is instructed
in the word communicate to him that instructeth him, in
all good things. Be not deceived: God is not mocked.
For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap.
For he that soweth in his flesh, of the flesh also shall reap
corruption: but he that soweth in the Spirit, of the Spirit
shall reap life everlasting. And in doing good, let us not
fail: for in due time we shall reap, not failing. Therefore,
whilst we have time, let us work good to all men, but espe-
cially to those who are of the household of the faith.
Gospel. Luke viL 11-16. At that time: — Jesus went
into a city that is called Xaim: and there went with Him
His disciples, and a great multitude. And when He came
nigh to the gate of the city, behold a dead man was car-
ried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow:
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Epistles and Gospels.
and a great multitude of the city was with her. Whom
when the Lord had seen, being moved with mercy towards
her, He said to her: Weep not. And He came near and
touched the bier. (And they that carried it stood still.)
And He said: Young man, I say to thee, Arise. And he
that was dead sat up and began to speak. And He gave
him to his mother. And there came a fear on them all:
and they glorified God, saying: A great prophet is risen up
among us: and God hath visited His people.
SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. May Thy grace, we beseech Thee, O Lord, ever
both prevent us and follow us: and may it cause us to be zealous
a: all times in the doing of good works.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle. Eph. Hi. 13-21. Brethren: — I pray you not
to faint at my tribulations for you: which is your glory.
Eor this cause I bow my knees to the Father of Our Lord
Jesus Christ, of Whom all paternity in heaven and earth
is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches
of His glory, to be strengthened by His Spirit with might
unto the inward man, that Christ may dwell by faith in
your hearts: that being rooted and founded in charity,
you may be able to comprehend, with all the saints, what
is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth: To
know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth all
knowledge, that you may be filled unto all the fulness
of God. Now to Him Who is able to do all things more
abundantly than we desire or understand, according to the
power that worketh in us: to Him be glory in the Church,
and in Christ Jesus, unto all generations, world without
end. Amen.
Gospel. Luke xiv. 1-11. At that time: — When Jesus
went into the house of one of the chief of the Pharisees,
on the Sabbath-day, to eat bread, they watched Him.
And behold there was a certain man before Him that had
the dropsy. And Jesus answering, spoke to the lawyers
and Pharisees, saying: Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath-
day? But they held their peace. But He, taking him,
healed him, and sent him away. And answering them,
Epistles and Gospels,
He said: Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fall into a
pit, and will not immediately draw him out on the Sab-
bath-day? And they could not answer Him to these things.
And He spoke a parable also to them that were invited,
marking how they chose the first seats at the table, saying
to them: When thou art invited to a wedding, sit not
down in the first place, lest perhaps one more honorable
than thou be invited by him, and he that inviteth thee and
him, come and say to thee: Give this man place: and
then thou begin with shame to take the lowest place: but
when thou art invited, go, sit down in the lowest place:
that when he who invited thee cometh, he may say to thee :
Friend, go up higher. Then shalt thou have glory before
them that sit at the table with thee. Because every one
that exalteth himself shall be humbled: and he that hum-
bleth himself shall be exalted.
SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. Grant unto Thy people, O Lord, to withstand
the temptations of the devil: and, pure in heart, to follow Thee,
Who alone art their God.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle. Eph. iv. 1-6. Brethren: — I, a prisoner in the
Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation
in which you are cafled, with all humility and mildness,
with patience, supporting one another in charity, careful
to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. One
body and one spirit, as you are called in one hope of your
calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and
Father of all. Who is above all, and through all, and in
us all.
Gospel. Matt. xxii. 35-46. At that time the Pharisees
came nigh to Jesus : — And one of them, a doctor of the law,
asked Him, tempting Him: Master, which is the great
commandment in the law? Jesus said to him: Thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy
whole soul, and with thy whole mind. This is the greatest
and the first commandment. And the second is like to
this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these
two commandments dependeth the whole law and the
1 1 84 Epistles and Gospels.
prophets. And the Pharisees being gathered together,
Jesus asked them, saying: What think you of Christ?
Whose Son is He? They say to Him: David's. He saith
to them: How then doth David in spirit call Him Lord,
saying: The Lord said to my Lord: Sit on My right hand,
until I make Thy enemies Thy footstool? If David then
call Him Lord, how is He his Son? And no man was able
to answer Him a word: neither durst any man from that
day forth ask Him any more questions.
EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. In Thy tender mercy, guide aright, we beseech,
O Lord, our hearts; for, save Thou be with us, we avail not
so to live as to be pleasing to Thee.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle, i Cor. i. 4-8. Brethren: — I give thanks
to my God always for you, for the grace of God that is
given you in Christ Jesus: That in all things you are
made rich in Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge:
As the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that
nothing is wanting to you in any grace, waiting for the
manifestation of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who also will
confirm unto the end without crime, in the day of the
coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel. Matt. ix. 1-8. At that time: — Entering into
a boat, He passed over the water and came into His own
city. And behold they brought to Him one sick of the
palsy lying in a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said
to the man sick of the palsy: Be of good heart, son, thy
sins are forgiven thee. And behold some of the scribes
said within themselves: He blasphemeth. And Jesus
seeing their thoughts, said: Why do you think evil in your
hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven
thee: or to say: Arise and walk? But that you may know
that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,
then said He to the man sick of the palsy: Arise, take up
thy bed and go into thy house. And he arose and went
into his house. And the multitude seeing it feared, and
glorified God that gave such power to men.
Epistles and Gospels.
NINTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. Almighty and merciful God, in Thy goodness
put far from us all that may work us harm: that alert alike
in mind and body, we may readily devote ourselves to the doing
of Thy holy will.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle. Eph. iv. 23-28. Brethren: — Be renewed in
the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, who,
according to God, is created in justice, and holiness of truth,
Wherefore, putting away lying, speak ye the truth every
man with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Be angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your
anger. Give not place to the devil. He that stole, let
him now steal no more, but rather let him labor, working
with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have
something to give to him that suffereth need.
Gospel. Matt. xxii. 2-14. At that time Jesus spoke
to the chief priests arid Pharisees in parables, saying: —
The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king, who made a
marriage for his son. And he sent his servants to call
them that were invited to the marriage: and they would
not come. Again he sent other servants, saying: Tell
them that were invited, Behold, I have prepared my dinner,
my beeves and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready:
come ye to the marriage. But they neglected: and went
their ways, one to his farm, and another to his merchandise.
And the rest laid hands on his servants, and, having treated
them contumeliously, put them to death. But when the
king had heard of it, he was angry, and, sending his armies,
he destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
Then he saith to his servants: The marriage indeed is
ready; but they that were invited were not worthy. Go
ye therefore into the highways, and as many as you shall
find, call to the marriage. And his servants going forth
into the ways, gathered together all that they found, both
bad and good: and the marriage was filled with guests.
And the king went in to see the guests, and he saw there a
man who had not on a wedding garment. And he saith
to him: Friend, how earnest thou in hither, not having
nS6
Epistles and Gospels.
on a wedding garment? But he was silent. Then the king
said to the waiters: Bind his hands and feet, and cast him
into the exterior darkness: there shall be weeping and
gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.
TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. Be appeased, O Lord, we beseech Thee, and
» bestow pardon and peace upon Thy faithful people: so that our
sins being forgiven us, in quietness of mind, we may give our-
selves to Thy service.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle. Eph. v. 15-21. See, brethren, how you walk
circumspectly; not as unwise, but as wise: redeeming the
time, because the days are evil. Wherefore become not
unwise; but understanding what is the will of God. And
be not drunk with wine, wherein is luxury; but be ye filled
with the Holy Spirit. Speaking to yourselves in psalms,
and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing and making
melody in your hearts, to the Lord, giving thanks always
for all things, in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to God
and the Father: being subject one to another in the fear
of Christ.
Gospel. John iv. 46-53. At that time: — There was a
certain ruler whose son was sick at Capharnaum. He
having heard that Jesus was come from Judea into Galilee,
went to Him, and prayed Him to come down and heal his
son, for he was at the point of death. Jesus therefore said
to him: Unless you see signs and wonders you believe not.
The ruler saith to Him: Lord, come down before that my
son die. Jesus saith to him: Go thy way, thy son liveth.
The man believed the word which Jesus said to him, and
went his way. And as he was going down, his servants
met him: and they brought word, saying that his son
lived. He asked therefore of them the hour wherein he
grew better. And they said to him: Yesterday at the
seventh hour the fever left him. The father therefore
knew that it was at the same hour that Jesus said to him:
Thy son liveth: and himself believed and his whole house.
* Epistles and Gospels. 1187
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. In Thine unceasing loving-kindness, watch over
Thine household, we beseech Thee, O Lord: that safeguarded
by Thee from all evil, we may give ourselves with fervor to the
doing of good works, to the glory of Thy holy name.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle. Eph. vi. 10-17. Brethren: — Be strengthened
in the Lord, and in the might of His power. Put you on
the armor of God, that you may be able to stand against
the deceits of the devil; for our wrestling is not against
flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers,
against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the
spirits of wickedness in the high places. Therefore take
unto you the armor of God, that you may be able to resist
in the evil day, and to stand in all things perfect. Stand
therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and
having on the breast-plate of justice, and your feet shod
with the preparation of the gospel of peace: In all things
taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to
extinguish all the fiery darts cf the most wicked one: And
take unto you the helmet of salvation, and the sword of
the Spirit (which is the word of God) .
Gospel. Matt, xviii. 23-35. At that time Jesus spoke
to His disciples this parable: — The kingdom of heaven is
likened to a king who would take an account of his servants.
And when he had begun to take the account, one was brought
to him that owed him ten thousand talents. And as he
had not wherewith to pay it, his lord commanded that
he should be sold, and his wife and children, and all that
he had, and payment to be made. .But that servant falling
down, besought him saying: Have patience with me and
I will pay thee all. And 'the lord of that servant, being
moved with pity, let him'^o, and forgave him the debt.
But when that servant was gone out, he found one of his
fellow-servants that owed him an hundred pence: and
laying hold of him, he throttled him, saying: Pay what
thou owest. And his fellow-servant falling down, besought
him, saying: Have patience with me, and I will pay thee
all. And he would not : but went and cast him into prison,
till be paid the debt. Now his fellow-servants, seeing what
1
1 1 88 Epistles and Gospels. *
was done, were very much grieved: and they came and told
their lord all that was done. Then his lord called him:
and said to him: Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all
the debt, because thou besought est me: Shouldst not
thou then have had compassion also on thy fellow-servant,
even as I had compassion on thee? And his lord being
angry, delivered him to the torturers until he paid all the
debt. So also shall My heavenly Father do to you, if
you forgive not every one his brother from your hearts.
TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER
PENTECOST.
Collect. I. O God, our refuge and our strength, who Thyself
art the fountain of all piety: look down, we beseech Thee, on
the fervent prayers of Thy Church; and grant that what in
faith we ask, we may in all profitable fulness receive.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
Epistle. Phil. i. 6-n. Brethren: — Being confident
of this very thing, that he, who hath begun a good work in
you, will perfect it unto the day of Christ Jesus: as it is
meet for me to think this for you all; for that I have you
in my heart: and that in my bonds, and in the defence,
and confirmation of the Gospel, you all are partakers of
my joy. For God is my witness, how I long after you all
in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your
charity may more and more abound in knowledge, and
in all understanding: That you may approve the better
things, that you may be sincere and without offence
unto the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of justice through
Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Gospel. Matt. xxii. 15-21. At that time: — The
Pharisees going, consulted among themselves how to en-
snare Him in His speech. And they sent to Him their
disciples with the Herodians, saying: Master, we know that
Thou art a true speaker, and teachest the way of God in
truth, neither carest Thou for any man: for Thou dost not
regard the person of men: Tell us therefore what dost
Thou think: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?
But Jesus, knowing their wickedness, said: Why do you
tempt Me, ye hypocrites? Show Me the coin of the tributeo
Epistles and Gospels.
And they offered Him a penny. And Jesus saith to them:
Whose image and inscription is this? They say to Him:
Caesar's. Then He saith to them: Render therefore to
Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things
that are God's.
TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. Forgive, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the trans-
gressions of Thy people: and may Thy loving-kindness loose
us from that chain of sin with which, in our weakness, we have
suffered ourselves to be bound.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday) 0
III. At choice.
[Should there be but 23 Sundays after Pentecost, the
Mass of the 24th is said to-day, and this on the preceding
Saturday if it be neither a double nor semi-double, in which
case it is said on some free day before it.]
Epistle. Phil. Hi. 17-21; iv. 1-3. Be followers of me,
brethren, and observe them who walk so as you have our
model. For many walk, of whom I have told you often
(and now tell you weeping) that they are enemies of the
cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction: whose God is
their belly: and whose glory is in their shame, who mind
earthly things. But our conversation is in heaven; from
whence also we look for the Saviour, Our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who will reform the body of our lowness, made like to the
body of His glory, according to the operation whereby also
He is able to subdue all things unto Himself. Therefore,
my dearly-beloved brethren, and most desired, my joy
and my crown : so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved :
I beg of Evodia, and I beseech Syntyche to be of one mind
in the Lord. And I entreat thee also, my sincere companion,
help those women that have labored with me in the Gospel
with Clement and the rest of my fellow-laborers, whose
names are in the Book of Life.
Gospel. Matt. ix. 18-26. At that time: — As He was
speaking these things unto them, behold a certain ruler
came up, and adored Him, saying: Lord, my daughter
is even now dead; but come, lay Thy hand upon her,
and she shall live. And Jesus, rising up, followed him,
with His disciples. And behold a woman who was troubled
1 190 Epistles and Gospels.
with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind Him, and
touched the hem of His garment. For she said within
herself: If I shall touch only His garment, I shall be healed.
But Jesus, turning and seeing her, said: Be of good heart,
daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman
was made whole from that hour. And when Jesus was come
into the house of the ruler, and saw the minstrels and the
multitude making a rout, He said: Give place, for the
girl is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed Him to
scorn. And when the multitude was put forth He went in:
and took her by the hand. And the maid arose. And
the fame hereof went abroad into all that country.
LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Collect. I. Stir up, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the wills of Thy
faithful; that, more and more intent on the doing of good works,
they may more and more plenteously share in Thy mercies.
II. Save us (as on Ash Wednesday).
III. At choice.
[As there cannot be less than 23 nor more than 28 Sun-
days after Pentecost, it is to be observed that the Mass
of the 24th is always said on that Sunday which imme-
diately precedes Advent. When therefore, it happens
that there are any intervening Sundays between the 23d
and the last, the Epistles and Gospels are taken from the
Sundays which were omitted after Epiphany, for instance;
if but one Sunday, the Mass is of the 6th after Epiphany;
if two, of the 5th and 6th; if three, of the 4th, 5th, and
6th; and if four, of the 3d, 4th, 5th, and 6th.]
Epistle. Col. i. 9-14. Brethren: — We cease not to
pray for you, and to beg that you may be filled with the
knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual under-
standing: that you may walk worthy or God in all things
pleasing: being fruitful in every good work, and increasing
in the knowledge of God: Strengthened with all might
according to the power of His glory, in all patience and long-
suffering, with joy giving thanks to God the Father, Who
hath made us worthy to be partakers of the lot of the saints
in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of dark-
ness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of the Son
Epistles and Gospels.
1191
of His love, in Whom we have redemption through His
blood, the remission of sins.
Gospel. Matt. xxiv. 15-35. At that time Jesus said
to His disciples: — When you shall see the abomination of
desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet,
standing in the holy place, he that readeth let him under-
stand: Then they that are in Judea, let them flee to the
mountains, and he that is on the housetop, let him not
come down to take anything out of his house: and he that
is in the field, let him not go back to take his coat. And
wo to them that are with child, and that give suck in those
days. But pray that your flight be not in the winter, or
on the Sabbath: for there shall be then great tribulation,
such as hath not been from the beginning of the world
until now, neither shall be. And unless those days had
been shortened, no flesh should be saved: but for the sake
of the elect those days shall be shortened. Then if any
man shall say to you: Lo, here is Christ, or there, do not
believe him. For theie shall arise false Christs and false
prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, inso-
much as to deceive (if possible) even the elect. Behold
I have told it to you beforehand. If, therefore, they shall
say to you: Behold He is in the desert, go ye not out:
Behold He is in the closets, believe it not. For as lightning
cometh out of the east, and appeareth even unto the west:
so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Whereso-
ever the body shall be, there shall the eagles also be gathered
together. And immediately after the tribulation of those
days the sun shall be darkened and the moon shall not give
her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the
powers of heaven shall be moved. And then shall appear
the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all
tribes of the earth mourn: and they shall see the Son of
man coming in the clouds of heaven with much power and
majesty. And He shall send His angels with a trumpet,
and a great voice: and they shall gather together His
elect from the four winds, from the farthest parts of the
heavens to the utmost bounds of them. And from the
fig-tree learn a parable: when the branch thereof is now
tender, and the leaves come forth, you know that summer
is nigh. So you, also, when you shall see all these things,
1 192 Epistles and Gospels,
know ye that it is nigh, even at the doors. Amen I say-
to you, that this generation shall not pass till all these things
be done. Heaven and earth shall pass, but my words
shall not pass.
festivals of tbe 2£>ear*
CANDLEMAS DAY. February 2.
Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, most humbly we
entreat of Thy majesty that, even as Thine only-begotten Son,
clothed in the substance of our flesh, did this day vouchsafe to be
presented in the . s temple; so, our hearts having been purified by
Thy grace, we likewise one day may be presented to Thee.
Epistle. Mai. Hi. 1-4. Thus saith the Lord: — Behold
I send My angel, and he shall prepare the way before My
face. And presently the Lord Whom you seek, and the
angel of the testament, whom you desire, shall come to
His temple. Behold he cometh, saith the Lord of hosts:
and who shall be able to think of the day of his coming?
and who shall stand to see him? for he is like a refining
fire, and like the fuller's herb : and he shall sit refining and
cleansing the silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi,
and shall refine them as gold, and as silver, and they shall
offer sacrifices to the Lord in justice. And the sacrifice
of Juda and of Jerusalem shall please the Lord, as in the
days of old, and in the ancient years.
Gospel. Luke ii. 22-32. At that time: — After the
days of her purification according to the law of Moses were
accomplished, they carried Him to Jerusalem, to present
Him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord:
Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the
Lord. And to offer a sacrifice according as it is written
in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtle-doves, or two young
pigeons. And behold there was a man m Jerusalem named
Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the
consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was in him.
And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost,
that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ
of the Lord. And he came by the Spirit into the Temple.
And when His parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do
for Him according to the custom of the law: he also took
Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: Now Thou
Epistles and Gospels. 1193
dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word,
m peace: because my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which
Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: a light
to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy
people Israel.
FEAST OF ST. PATRICK, march 17.
Collect. O God, Who for the preaching of Thy glory among
the Gentiles wert pleased to send forth blessed Patrick, Thy con-
fessor and pontiff: do Thou through his merits and intercession
grant, that what Thou commandest us to do, the same we may
by Thy mercy accomplish.
Epistle. Ecclns. xliv. 17, 20, 22, 27; xlv. 3, 8, 20.
Behold, a great priest, who, in his days, pleased God, and
was found just : and in the time of wrath was made a recon-
ciliation. There was not found one like him that kept the
law of the Most High. Therefore with an oath the Lord
made him to increase among his people. He gave him
the blessing of all nations, and confirmed His covenant
upon his head. He acknowledged him in His blessings:
He preserved for him His mercy; and he found grace before
the eyes of the Lord. He glorified him in the sight of kings,
and gave him a crown of glory. He established with him
an everlasting covenant, and gave him a great priest-
hood, and made him blessed in glory. To execute the
office of the priesthood, and to have praise in His name,
and to offer Him a worthy incense for an odor of sweetness.
Gospel. Matt. xxv. 14-23. At that time Jesus spoke
this parable to His disciples: — A man going into a far
country, called his servants, and delivered to them his
goods. And to one he gave five talents, and to another
two, and to another one, to every one according to his
proper ability: and immediately he took his journey.
And he that had received the five talents went his way,
and traded with the same, and gained other five. And in
like manner he that had received the two, gained other two.
But he that had received the one, going his way digged
into the earth, and hid his lord's money. But after a long
time the lord of those servants came, and reckoned with
them. And he that had received the five talents coming,
brought other five talents, saying: Lord, thou didst deliver
H94
Epistles and Gospels,
to me five talents, behold I have gained other five over
and above. His lord said to him: Well done, good and
faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a
few things I will place thee over many things, enter thou
into the joy of thy lord. And he also that had received
the two talents came and said: Lord, thou deliveredst two
talents to aie: behold I have gained other two. His Lord
- said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant: because
thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place
thee over many things, enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH.
MARCH 19.
Collect. May the merits of the Spouse of Thy most Holy
Mother profit us, O Lord: and may his prayer win for us those
blessings which we of ourselves avail not to obtain.
Epistle. Ecclus. xh. 1-6. He was beloved of God,
and men: whose memory is in benediction. He made
him like the saints in glory, and magnified him in the fear
of his enemies, and with his words he made prodigies to
cease. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave
him commandments in the sight of his people, and showed
him His glory. He sanctified him in his faith and meek-
ness, and chose him out of all flesh. For He heard him,
and his voice, and brought him into a cloud. And He
gave him commandments before his face, and a law of
life and instruction.
Gospel. Matt. i. 18-21. When Mary, the mother of
Jesus, was espoused to Joseph, before they came together,
she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. Where-
upon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not
willing publicly to expose her: was= minded to put her
away privately. But while he thought on these things,
behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep,
saying, Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee
Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her, is of
the Holy Ghost; and she shall bring forth a Son: and
thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His
people from their sins.
Epistles and Gospels.
"95
ANNUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
MARCH 25.
Collect. O God, Who didst will that at the message of an
Angel Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of the blessed
Virgin Mary: grant unto us, Thy suppliants, who believe her
to be in very truth the Mother of God, to be helped by the prayers
she puts up to Thee on our behalf.
Epistle. Jsaias vii. 10-15. In those days fhe Lord
spoke to Achaz, saying: Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy
God, either unto the depth of hell, or unto the height
above. And Achaz said: I will not ask, and I will not
tempt the Lord. And he said: Hear ye therefore, O house
of David: Is it a small thing for you to be grievous to men,
that you are grievous to my God also. Therefore the
Lord Himself shall give you a sign. Behold a virgin
shall conceive, and bear a son, and His name shall be called
Emmanuel. He shall eat butter and honey that He may
know to refuse the evil, and to choose the good.
Gospel. Luke i. 26-38. And in the sixth month, the
Angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee,
called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name
was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name
was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her:
Hail, full of grace: the Lord is with thee: blessed art
thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled
at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of
salutation this should be. And the angel said to her:
Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God.
Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring
forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus. He shall
be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David
His father, and He shall reign in the house of Jacob for
ever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end. And
Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I
know not man? And the angel answering, said to her:
The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of:
the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore
also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the
1 196 Epistles and Gospels.
Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also
hath conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth
month with her that is called barren: because no word
shall be impossible with God. And Mary said: Behold
the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to
thy word.
VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
JULY 2.
Collect. Impart to Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O
Lord, the gift of Thy heavenly grace, so that we, for whom the
bringing forth of her divine Child by the Blessed Virgin was the
beginning of salvation, may, on this joyful festival of her Visita-
tion, be blessed with an increase in peace of heart.
Epistle. Cant. ii. 8-14. The voice of my Beloved,
behold He cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping
over the hills. My Beloved is like a roe of a young hart;
behold He standeth behind our wall, looking through the
windows, looking through the lattices. Behold my Be-
loved speaketh to me: Arise, make haste, My love, My
dove, My beautiful one, and come. For winter is now
past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers have appeared
in our land, the time of pruning is come: the voice of the
turtle is heard in our land: The fig-tree hath put forth her
green figs: the vines in flower yield their sweet smell.
Arise, My love, My beautiful one, and come: My dove in
the clifts of the rock, in the hollow places of the wall, show
Me thy face, let thy voice sound in My ears : for thy voice
is sweet, and thy face comely.
Gospel. Luke i. 39-47. And Mary rising up in those
days, went into the hill-country with haste, unto a city of
Juda: And she entered into the house of Zachary, and
saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Eliza-
beth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in
her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
and she cried out with a loud voice and said: Blessed art
thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord
should come to me? For behold, as soon as the voice of thy
salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb
Epistles and Gospels.
1197
leaped for Joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed,
because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken
to thee by the Lord. And Mary said: My soul doth
magnify the Lord; and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my
Saviour.
ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
AUGUST 15.
Collect. Forgive, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the sins of Thy
servants; and may we, who of ourselves are unable to please
Thee, be saved by the prayers of the Mother of Thy Son, our
Lord.
Epistle. Ecclus. %%vo., 11-20. In all these I sought
rest, and I shall abide in the inheritance of the Lord. Then
the Creator of all things gave His orders, and said to me;
and He that made me rested in my tabernacle. And He
said to me : Let thy dwelling be in Jacob, and thy inheritance
in Israel, and take root in My elect. From the beginning
and before the world was I created, and unto the world
to come I shall not cease to be, and in the holy dwelling
place I have ministered before Him. And so was I estab-
lished in Sion, and in the holy city likewise I rested, ana
my power was in Jerusalem. And I took root in an hon-
orable people, and in the portion of my God His inheritance,
and my abode is in the full assembly of saints. I was
exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress-tree on
Mount Sion. I was exalted like a palm-tree in Cades,
and as a rose-plant in Jericho: As a fair olive-tree in the
plains, and as a plane-tree by the water in the streets was
I exalted. I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and aromat-
ical balm : I yielded a sweet odor like the best myrrh.
Gospel. Luke x. 38-42. At that time: — He entered into
a certain town; and a certain woman, named Martha,
received Him into her house. And she had a sister called
Mary, who, sitting also at the Lord's feet, heard His word.
But Martha was busy about much serving; who stood and
said: Lord, hast Thou no care that my sister hath left me
alone to serve? speak to her, therefore, that she help me.
And the Lord answering, said to her: Martha, Martha,
thou art careful, and art troubled about many thin^.
Episiks and Gospels.
But one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the best
part , which shall not be taken away from her.
FEAST OF ALL SAINTS.
NOVEMBER I.
Collect. O almighty and everlasting God, by whose
gracious favor we on this single festival day render solemn
homage to the merits of all Thy saints: most humbly we pray,
that since so great is the number of Thine elect pleading in our
behalf, we may partake, in all their fulness, of Thine abounding
mercies.
Epistle. Apoc. vii. 2-12. In those days behold I saw
another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having
the sign of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice
to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth,
and the sea, saying: Hurt not the earth, nor the sea, nor
the trees, till we sign the servants of our God in their fore-
heads. And I heard the number of them that were signed,
an hundred forty-four thousand were -signed; of every
tribe of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda, were
twelve thousand signed: of the tribe of Ruben, twelve
thousand signed: of the tribe of Gad, twelve thousand
signed: of the tribe of Aser, twelve thousand signed: of
the tribe of Nephthali, twelve thousand signed: of the tribe
of Manasses, twelve thousand signed: of the tribe of Simeon,
twelve thousand signed: of the tribe of Levi, twelve thousand
signed: of the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand signed:
of the tribe of Zabulon, twelve thousand signed: of the tribe
of Joseph, twelve thousand signed: of the* tribe of Benjamin,
twelve thousand signed. After this, I saw a great multitude,
which no man could number, of all nations, and tribes,
and peoples, and tongues; standing before the throne, and
in sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms
in their hands: and they cried with a loud voice, saying:
Salvation to our God, who sitteth upon the throne, and
to the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the
throne, and the ancients, and the four living creatures:
and they fell down before the throne upon their faces, and
adored God, saying: Amen. Benediction, and glory, and
wisdom, and thanksgiving, honor, and power, and strength
to our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Epistles and Gospels. 1199
Gospel. Matt. v. 1-12. At that time: — Jesus seeing
the multitude went up into a mountain, and when He was
set down, His disciples came unto Him, and opening His
mouth, He taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in
spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are
the meek: for they shall possess the land. Blessed are
they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed
are they that hunger and thirst after justice : for they shall
have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall
obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they
shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall
be called the children of God. Blessed are they that
suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile
you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against
you, untruly, for My sake: be glad and rejoice, for your
reward is very great in heaven.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN.
DECEMBER 8.
Collect. O God, who, by the Immaculate Conception of
the Virgin, didst make ready a fitting dwelling-place for Thy
Son; grant, we beseech Thee, that as through, the death fore-
seen by Thee of the same Thy Son, Thou didst preserve His
Mother unsullied by sin, so, us likewise, pure in heart, Thou
wouldst make to come unto Thee.
Epistle. Prov. viii. 22-35. The Lord possessed Me
in the beginning of His ways, before He made anything
from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of
old before the earth was made. The depths were not as
yet: and I was already conceived: neither had the foun7
tains of waters as yet sprung out: the mountains with
their huge bulk had not as yet been established: before the
hills I was brought forth: He had not yet made the earth
nor the rivers nor the poles of the world. When He pre-
pared the heavens I was there: when with a certain law
and compass He enclosed the depths: when He established
the sky above, and poised the fountains of waters: when He
compassed the sea with its bounds, and set a law to the
i2oo Epistles and Gospels.
waters that they should not pass their limits: when Ke
balanced the foundations of the earth, I was with Him
forming all things: and was delighted every day, playing
before Him at all times: playing in the world, and My
delight is to be with the children of men. Now therefore,
ye children , hear Me: Blessed are they that keep My
ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not.
Blessed is the man that heareth Me, and that watcheth
daily at My gates, and waiteth at the posts of My doors.
He that shall find Me shall find life and shall have salva-
tion from the Lord.
Gospel. Luke i. 26-28. And in the sixth month, the
Angel Gabriel was sent from @od into a city of Galilee,
called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose
name was Joseph, of the house of David,' and the virgin's
name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said untc
her: Hail, full of grace: the Lord is with thee: blessed art
thou among women.
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